Because of the hard work of progressive activists, the Attorney General race has two strong progressive candidates. And the endorsement provoked thoughtful discussion and reflection amongst our members, speaking to both candidates’ strong records of accomplishment on a number of important progressive issues. As the BMG community is aware, we have a high threshold for endorsement–an endorsee must receive at least 60% of the vote, including any votes to not endorse.
Our members showed remarkable care and consideration in arriving at this decision. The Progressive Mass community is exceedingly informed and engaged, and the progressive movement is better because of the careful deliberations of our members. I have to admit I was uncertain either candidate would clear the bar, but I am pleased to report that our members have made a decision.
Our sustaining members have voted to endorse Maura Healey for Attorney General. Maura has the progressive record of leadership and the independence that we need in our next Attorney General – and has nearly 68% in our membership vote. Whether taking on big banks, defending access to women’s health care, advancing civil rights, and marriage equality, Maura has shown what an engaged and progressive Attorney General can do. She will lead on criminal justice reform, protecting children, and reducing gun violence, with bold and new ideas for our state. And, Maura’s the only candidate for Attorney General with the independence to stand up to casino gambling. We are proud to support her in this campaign.
Maura’s strong stand against expanded gambling in Massachusetts and her experience heading up the civil rights division in the Attorney General’s office were particularly persuasive to our members. And, while we are primarily concerned with electing the most progressive leadership, members made the strong case that our elected officials should reflect the diversity of the Commonwealth, and electing an openly gay woman is important to our shared goal of supporting diversity in state government.
This race is a critical one for Massachusetts because our next attorney general will continue to clean up the mess left by the big banks in the foreclosure crisis, take on the challenge of reforming our broken criminal justice system and continue the fight against predatory lenders.
The fundamental aim of Progressive Mass is to create a powerful, people-driven force for progressive change. One way to do that is through electing progressive leaders and building grassroots momentum for change. Join us!
Sincerely,
Ben Wright
PS:
Check out our other endorsed candidate: DON BERWICK
Learn more the candidates for other statewide offices: see our resources
Yesterday the Teamsters local 25 endorsed Maura Healey saying to its 11,000 members saying, “As the head of the AG’s Office of Business & Labor Bureau, she was a fighter for worker’s benefits.” http://teamsterslocal25.com/endorsements.html
These are two huge endorsements in part because Progressive Mass only endorses if more than 60% of its members vote for a candidate so it shows Maura’s strength among progressives, and because the Teamsters have played such a perennially powerful role in Democratic politics. Nice way to go into the convention.