Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Martha Coakley toured the manufacturing plant of Joseph Abboud with Massachusetts Lt. Governor Tim Murray and New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang today. At the Abboud factory, Coakley outlined her jobs plan to get Massachusetts and the nation back to work, according to a Coakley campaign press release.
“Working families and small businesses are still hurting,” said Martha Coakley. "We must provide a targeted infusion of tax relief to the middle class and to small businesses to support them and continue to move us out of this difficult economy.”
“On Tuesday, January 19, voters can elect a Senator who has fought for and will continue to stand up and fight for them,” continued Coakley. “As Senator, I will work to protect the middle class with targeted tax relief for working families and small businesses, while Scott Brown supports tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans and failed Republican Bush Cheney tax policies that cost us jobs.”
“Martha Coakley is the right choice for the Senate,” said Lt. Governor Murray. “Martha will stand up for working families and fight for the middle class. Scott Brown would be a return to the same Bush-Cheney policies that got us into this economic mess, with tax breaks for the wealthiest and limited oversight of Wall Street.”
“This election is all about working families,” said Robert Haynes, President of the Massachusetts AFL CIO. “That’s who the late Senator Kennedy spent his life fighting for. Martha Coakley is the right person to bring jobs back to the South Coast. Martha Coakley always stood for fairness, justice, and opportunity for working families, and she is the right person to represent us in the U.S. Senate.”
“The economic crisis has hurt families across Massachusetts, and in southeastern Massachusetts in particular,” said Mayor Lang. “Martha Coakley understands that getting our economy going has to be a top priority, and she has a strong jobs plan that will help get people in southeastern Massachusetts back to work.”
The Coakley campaign says that Republican Scott Brown recently filed legislation that would freeze wages for nearly 2 million middle-class workers earning an average of less than $80,000 per year, and has issued no job creation proposals during the campaign. The issues section of his website mentions the word “jobs” only once. And in a 47-second video on his jobs plan, he offers only one idea: extending the Bush-Cheney tax cuts for the rich.
Coakley, on the other hand, has proposed a detailed plan that would support small businesses and public-private partnerships, expand tax credits for research and development, develop green industries, invest in worker training, and cut taxes on middle-class families.
Coakley campaign ties Brown to the Tea Party he claims to be unfamiliar with.
Coakley campaign spokesperson Corey Welford released the following statement this morning on Scott Brown’s "misleading comments about his ties to the right wing Tea Party and his lockstep Republican voting record."
“Yesterday Scott Brown falsely claimed that he was unfamiliar with the Tea Party, a far right group that has poured in money to run television ads supporting his campaign," Welford said. "He also falsely claimed that he has not been a lockstep Republican vote 96% of the time as a State Senator. While it’s understandable that he is trying to run away from his right-wing record and the extreme groups that support him, it is also disingenuous. Today, he should be honest with Massachusetts voters and admit to his ties to the far-right Tea Party and to his lockstep Republican record.”
The Coakley release then continues it's comparison on Brown's "Rhetoric vs. Reality."
From the Coakley release:
Scott Brown Rhetoric
“When asked by a reporter, he said he was unfamiliar with the Tea Party movement, a grass-roots conservative effort that has protested possible tax increases and federal spending programs.” (Boston Globe, 1/14/10)
Scott Brown Reality
Just months ago, Scott Brown personally addressed a Tea Party rally in Worcester. It was an event he was so proud of that he placed photos of it on his campaign website and the video was placed on youtube.
Brown also has voted in support of increased state spending of $7.2 billion over 9 years and to increase fees on Massachusetts families and businesses by more than $300 million.
Brown on lockstep Republican voting record
Scott Brown Rhetoric
Brown: “The allegation that I vote 96 percent of the time with Republicans is inaccurate.” (Boston Globe, 1/14/10)
Scott Brown Reality
Brown has voted with the Minority Leader of the Massachusetts Senate, Richard Tisei, 546 times from 2007-present. During that same period Brown voted against the Minority Leader only 25 times. In other words, Brown has voted with the current Republican Minority Leader 96% of the time from 2007-present. [Insta-Trac/The Advance Research Group Database]
“Yesterday Scott Brown falsely claimed that he was unfamiliar with the Tea Party, a far right group that has poured in money to run television ads supporting his campaign," Welford said. "He also falsely claimed that he has not been a lockstep Republican vote 96% of the time as a State Senator. While it’s understandable that he is trying to run away from his right-wing record and the extreme groups that support him, it is also disingenuous. Today, he should be honest with Massachusetts voters and admit to his ties to the far-right Tea Party and to his lockstep Republican record.”
