I haven’t posted here before, but felt compelled to based on what I’ve been reading here.
When this Senate race started, my inclination was to support Capuano. I’ve seen him speak in person several times, and like his very practical (and progressive) perspective. But then I had the opportunity to see Khazei speak a few times and to meet him and was very impressed. I was impressed not only by what his policy positions are, but by how he formed them, how he intends to act upon them, and the depth and relevance of his experience. My only misgiving was that a candidate with limited name recognition would have difficulty overcoming a well-known front runner (though I think that Coakley is the worst choice of the four based on direct experience with her office). However, I believe Khazei’s effective ground game and the Globe endorsement gives him a fighting chance.
With limited time left in the campaign, I imagine that few will have the chance to see the candidates in person, leaving the debates as the last best chance to get to know them. So, my suggestion is to watch the debates with an open mind as much as possible. I know that when I watch a debate knowing which candidate I already support that I tend to discount every statement not in favor of my candidate – not the best way to form a new opinion. But I’m hoping that those who haven’t had the opportunity to meet the candidates and to learn about their differing perspectives and experiences, do so as much as possible, and then watch the debates with an open mind to supporting a candidate with a funny name who’s wrongly perceived as lacking experience, yet who has the best potential to make a difference in the Senate…
And, for what it’s worth, I think Ryan makes some good points here.
I remember making my first post here. Welcome aboard.
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p>It seems to me that there are very few policy differences of substance between Mike Capuano, Martha Coakley, and Alan Khazei. In my view, the question then becomes which candidate will best implement these policies.
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p>This is why I like Mike Capuano. In my view, he is far and away the best candidate for this seat at this time.
I like your moniker!
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p>I agree with your first paragraph. And, at first, I believed as you do, that Mike Capuano would be best. But after meeting and listening to Alan Khazei and learning about what he’s accomplished legislatively in the US Senate, in working with Republican as well as Democratic senators and Presidents, and in building national coalitions, I believe his experience and talents are more relevant and will enable him to be more effective in this Senate than any other candidate.
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p>And, as Ryan and others have said, given that Mike Capuano has seniority in the House and is effective as he is, why give that up? Especially when we can gain Alan Khazei’s ability to build national coalitions in support of progressive policies which is needed more than anything now to break the deadlocks in the Senate.
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I enthusiastically support Mike Capuano. I think Alan Khazei will make a great Senator someday (I look forward to supporting him against John Kerry). If either one pulls out a primary win next week, I will happily vote for him in January.
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p>So… it’s only the Capuano, Coakley, and Pags supporters who need to watch the debates with an “open mind” with the possibility of changing our choice, but that’s not the case for Khazei supporters?
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p>I’d have a easier time swallowing this if you had said you would also be watching with an open mind and be willing to have your opinion swayed instead of just advising us as to what to do.
That’s actually what I was going to write originally, but then realized that wasn’t the point I was trying to make. If you’ve already taken a bunch of time to really listen to and learn about each of the candidates, then an hour debate likely shouldn’t sway you. But my point is that if someone is at a point where I was, where I knew and liked Mike Capuano, and knew and disliked Martha Coakley as a candidate, but hadn’t learned a whole bunch about Alan Khazei, then they should take the time to do so and/or at least listen to the debate with an open mind…
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p>And for what it’s worth, if I hear something I haven’t heard before, I am willing to have my opinion swayed…
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I went into the race leaning Coakley, but with an open mind. I’ll likely vote for Capuano. Is that acceptable?
Someone who knows Khazei well, but doesn’t know the other candidates should similarly learn about them and have an open mind…