| If the Commonwealth of Massachusetts does not get an Interim Senator, the state could lose millions of dollars in federal funds. Everything from renewable energy projects in Hull to veterans’ facilities all over the state. The Massachusetts congressional delegation has fought hard to get us these funds that are now in jeopardy of being lost. Here is the short list my congressman gave me. | ||
| Congressman Bill Delahunt is worried about the loss of funds for the South Weymouth Naval Air Station redevelopment project and the revitalization of downtown Quincy. House appropriators have also approved funds for the Hull offshore wind energy project and funds for dredging and other renewable energy projects on the South Shore. | ||
| Senator Kennedy won over $50 million in funding for our National Guard and other military and veterans’ facilities, including $24 million for a spinal cord injury center at the VA Hospital in Brockton. These are just a few examples. | ||
| Congressman Delahunt made it clear in his testimony on Beacon Hill that the funding for these projects is not a done deal. We will need to keep fighting to save these funds. | ||
| The best chance we have to protect the interests of Massachusetts citizens and local communities is to have legislation approved that provides for an Interim Senator and allows Senator Kennedy’s staff to continue work on these priorities. Ask your elected officials to support the Interim Senator Bill. In these bad economic times the Commonwealth of Massachusetts cannot afford to lose any federal funding. | ||
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During the President’s recent address to a joint session of Congress, if he’s really so concerned.
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p>I think this is about more than just federal funding.
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p>And who are you calling “stupid?”
Does the bill disallow the proposed interim Senator from entering (and campaigning in) the special election?
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p>If it does not, then I am inclined to disfavor it because it puts too much power in the hands of the governor, whether s/he be a Dem or Rep, to choose our Federal reps. If the interim cannot run and therefore will not gain an advantage in the race by interim appointment by the Governor, then I would support it.
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p>I’m not fond of the short special election cycle. It means a rushed campaign and I’m not sure that’s good for democracy. Now that we’re contemplating a change in the law that allows for an interim Senator, should the special election be scheduled to coincide with Election Day, in an effort to maximize voter turnout and allow for normal course of events in the election cycle?