The Coakley release then continues it's comparison on Brown's "Rhetoric vs. Reality."
From the Coakley release:
Scott Brown Rhetoric
“When asked by a reporter, he said he was unfamiliar with the Tea Party movement, a grass-roots conservative effort that has protested possible tax increases and federal spending programs.” (Boston Globe, 1/14/10)
Scott Brown Reality
Just months ago, Scott Brown personally addressed a Tea Party rally in Worcester. It was an event he was so proud of that he placed photos of it on his campaign website and the video was placed on youtube.
Brown also has voted in support of increased state spending of $7.2 billion over 9 years and to increase fees on Massachusetts families and businesses by more than $300 million.
Brown on lockstep Republican voting record
Scott Brown Rhetoric
Brown: “The allegation that I vote 96 percent of the time with Republicans is inaccurate.” (Boston Globe, 1/14/10)
Scott Brown Reality
Brown has voted with the Minority Leader of the Massachusetts Senate, Richard Tisei, 546 times from 2007-present. During that same period Brown voted against the Minority Leader only 25 times. In other words, Brown has voted with the current Republican Minority Leader 96% of the time from 2007-present. [Insta-Trac/The Advance Research Group Database]
Scott Brown rips Martha Coakley's foreign policy knowledge.
Republican candidate for U.S. Senate Scott Brown tore into his Democratic opponent Martha Coakley today for her ""astonishing lack of knowledge on foreign policy."
Brown joined fellow veterans Sergeant Anthony Rizzo (USMC) and USN Captain Tom Hudner (USN) at a press conference to draw attention to Martha Coakley’s "surprising naiveté on national security issues."
“In Monday night’s debate, Martha Coakley made a stunning revelation that she believes there are no longer any terrorists in Afghanistan,” said Scott Brown. “Martha Coakley’s statement on Monday reveals a deeply troubling lack of awareness of the threats facing our troops and our national security.”
In a press release earlier in the day, Brown's campaign had reminded media outlets (or alerted those who didn't know about this race until a week ago) about Coakley's statement on WCVB's "On the Record" in October. During the interview, Coakley was asked about her foreign policy credentials, and began her response by saying, "I have a sister who lives overseas, and she's been in England and now lives in the Middle East." Her comment made great fodder for Brown at the time.
Brown joined fellow veterans Sergeant Anthony Rizzo (USMC) and USN Captain Tom Hudner (USN) at a press conference to draw attention to Martha Coakley’s "surprising naiveté on national security issues."
“In Monday night’s debate, Martha Coakley made a stunning revelation that she believes there are no longer any terrorists in Afghanistan,” said Scott Brown. “Martha Coakley’s statement on Monday reveals a deeply troubling lack of awareness of the threats facing our troops and our national security.”
In a press release earlier in the day, Brown's campaign had reminded media outlets (or alerted those who didn't know about this race until a week ago) about Coakley's statement on WCVB's "On the Record" in October. During the interview, Coakley was asked about her foreign policy credentials, and began her response by saying, "I have a sister who lives overseas, and she's been in England and now lives in the Middle East." Her comment made great fodder for Brown at the time.
Martha Coakley issues statement in support of President Obama's tax on banks.
Earlier today, President Barack Obama outlined his plan for a tax on the nation's 50 biggest banks in order to recoup the cost of last year's bailout.
Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate (who may benefit from a new web video Obama recorded earlier today), released a statement in support of the President's plan.
"It is extremely disappointing to see the massive bonuses given out on Wall Street to the very firms that got us into this economic mess," Coakley said. "These excesses are further proof, as I have said before, that there should have been additional restrictions included as part of the taxpayer assistance that they received."
She continued, "As Attorney General, I have taken on Wall Street and recovered millions for the taxpayers of Massachusetts. As Senator, I would support this proposal because it holds the largest Wall Street firms accountable for their abuses that caused millions of people to lose their jobs, as well as it works to recover the hard-earned taxpayer dollars of the middle class."
"Now is the time for Scott Brown to tell us what side he's on, and who he wants to fight for. Despite his tea party rhetoric about never supporting a tax hike, the truth is that he has supported more than $300 million in new taxes and fees on middle class families. We'll find out if his "no tax" pledge only applies to the privileged."
Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate (who may benefit from a new web video Obama recorded earlier today), released a statement in support of the President's plan.
