"Rivals sound a Kennedy theme; In debate, Democratic Senate contenders in tune on policy, vary claims on credentials" by Matt Viser and Frank Phillips, Globe Staff | October 27, 2009
.... The debate allowed the four to highlight their candidacies and their themes: US Representative Michael E. Capuano played to his blue-collar progressive roots and his insider political skills; Attorney General Martha Coakley was crisp and efficient, showing a command of the issues and making a point to address the camera; Stephen G. Pagliuca and Alan Khazei presented their nonpolitical backgrounds as assets....
Related: Slow Saturday Special: Capuano the Crook
Blue collar insider, huh? We don't want that. Had enough of 'em.
Crisp and efficient? That gets rid of two of them.
Though a few policy differences emerged, the four largely agreed on the major issues, from whether to send more troops to Afghanistan and how to get to universal health care, to immigration and economic issues. They largely leaned left in their positions and comments as they appealed to the liberal base of the Democratic Party, which dominates the primary electorate....
The economy dominated several portions of the debate, whether it was discussion of whether they would support another round of federal stimulus funding - all said more or less that they would - or how they could bring more jobs to Massachusetts....
Let's meet a few of them:
Coakley
With Coakley well ahead in the polls six weeks before the Dec. 8 Democratic primary, it was the best opportunity yet for her competitors to change the dynamic. Coakley made no major missteps, although she also did little to demonstrate any sharp differences she has with her opponents, in style or on the issues. “I believe I’ll be a new leader, a new kind of leader in Washington,’’ Coakley said.
First of all, she will be a BACK-BENCHER because of seniority.
Is that how you want to start the whole thing off, Martha? With a LIE?
Capuano
Capuano began the debate by highlighting his everyman appeal....
As he is sponging up defense lobbyist dough and traveling the world on taxpayer-financed shopping tips! That's not everyman, Mike!
Capuano repeatedly portrayed himself as the consummate Washington insider, the one with experience and Capitol Hill savvy to make the kind of legislative deals for which Kennedy was legendary....
That is NOT GOING TO HELP YOU!!!
We are SICK of LYING, LOOTING INSIDERS!!!
Capuano refused to answer specific questions on immigration. Asked whether he would vote to provide illegal immigrants with health care or driver’s licenses, he said, “Those are false choices. Those are the divisive issues.’’
Capuano, boasting about how he has helped bring billions into the state in federal spending, for health care research, education funding, and fresh revenue for local communities, cast himself as the ultimate Washington specialist who can make the system work for Massachusetts.You saw my links, right?
“That is part of being a senator that can only be done if you know how to work in Washington,’’ he said. “If you think you can go down and change Washington like this, God bless you - good luck.’’
Well, you will need some, Mike, since you will never get my vote.
Martha would get it before you.
Khazei, arguably the least-known candidate in the field, attempted to stand out by saying that he would not take any donations from lobbyists and political action committees.
“We need to end the dominance of the PACs and special interests,’’ he said. “There’s an old Italian saying, ‘You can’t get clean water until you get the hogs out of the creek.’ ’’
That's MUSIC TO MY EARS!
That is one thing about elections now: I TRUST A RICH GUY BURNING DOWN his OWN DOUGH than I do a PAID-FOR POLITICIAN!!!
You take your chances with the rich guy, but at least he's in it for something else and might be more independent -- otherwise he would not be WASTING HIS MONEY (think Ned Lamont, folks)!
Earlier in the day, Khazei, in a surprise move, came out against legislation on Beacon Hill to license casino gambling, saying the industry thrives by preying on low-income residents.
He just lost the primary!!
“Casino gambling will irrevocably change the culture and fabric of our state; it’s a decision we can’t change,’’ Khazei said at the forum, sponsored by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce...
Yes, that is why I want them NOWHERE NEAR HERE!
Take your CRIME and IMMORALITY and GO SOMEPLACE ELSE!!
Pagliuca
“Alan’s not taking that money,’’ Pagliuca added. “I’m not taking that money.’’
Globe must not like him.
Related: Outsourcing a U.S. Senate Seat
But Capuano and Coakley are taking that money, and the exchanges last night suggested that distinction could loom large in a Democratic primary in which the candidates share many policy positions....
The other candidates said they supported broad immigration overhaul that would provide a path to citizenship, but did not necessarily support issuing driver’s licenses or providing health care for those here illegally.
Why did that issue get so much pres from the Globe with all the other problems we have?
The winner of the primary will face off against a Republican opponent in a Jan. 19 special election. The leading GOP candidate is state Senator Scott Brown of Wrentham.
And THAT is who I WILL BE VOTING FOR -- if I bother to vote this time. I'm tired of sham elections with sham candidates who promise change and deliver nothing!
--more--"
"Off to a wobbly start
THE ONLY true surprise in last night’s rusty first debate among the four Democrats competing to succeed Ted Kennedy was that the two neophytes, Alan Khazei and Steve Pagliuca, were about as good and bad as the two experienced politicians, Attorney General Martha Coakley and US Representative Michael Capuano.
None of the candidates truly distinguished themselves. Coakley and Capuano both struggled to translate their respectable records in public office into a cogent case for a promotion. Khazei, cofounder of City Year, and Pagliuca, the Boston Celtics co-owner, only hinted at the arguments for elevating a political outsider....
**************
Among the veterans, Capuano defined himself better than Coakley. He argued strenuously against sending more troops to Afghanistan and against a preemptive strike against Iranian nuclear facilities. Coakley, all too aware of her status as perceived front-runner, gave cautious answers that made minimal commitments....
So he "won," huh?
Among the rookies, the animated Khazei probably gained more than the staid Pagliuca.
Told you they didn't like Pags!
Best known for an organization that was hot more than a decade ago, Khazei shrewdly updated his resume by emphasizing his work with Kennedy on a national-service bill.
I won't be voting for a Democrat then.
But he also veered off point too often, rambling against casinos like an overheated MassPIRG volunteer....
Let me take that back.
I knew the PRO-CASINO GLOBE was going to hurl an insult on that one!
Looks like they got the kids, too!!!
--more--"
