Unions May Be Key to U.S. Senate Race
It was another busy week in the race for U.S. Senate last week as we start counting down the weeks to the April 30 primary. As of Wednesday, two Democrats and three Republicans filed the required number of signatures to run in the special election for U.S. Senate. On the Democrat side we have U.S. Reps. Edward Markey and Stephen Lynch. So far for Republicans, it’s former U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan, former Navy SEAL Gabriel Gomez of Cohasset and State Rep. Dan Winslow (R-Norfolk). All five submitted more than the required number of signatures to the Secretary of State’s office to appear on the April 30 Primary ballot. City and town clerks have until Monday to deliver all signatures. The five are all vying for the seat left vacant by John Kerry’s appointment to Secretary of State back in December 2012. Democrats Agree on Debate Schedule Markey (D-Malden) and Lynch (D-South Boston) agreed to participate in six debates between now and the April 30 primary. Three will be general format and three will focus on jobs, domestic issues and foreign policy. The debates will be spread out and are scheduled to be held in Lowell, New Bedford, Worcester and Springfield. The location of the sixth debate is yet to be determined. Endorsements Pouring in, Unions Could be Key to Democratic Race Both democratic candidates picked up some key endorsements last week. With two candidates who are both pro-labor, Lynch and Markey are expected to split the labor vote in the democratic primary, and true to that both picked up key labor endorsements, as well. Mass.live reported this week that although the unions don’t make up a large percentage of the voting population, they can be major contributors when it comes down to fundraising and manpower. Earlier in the week Lynch was endorsed by the The Massachusetts Nurses Association /National Nurses United (MNA/NNU), the largest union of registered nurses and health professionals in the Commonwealth. Lynch also received the endorsement of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, Markey picked up the endorsement of the AFSCME Council 93. The organization represents more than 35,000 Massachusetts state, county and municipal workers. He was also endorsed this week by NARAL Pro-Choice America’s political action committee. On the Republican side, Gomez gained support from Central Massachusetts’ Republican State Committee members Brent Andersen and Mindy McKenzie-Hebert when he kicked off his campaign last week. According to mass.live, the two issued a joint statement in support of Gomez. On the Road Again Candidates continued to crisscross the state last week as their campaigns went into full swing. Markey made stops last week in Belmont, Newton, Brighton, Taunton and Hyannis. Lynch […]
Five Submit Required Signatures for U.S. Senate Race
Two Democrats and three Republicans submitted the required number of signatures to run in the special election for U.S. Senate, according to the Boston Globe. U.S. Reps. Edward Markey (D-Malden) and Stephen Lynch (D-South Boston) each filed more than double the 10,000 certified signatures required. Markey led the way with nearly 34,000 signatures, while Lynch had just over 25,000. On the Republican side, former U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan filed nearly 19,000 signatures, followed by former Navy SEAL Gabriel Gomez of Cohasset at almost 17,000 and state Rep. Daniel Winslow of Norfolk at more than 13,000. Those totals only include those signatures submitted to the Secretary of State’s office by Wednesday’s 5 p.m. deadline. City and town clerks have until Monday to deliver all signatures. Both primaries are scheduled for April 30. The special election is set for June 25. FENWAY-KENMORE PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch
Senate OKs $200M Withdrawal From Rainy-Day Fund to Offset Budget Gap
The state senate voted Tuesday to spend $ 200 million in rainy day cash to balance the budget and freeze the unemployment insurance rates businesses pay, according to The Republican. The bill is part of an effort to close a projected $ 515 million shortfall in this fiscal year’s $ 32 billion budget, causing by lower-than-expected tax revenue. The reserve fund money will also be used to help employers avoid a projected 28 percent increase in unemployment insurance – knocking that rise down to 4.4 percent. About $ 30 million of the $ 200 million withdrawal will be used to pay costs incurred in the state drug-lab scandal, The Republican reported. The spending would still leave Massachusetts with $ 1.2 billion in reserves, which is more than most other states have, according to the legislators. The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 36-1. SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch
Tisei Will Not Run in Special Election for U.S. Senate Seat
A day after saying he was considering running for the seat vacated by Sen. John Kerry, Republican Richard Tisei announced that he will not be in the race after all. On Saturday night, Tisei, a former state Senate minority leader, released a statement regarding his decision: I’ve been humbled by so many people who’ve urged me to run for this seat, following Senator Scott Brown’s decision not to run on Friday. I believe it’s imperative that the Republican party put forward a strong candidate who can help bring much-needed change to Washington. Unfortunately, the timing is simply not right for me to do so – deeply as I feel about the need to strongly compete in this election. It was also my desire to make this decision as quickly as possible so that other potential candidates would be able to consider whether they should run. We have many talented people from all walks of life who should get involved in the political system to bring about change. The political class ought not be a select few. That’s part of the reason that we’re in such a mess and that our political system has become dysfunctional. I urge principled, qualified men and women to stand up and be counted in the political arena. We have no right to complain if we’re not willing to be constructively involved as we try to build a better future. I’ve met thousands and thousands of people who do care and have been involved and I urge them to stay involved and to continue to make a difference – especially in these difficult times. I look forward to continuing my involvement and to supporting strong, principled, independent-minded candidates who may choose to run for this and other offices. All of us – Republicans, Independents, and Democrats – need to roll up our sleeves, pitch in, and bring about the reforms of our political system that are so desperately needed. Whether as a candidate or concerned citizen, I will continue to be involved with other men and women of integrity who share my desire for real reforms. South End Patch
Lynch Announces U.S. Senate Run on Facebook
While Congressman Stephen Lynch (D-South Boston) isn’t expected to make a formal announcement until later this afternoon, a new Stephen Lynch for Senate Facebook page popped up this morning with a link to a “Stephen Lynch for US Senate Announcement” YouTube video that announces Lynch’s Senate candidacy. Earlier in the morning, the Stephen Lynch for Congress Facebook page had posted a message directing people to the newly created Senate page for news “on today’s plans and schedule.” Lynch is expected to make an announcement at 4 p.m. this afternoon at the Ironworkers Local 7 Hall in South Boston. Lynch would be the second Democrat running for the unexpired term left vacant by John Kerry’s confirmation to Secretary of State earlier this week. Congressman Edward Markey (D-Malden) announced his intentions to run back in late December. While there is still speculation that former Senator Scott Brown (R-Wrentham) is showing interest in the seat, there is no official word if he will jump into the race. SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch
Scott Brown Will Not Run for U.S. Senate
Scott Brown ended speculation Friday afternoon as to whether he would run for U.S. Senate, announcing that he is not entering the race for the seat left vacant by John Kerry’s confirmation to the post of Secretary of State. Two Democratic political opponents – Congressman Stephen Lynch (D-South Boston) and Congressman Edward Markey (D-Malden) – will face off in the April 30 primary with the special election set for June 25. There are currently no Republican candidates in the race. Markey, who represents the 5th Congressional District, kicked off his campaign in December. Lynch launched his bid with a formal announcement Thursday afternoon. Lynch represents the 8th Congressional District. With Brown out of the running, what Republican would you like to see run for the seat? Leave your thoughts in the comment field below. South End Patch