"It is extremely disappointing to see the massive bonuses given out on Wall Street to the very firms that got us into this economic mess," Coakley said. "These excesses are further proof, as I have said before, that there should have been additional restrictions included as part of the taxpayer assistance that they received."
She continued, "As Attorney General, I have taken on Wall Street and recovered millions for the taxpayers of Massachusetts. As Senator, I would support this proposal because it holds the largest Wall Street firms accountable for their abuses that caused millions of people to lose their jobs, as well as it works to recover the hard-earned taxpayer dollars of the middle class."
"Now is the time for Scott Brown to tell us what side he's on, and who he wants to fight for. Despite his tea party rhetoric about never supporting a tax hike, the truth is that he has supported more than $300 million in new taxes and fees on middle class families. We'll find out if his "no tax" pledge only applies to the privileged."
Scott Brown supporters to launch bus tour this weekend.
The Brown Brigade, Scott Brown's network of supporters, is planning to launch "The Bold New Leadership Bus Tour" on Saturday "to show Massachusetts that the grassroots is behind Scott Brown."
In an email to Brown Brigade members, Brown campaign political director Peter Fullerton outlined the following stops for the tour:
"Join us for a rally at 9:00 am this Saturday January 16th at the Thomas Crane Public Library in Quincy, 40 Washington Street, Quincy, MA (The Brown Brigade asks for RSVPs for the rally.)
And we will be stopping at our Plymouth Campaign office at 11 AM at 74 Long Pond Road, Plymouth, MA.
And at 2 pm we will be stopping at Tommy Doyle’s at 334 Main Street, Hyannis, MA."
More outside campaign ads.
Here are some of the various ads I have mentioned from outside groups (thanks to Politico).
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is paying more than $500K to run this spot supporting Scott Brown:
The League of Conservation Voters attacks Brown on environmental issues:
The Americans for Job Security support Brown:
As do Americans for Responsible health care (in what might be an illegal campaign ad):
Perhaps ironically (given that 3 out of these 4 new ads are in support of him), Brown released a statement today ripping Coakley for her "special interest funded campaign."
“I am truly humbled at the incredible outpouring of grassroots support we have received,” Brown said. “We are running a different campaign than Martha Coakley, who jets down to Washington to rake in campaign cash from well-connected health care lobbyists. It is unfortunate that Martha doesn’t share my belief that this race will ultimately come down to the sharp differences that exist between us, and not the campaign donations from Washington insiders.”
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is paying more than $500K to run this spot supporting Scott Brown:
The League of Conservation Voters attacks Brown on environmental issues:
The Americans for Job Security support Brown:
As do Americans for Responsible health care (in what might be an illegal campaign ad):
Perhaps ironically (given that 3 out of these 4 new ads are in support of him), Brown released a statement today ripping Coakley for her "special interest funded campaign."
“I am truly humbled at the incredible outpouring of grassroots support we have received,” Brown said. “We are running a different campaign than Martha Coakley, who jets down to Washington to rake in campaign cash from well-connected health care lobbyists. It is unfortunate that Martha doesn’t share my belief that this race will ultimately come down to the sharp differences that exist between us, and not the campaign donations from Washington insiders.”
Brockton Enterprise gives Coakley perhaps the most backhanded endorsement of all-time.
The Brockton Enterprise endorsed Coakley today, in what has to be the most backhanded endorsement of all time.
While the authors do note that Coakley, "is an intelligent and dedicated public official, who...has demonstrated knowledge and judgment on issues that affect every resident of Massachusetts," the editorial spends more words (192) criticizing Coakley than praising her (138).
The paper notes:
This has to be the strangest endorsement I have ever read. It's like the Enterprise didn't read their entire editorial before picking their candidate.
While the authors do note that Coakley, "is an intelligent and dedicated public official, who...has demonstrated knowledge and judgment on issues that affect every resident of Massachusetts," the editorial spends more words (192) criticizing Coakley than praising her (138).
The paper notes:
- That Coakley, "has built a barrier between herself and voters,"
- That, "her actions were cynical, nakedly political and completely counter to her desire to portray statesmanship,"
- And that, "the majority of the voters still don’t really know how Coakley will comport herself in Washington. Just as importantly, they do not have a sense as to how she will relate to and with her constituents."
