It has become my custom to post my endorsements on Blue Mass Group. I appreciate the fact that some of the folks here are interested in my thoughts.
I am supporting Maura Healey for Attorney General. Maura has an outstanding record of accomplishment with the fights she has taken on and how she has succeeded. I have been particularly impressed by the enthusiastic support she has from her colleagues who worked with her when she was at the Attorney General’s office.
She has taken on the federal government and won the first successful challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act. She took on the big banks and won victories for Massachusetts homeowners and communities. She has worked as an Assistant District Attorney and ran two bureaus in the Attorney General’s office. She has prosecuted hate crimes, fought for civil rights, and obtained more access for people with disabilities. I believe she has the creativity as well as the experience to use the office to protect and serve the people of the state.
I was also impressed by her strong stand against expanded casino gaming and her support of the current effort to repeal of the gaming law. She was unequivocal when she said, “I do not believe a modern economy that is focused on creating opportunities for every person can be built on gambling.” She has spoken about her efforts to anticipate problems and stop situations before people are hurt. She thinks about how to protect the vulnerable in all cases, not just where it’s uncontroversial.
As I listen to the discussion for the job of Attorney General I have been struck by the difference in the way the job is discussed by the two candidates. What has become clear to me is that it is not a job that is about simple policy ideas. It is about administering and enforcing laws. Maura has unique experience doing that. She has a tremendous record of success in civil rights, consumer protection, environmental protection, in fighting predatory lenders and in protecting seniors, minorities, and people with disabilities.
She has put forward bold ideas to take on for-profit schools, reduce gun violence, protect children, and reform our criminal justice system.
The Attorney General has the power of the bully pulpit, but it’s much more than that. It is a serious position, requiring oversight of 500 attorneys and staff that serve as the people’s law firm. Maura has deep experience in that office, leading teams of attorneys, and fighting real challenging battles on our behalf. She is very at home in a courtroom.
Here on Blue Mass Group many people look at the actual campaign structure. I’ve been impressed by the number of people who are excited about Maura’s campaign and candidacy, as well as the strong organization. It is very much like the Elizabeth Warren campaign in that those who have been touched by Maura’s work are coming into politics to work on her campaign. That says a great deal about how strongly her work resonates.
It is for these reasons that I wholeheartedly support her for Attorney General. This is not a stance against Warren Tolman; I have great respect for him. However, I believe Maura Healey is the forward looking, thoughtful, experienced litigator and candidate we need in our next Attorney General.
I invite you to meet Maura Healey on Thursday, May 1 at 6:00 PM in Cambridge. I am sure that you will be as impressed with and excited about her candidacy as I am.
Kate Donaghue, Volunteer займы без процентов 100 одобрение
I wholeheartedly agree! I have followed her accomplishments for our state and heard her speak on several occasions. Maura has everything we would want in our AG — she will make a terrific one!
How nice that BMG’s Bob Neer recognizes the value of an endorsement from a volunteer. She’s not an incumbent,or former legislator, but someone who literally walks the talk. And if Kate is willing to knock those doors, that is saying a whole lot.
…you know she is the epitome of volunteerism in the party. A long time state committee and now national committee member, she has probably walked 100s of miles canvassing by now and in some cycles has challenged herself to several consecutive days of canvassing. She also produces a weekly calendar of Democratic events which has spawned regional imitations, including from yours truly. She is also good at getting others to join her, including every once in a while me, and I do not enjoy canvassing.
I disagree with Kate in both of the races she has endorsed so far, but she has consistently conducted herself with class and civility in all her posts-focusing solely on the positives of the candidates she backs. I wish others in the Coakley camp would take her example to heart. I will try to as well advocating for my candidates.
Thanks for your kind words. I appreciate you mentioning my personal goals for consecutive days canvassing. It was 43 consecutive days for EW and 54 for Ed Markey. Folks who are interested in my newsletter can signup be sending an e-mail to DDemDispatch-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. I dropped off nominations papers in Concord today and it reminded me of when we canvassed there together! Thanks all for the uprates!
First, I have to admit that, as a woman who some might see as vertically challenged but “played” basketball with my brothers and opened myself to humiliation in a pick-up league in Cambridge, it just impresses the heck out of me that Maura was such a good and brave basketball player that she captained the Harvard team and pursued and played pro (semi-pro?) ball in Europe.
But that wouldn’t be enough for me to support her for Attorney General.
Last night I was surprised and impressed by the breadth of her experience, including heading up consumer protection and environmental protection in the AG’s office. I was convinced that she had the expertise to do the job. But it was her answer to my question that sealed the deal.
I asked this: It’s December and you’ve won the election. What worries will keep you up at night? Maura talked about families who have been victimized by banks and lenders, homeless children, people harmed by faulty, dangerous products, e.g. the human side of the office.
For me, capability and experience are the baseline prerequisite, but it’s whether or not a candidate has the heart and the emotional engagement to serve people that moves me to support her or him. And I saw that last night and will support Maura as Attorney General.