Blue Mass Group

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Southborough DTC Endorses Mike Capuano

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Tonight, the Southborough DTC voted to endorse Mike Capuano’s campaign for U. S. Senate.  There were no votes opposed to the endorsement and only one abstention.  The people in the room had clearly put a lot of thought into the endorsement.  I had the impression that Mike’s experience in DC, his early opposition to the war in Iraq, his active role in supporting health care reform, were all part of the members’ thinking.

I was at the meeting representing the Capuano campaign.  I urged them to make their endorsement meaningful by putting some activity behind their endorsement.  They will be moving forward with doing both visibilities and phone banks.  

There was recently an extensive discussion of the appropriateness of pre-primary endorsements.  I was struck by Jim Gosger’s comment:

I think that In a state where Republicans can qualify for the endangered species list, the Democratic primary is often the real election.  In my opinion, DTC’s should ask themselves whether or not they want to make an endorsement.

This looked to me like a situation where a pre-preimary endorsement was appropriate.  There was no one in the group favoring another candidate.  This is a way that a DTC can make a difference.  

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  1. Congressman Barney Frank (D-Fourth Congressional District)

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    “I cannot think of anything the United States Senate needs more than a strong dose of the commitment, energy and appropriate skepticism of established traditions that Mike Capuano has shown in his ten years in the House.”
    Barney Frank Endorses Mike Capuano

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    p>Congressman Stephen Lynch (D-Ninth Congressional District)

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    “Having been elected to Congress in 2001, I have worked closely with Mike Capuano on many serious issues. He has the experience, knowledge and integrity to represent Massachusetts in the United States Senate. I know firsthand how hard he works, and I am pleased to endorse him for the U.S. Senate.”
    Congressman Stephen Lynch Endorses Mike Capuano

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    p>Congressman John Olver (D-First Congressional District)

    “Mike is a strong, proven champion of everything that Massachusetts needs right now – affordable health care, quality public education, living wages, retirement security, innovative transportation, clean energy, investments in science and technology that pay off, and corporate and financial institution responsibility. Mike has made a career in the House of fighting hard for jobs and economic growth for Massachusetts, and he will be even more effective in that role in the Senate.”
    Congressman Olver Endorses Mike Capuano for Senate

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    p>Congressman John Tierney (D-Sixth Congressional District)

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    “I am supporting Mike in his campaign for Senate because I know how hard he works to stand up for middle-class families, to achieve affordable, universal health care, and to create jobs here in Massachusetts. There is no other candidate in this race who can match his work ethic, his years of legislative experience, and his steadfast commitment to his principles and progressive beliefs.”
    Congressman John Tierney Endorses Mike Capuano

    Congressman Jim McGovern (D-Third Congressional District)

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    “As our next U.S. Senator, Mike Capuano will continue to effectively serve all Massachusetts residents and fight for the progressive ideals we share. I have been proud to call Congressman Capuano a friend and colleague.”

  2. State Senator Stephen Buoniconti (D-Hampden District)
    Agawam, Chicopee, Springfield, West Springfield

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    p>State Senator Gale D. Candaras (D-First Hampden and Hampshire)
    Belchertown, East Longmeadow, Granby, Hampden, Longmeadow, Ludlow, Springfield, and Wilbraham

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    p>State Senator Kenneth J. Donnelly (D-Fourth Middlesex District)
    Arlington, Billerica, Burlington, Lexington, Woburn

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    p>State Senator Jack Hart (D-First Suffolk District)
    Boston

    State Senator Patricia D. Jehlen     (D-Second Middlesex District)
    Medford, Somerville and Winchester

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    p>State Senator Richard T. Moore (D-Worcester and Norfolk District)
    Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Dudley, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millville, Northbridge, Oxford, Southbridge, Sutton, Uxbridge, Webster

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    “I’ve known Mike Capuano for twenty-five years, and I have always been impressed by his deep commitment and passion for the issues that matter to the people of Massachusetts, and for his dedication and ability to find real solutions that make a difference in their lives.”

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    p>State Senator Anthony W. Petruccelli (D-First Suffolk and Middlesex District)
    Boston, Cambridge, Revere, Winthrop

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    p>State Senator Steven A. Tolman (D-Second Suffolk and Middlesex District)
    Belmont, Boston, Cambridge, Watertown

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    p>State Senator Marian Walsh (D-Suffolk and Norfolk District)
    Boston, Dedham, Norwood, Westwood

  4. Kate, you did not mention how many people were at the Southborough meeting who actually voted on this endorsement.
    NeilSagan is doing an admirable job on the campaign staff and should have been given a shout out at the meeting, too.
    Mike is lucky to have you Kate…but in a time when the voting public is in such and anti-incumbent, anti-Congress mood, the endorsements of elected officials may not carry the same import….as evidenced by the polling results in this senate race….the old boys network is truly wearing thin this year…

    • Call for comment before making such claims.  What you say is not true. Nonetheless, thanks for the compliment.

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      NeilSagan is doing an admirable job on the campaign staff and should have been given a shout out at the meeting, too.

      • As you know, I too support Mike Capuano.

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        p>Given the enthusiasm and frequency with which you advocate for Mr. Capuano here, I have wondered if you are part of his campaign team (perhaps in an unpaid capacity). I have no problem with it if so, I just think that if you are part of the campaign, it might be appropriate to indicate that in your signature.

      • I assumed you were part of the staff…if you are not, then you are Mike’s most dedicated volunteer…either way you deserved a shout out for putting so much time and attention to his campaign.

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        p>I am supporting Martha Coakley but have supported Mike Capuano in the past. I think he is well-suited to the House and that she will be an exemplary Senator…win-win situation all around. I think the two houses of Congress require different temperaments and styles.

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        p>If I were advising Mike, I would tell him not to run on the angry, insider’s insider platform and to try and curb the sarcasm and statements that come off as arrogant to people who don’t know him better. He is better than his handlers have made him in this race. Congressman Markey probably should have taken the run instead of Mike….but that’s just my opinion and we are all entitled to our opinions…could be 100% wrong….but i think the multiple polls and crosstabs being reported support my observations.

      • It’s not just that I like what Mike Capuano has to offer Massachusetts as our junior Senator, I actually think Martha would be bad choice for us.  I realize that puts me in a small minority but that doesn’t change my opinion.  

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        p>I disagree with those who say Martha is experienced, would be a good legislature, or is in step with Massachusetts progressive values. She has less than 3 years in statewide office, has never been a legislator, has demonstrated a dogmatic and inflexible approach to legislating as a candidate, and consistent with her career as a prosecutor is focused on the law enforcement authorities, not defending civil and constitutional rights.  

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