Um...that's not exactly inspiring people to go vote for her. To make matters more confusing, the Enterprise says of Brown:
"Coakley’s opponent, state Sen. Scott Brown, has run an aggressive campaign and has appealed to voters by espousing smaller government and lower taxes. But in contrast to his main opponent, he has also allowed voters to feel that — somehow — they “know him.” He is — seemingly — a genuinely likeable person and projects a kind of ease in his manner that Coakley does not. If he is not the ultimate victor in this campaign, we hope he decides to run again for elected office."The only bad thing the paper says about Brown is that his Kennedy ad was absurd, and, "might have stood as the low point of the campaign if Coakley hadn’t taken things negative."
This has to be the strangest endorsement I have ever read. It's like the Enterprise didn't read their entire editorial before picking their candidate.
President Obama records web video for Martha Coakley.
Earlier today, President Barack Obama released a web video calling for voters in Massachusetts to support Martha Coakley in Tuesday's special election.
Obama says:
"Not long ago, Massachusetts cast a resounding vote for change. And many of you worked tirelessly to make that happen. Knocking on doors, talking to your neighbors. Sharing your time and your ideas to help reclaim our government and turn our country in a better and more hopeful direction. We knew the problems we were taking on were formidable. And that change in Washington - real change that would turn back the special interests and make the concerns of everyday people the focus of government, would not be quick or easy, and we were right.
In Washington, I'm fighting to curb the abuses of a health insurance industry that routinely denies care. I'm fighting for financial reform to stop Wall Street from playing havoc with our economy. I'm fighting to create a new clean energy economy. And it's clear now that the outcome of these and other fights will probably rest on one vote in the United States Senate. That's why what happens Tuesday in Massachusetts is so important.
We know where Martha Coakley stands. As your Attorney General, Martha's taken on Wall Street schemes, insurance company abuses, and big polluters on your behalf. She represents the best of progressive values of Massachusetts. She'll be your voice, and my ally.
Which is why the opponents of change of pouring money into your state. They believe that by defeating Martha, and replacing Ted Kennedy with her Republican opponent, they'll be in a position to tie up the Senate, and prevent a vote on health insurance reform, financial reform, and other issues so important to working families of Massachusetts and the nation.
And a lot of people don't even realize there is an election on Tuesday, or why it's so important. So I need you to put on your walking shoes again. Knock on doors. Call. Email. Text and tweet. And make sure everyone you know understands the stakes for their families, for Massachusetts, and our country. Thanks for your time."
Obama says:
"Not long ago, Massachusetts cast a resounding vote for change. And many of you worked tirelessly to make that happen. Knocking on doors, talking to your neighbors. Sharing your time and your ideas to help reclaim our government and turn our country in a better and more hopeful direction. We knew the problems we were taking on were formidable. And that change in Washington - real change that would turn back the special interests and make the concerns of everyday people the focus of government, would not be quick or easy, and we were right.
In Washington, I'm fighting to curb the abuses of a health insurance industry that routinely denies care. I'm fighting for financial reform to stop Wall Street from playing havoc with our economy. I'm fighting to create a new clean energy economy. And it's clear now that the outcome of these and other fights will probably rest on one vote in the United States Senate. That's why what happens Tuesday in Massachusetts is so important.
We know where Martha Coakley stands. As your Attorney General, Martha's taken on Wall Street schemes, insurance company abuses, and big polluters on your behalf. She represents the best of progressive values of Massachusetts. She'll be your voice, and my ally.
Which is why the opponents of change of pouring money into your state. They believe that by defeating Martha, and replacing Ted Kennedy with her Republican opponent, they'll be in a position to tie up the Senate, and prevent a vote on health insurance reform, financial reform, and other issues so important to working families of Massachusetts and the nation.
And a lot of people don't even realize there is an election on Tuesday, or why it's so important. So I need you to put on your walking shoes again. Knock on doors. Call. Email. Text and tweet. And make sure everyone you know understands the stakes for their families, for Massachusetts, and our country. Thanks for your time."
Thursday afternoon roundup.
First in a flurry of posts this evening, check back frequently.
--BlueMassGroup hired Research 2000 to conduct a poll, which found Martha Coakley leading Scott Brown 49%-41%. Even in BMG's poll Coakley can't crack 50%, plus Brown leads Coakley 49%-36% among independents. She better hope the Democrats come out in force. (And BMG makes the case here that they have to.)
--WBUR's Monica Brady-Myerov talks to some Mass politicos to get their thoughts on Scott Brown's almost meteoric rise in this campaign.
--The Fix wonders if nationalizing the Senate race will be a good thing for Martha Coakley. The Fix also has a prediction poll, so be sure to vote.
