An Open Appeal to the Democratic Candidates for US Senate in 2012
by Bob Massie
The Democratic field for Massachusetts’ next United States Senate election has largely taken shape. We must now take time to discuss what kind of campaign we all can and should run to provide the best choice to the voters of the Commonwealth.
I have been crisscrossing our state for three months meeting with primary voters. Despite our vast diversity, nearly all Democrats and independent voters tell me they want the same thing from our race for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate: one that creates a groundswell of support to win back the seat from Scott Brown.
While each of us brings different strengths to the race, the belief Scott Brown does not represent the shared values of our citizens unites us. Our students, our seniors, and our working families must not endure another term – until the end of 2018 – of Scott Brown’s priorities, which have already compromised our schools, environment, health, and safety net.
We can, and will , all run vigorous campaigns explaining why we would be the best nominee to defeat Senator Brown. At the same time, we must also express our core unity from the beginning. Whatever our differences – and whoever voters choose as the Democratic nominee – we must conduct ourselves so that we can come together to beat Scott Brown after a hard-fought primary.
Therefore, I invite my fellow candidates to join me in a three-part pledge to ensure we take back the U.S. Senate seat in 2012:
1) We must work with the legislature to move up the statewide primary from September 2012 to an earlier date.
Only eight states hold a statewide primary as late as September. As earlier primary — say at the end of June — would allow Massachusetts voters more time to learn about the values all Democratic candidates share which are a powerful contrast to Scott Brown and the Republican Party
2) We must focus on that contrast between our values as Democrats and those Scott Brown shares with Republicans.
The Democratic candidates who feel a call to stand for election to the United States Senate can agree our fight is not ultimately with one another. This does not mean we will not engage in honest, reasoned, and serious debate. But we must pledge a shared belief that winning the seat and maintaining Democratic control of the U.S. Senate should be the top goal in our minds and in our mouths.
3) We must pledge to work hard for the eventual nominee.
Sometimes in the aftermath of a primary, candidates fade away. We all expect to win. But if we do not, we must each commit to work hard – through speeches, organizing, and fundraising – for the person Massachusetts voters select as their Democratic nominee.
So – Alan, Marisa, and Setti – will you join me today in a public pledge?
I look forward to your answers and to seeing you in every community across our Commonwealth.
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