To my fellow BMGers:
Recently, right here on Blue Mass Group, Representative Harkins took time out of her busy schedule to charge that her critics have misled people about her record. Well, since we are on the topic, I would like to point out what Representative Harkins’ record really is.
1. In May of 2008, when evidence was increasingly starting to surface against Speaker DiMasi, Representative Harkins defended the Speaker. At a press conference held by the Speaker, Representative Harkins spoke of the allegations as: “Its a distraction and the speaker doesn’t like it.”
ON THE RECORD: All of this, including the direct quote just mentioned is in a Boston Globe by Matt Visor and Andrea Estes from May 2nd, 2008 entitled “Backers Rally to DiMasi Defense; Deny Speaker Broke Ethics Laws.”
http://www.boston.com/news/loc…
2. Now if Representative Harkins didn’t know then about what Speaker DiMasi and Speaker Finneran and Speaker Flaherty did as corrupt politicians, but Representative Harkins knows now, why does the Representative continue to accept campaign contributions from corrupt speakers? As recently as 2009, actually.
ON THE RECORD: the 2002-2009 OCPF reports that are easily searchable for anyone with a computer and internet access.
http://www.efs.cpf.state.ma.us…
And what is worse: Representative Harkins never gave the money back.
This means that the literature the Representative passes out to voters and the signs the Representative has volunteers hold on street corners are in part paid for by corrupt politicians.
Don’t tell me that pointing out corruption in Representative Harkins’ campaign is just a distraction. We need to hold our elected officials accountable for their actions from day one. And to my fellow BMGers, when Representative Harkins claims to be a reformer who has fought for accountability and transparency in government, does this all sound like reform to any of you?
Representative Harkins, when you stand for corrupt speakers and proclaim yourself progressive you harm everything progressives actually stand for.
ms says
I favor Peter Smulowitz for the seat, because he proposes making the state income tax progressive. The money that is collected from the wealthy will help the state pay for things such as education and local aid.
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p>I don’t think that Rep. Harkins is a bad person, and I would be reluctant to accuse her of being a criminal because of her support for Sal DiMasi. However, I have not heard of her supporting making the state income tax progressive, so Smulowitz is better, based on policy.
freetibet says
The last time there was a vote to put a progressive income tax question on the ballot, Lida Harkins voted for it. She has also in the past voted for many progressive tax increases to fund education and school building across the state.
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p>Sorry to burst your little bubble.
christopher says
…especially against another Democrat, my first question is what is the diarist’s connection to an opposing campaign. Let’s have a diary about whom you DO support in this race and why.
christopher says
…especially against another Democrat, my first question is what is the diarist’s connection to an opposing campaign. Let’s have a diary about whom you DO support in this race and why.
medfieldbluebob says
Looks like the other guy:
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p>http://vps28478.inmotionhosting.com/~bluema24/diary/19300/fundraiser-for-peter-smulowitz-for-senate-in-newton
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p>I don’t have a dog in this fight, so I will say nothing about either candidate.
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p>davesoko’s questions about Rep. Harkins’ record are valid. Christopher’s concerns that we all be up front about who we support before firing the broadsides is even more valid.
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p>I think so anyway.
davesoko says
I’m happy to answer your questions.
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p>1) Who do I support in this race? I support Dr. Peter Smulowitz. I think he is better on the issues, is running a stronger campaign, and does not have the ethical questions hanging over his head that Rep. Harkins has. For all these reasons, I think Smulowitz is a better general election candidate and would make a better Senator.
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p>2) My connection to the campaign? I am a supporter. I served on a host committee for a fundraiser for them. I’ve done a little volunteer work in my spare time.
christopher says
I’d just prefer to see you write a diary about your candidate and why you think he would be a good Senator. Just like to keep things positive, especially within the party.
medfieldbluebob says
That’s all we ask around here, just to know which dog is yours.