Editor’s note: The campaigns of Republican Party candidates for various state offices continue to publicize themselves while, in some cases, attacking their opponent. Here are a few more press statements from Republicans, which leaves us wondering where the Democrats have been. The general election is less than a month away.
Tisei hits Moulton for skipping debate
PEABODY — Seth Moulton canceled the first scheduled debate of the general election to instead attend a fundraiser with Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
Two weeks ago, Moulton and Tisei scheduled a debate for today on WGBH with Emily Rooney. But this week the Moulton campaign canceled the debate.
“Moulton … is in New York today for the second day in a row to raise money, and will welcome Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz for another fundraiser tomorrow — making the WGBH debate impossible,” The Boston Herald reported.
Tisei campaign aide Charlie Szold said, “Seth Moulton has spent the last few days in New York City, collecting checks from Wall Street bankers. Now he’s canceled a debate that’s been on the books for two weeks to fundraise with Democratic Party boss Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Richard’s spent the last two days at the Topsfield Fair, meeting as many voters as he can before Nov. 4. Richard lives on Main Street and works on Main Street. He has served Massachusetts for years and will continue to be your neighbor while in Congress.”
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Wong wins endorsements
SAUGUS — State Representative Donald H. Wong (R- Ninth Essex District) has received two key endorsements in his bid for reelection as State Representative in the Ninth Essex District. Representative Wong has been endorsed by both the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts & Northern New England Laborers’ District Council of the Laborers’ International Union of North America AFL-CIO.
Wong is being challenged by Saugus Democrat Christopher Finn.
In endorsing Wong’s reelection campaign, the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts association said, “The Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts found that you share the same ideals, values and work ethic as the thousands of professional fire fighters across Massachusetts. As professional fire fighters we are proud of our long history of hard work and dedication to our communities. Fire fighters have been the example of leadership and service in our cities and towns for centuries. We, the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, must continue working to uphold that tradition by ensuring that the right people are elected to run our government.”
The Massachusetts & Northern New England Laborers’ District Council, which represents nearly 25,000 general construction laborers and public employees, endorsed State Representative Wong by saying: “Your tireless advocacy of issues and protections benefitting working class families has been commendable. We are confident that your passion and commitment to these issues will best serve the interests of our members and all the hard working men and women in Massachusetts.”
“I am honored to be endorsed by these two associations whose members work so hard for the people of Massachusetts,” Representative Wong said. “I have dedicated my service as a State Representative to helping the people of the Commonwealth and I am grateful to the Fire Fighters and Laborers’ District Council for recognizing this commitment.”
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D’Arcangelo calls out Galvin
FRAMINGHAM — Candidate for Secretary of State Dave D’Arcangelo waited on the steps of Framingham Town Hall (Monday night) with hopes of being able to engage Bill Galvin about debates but predictably the incumbent Secretary of State pulled a no-show at a forum that he was supposed to moderate.
“This is more of the same duck and run tactics employed by entrenched, career insider Bill Galvin – the people of the Commonwealth deserve better,” said D’Arcangelo who, along with Green-Rainbow candidate Danny Factor waited on the steps of Framingham Town Hall for over an hour and a half to ask the 20-year incumbent about why he is refusing to debate.
“The Secretary has refused my Certified letters, he will not answer calls or e-mails and now he is duckin’ me here in Framingham. This is behavior unworthy of an elected official who is supposed to be serving as our Chief Elections Officer. His no-show not only demonstrates how he feels about me and Mr. Factor but about the elections process and voters across the Commonwealth. Bill Galvin thinks he’s better than all of us and we’re not worthy of his time. As your next Secretary of State, I will be different. My door will always be open and you will never have to search to find me.”
D’Arcangelo has sent Galvin certified letters calling for debates that Galvin has refused to respond to and were sent back as “Refused-Undeliverable” by the USPS. Additionally, D’Arcangelo and Green-Rainbow Candidate Danny Factor have sent Galvin three certified letters calling for debates, two of which Galvin sent back as “Refused-Undeliverable” and one of which was received by Galvin that he has ignored.
This is the same behavior that Galvin has exhibited throughout his six campaigns and 20 years in office. An article in the Boston Globe from 9/3/06 by Yvonne Abraham details how Galvin used many of the same tactics on his then Democrat Primary opponent John Bonifaz who Galvin also refused to debate. During Bill Galvin’s six campaigns he has only debated once.