--I forgot to post this earlier, but former NYC Mayor Rudy Guliani will come to Massachusetts tomorrow to campaign for Scott Brown (and try and take some attention away from President Clinton's simultaneous visit to campaign for Coakley).
--David Bernstein has some interesting notes at his Talking Politics Blog.
--The Rothenberg political report says the Massachusetts Senate race is a toss-up. The blog notes, that "Brown has “won” the “free media” over the past few days, and if he continues to do so, he will win the election."
--The Patriot Ledger outlines five key differences between Martha Coakley and Scott Brown: Health care, terrorism, taxes, Afghanistan, and climate change.
--At the Herald, Hillary Chabot talked to Curt Schilling about Martha Coakley. Number 38 got a bit heated when talking about Coakley's "shaking hands outside of Fenway" comment from yesterday's Globe.
--Joe Kennedy says that Scott Brown supporters are threatening him. My take (if it's true, and I have no reason to doubt Joe, especially if he fears for his safety.): a) It's too late for Joe to take his name off the ballot, b) if his supporters decide they want to vote for Scott Brown, they'll do it regardless of whether or not he drops out/endorses Scott, c) If there are any voters out there who show up on Tuesday with absolutely no clue about the election, they are more probably more likely to vote for Kennedy over Coakley because of the name, rather than Kennedy over Brown. Not sure what anyone would have to gain by threatening Joe.
--Senator Chuck Schumer called Scott Brown a "far-right tea-bagger" in an email to supporters.
--And the Associated Press is reporting that Vicki Kennedy has recorded an ad for Martha Coakley. I will post it as soon as it's available.
--BlueMassGroup hired Research 2000 to conduct a poll, which found Martha Coakley leading Scott Brown 49%-41%. Even in BMG's poll Coakley can't crack 50%, plus Brown leads Coakley 49%-36% among independents. She better hope the Democrats come out in force. (And BMG makes the case here that they have to.)
--WBUR's Monica Brady-Myerov talks to some Mass politicos to get their thoughts on Scott Brown's almost meteoric rise in this campaign.
--The Fix wonders if nationalizing the Senate race will be a good thing for Martha Coakley. The Fix also has a prediction poll, so be sure to vote.
--I forgot to post this earlier, but former NYC Mayor Rudy Guliani will come to Massachusetts tomorrow to campaign for Scott Brown (and try and take some attention away from President Clinton's simultaneous visit to campaign for Coakley).
--David Bernstein has some interesting notes at his Talking Politics Blog.
--The Rothenberg political report says the Massachusetts Senate race is a toss-up. The blog notes, that "Brown has “won” the “free media” over the past few days, and if he continues to do so, he will win the election."
--The Patriot Ledger outlines five key differences between Martha Coakley and Scott Brown: Health care, terrorism, taxes, Afghanistan, and climate change.
--At the Herald, Hillary Chabot talked to Curt Schilling about Martha Coakley. Number 38 got a bit heated when talking about Coakley's "shaking hands outside of Fenway" comment from yesterday's Globe.
--Joe Kennedy says that Scott Brown supporters are threatening him. My take (if it's true, and I have no reason to doubt Joe, especially if he fears for his safety.): a) It's too late for Joe to take his name off the ballot, b) if his supporters decide they want to vote for Scott Brown, they'll do it regardless of whether or not he drops out/endorses Scott, c) If there are any voters out there who show up on Tuesday with absolutely no clue about the election, they are more probably more likely to vote for Kennedy over Coakley because of the name, rather than Kennedy over Brown. Not sure what anyone would have to gain by threatening Joe.
--Senator Chuck Schumer called Scott Brown a "far-right tea-bagger" in an email to supporters.
--And the Associated Press is reporting that Vicki Kennedy has recorded an ad for Martha Coakley. I will post it as soon as it's available.
Morning roundup.
I covered a ton of links in my afternoon roundup yesterday, so if you are looking for a story today that you think I missed, check there.
There is a ton of stuff in the Globe today, beginning with op-eds by all three candidates:
--Scott Brown lays out his positions on the issues, then concludes: "They call me a long shot. But I’m betting that a new day is coming in Massachusetts. I am running in the name of all independent-thinking citizens, whether they are Democrats, Republicans, or unenrolled, to take on one-party rule, and the Beacon Hill bosses, and their machine, and their candidate."
--Martha Coakley notes her background and accomplishments, lists her goals in the Senate, and concludes: "It’s about your families, it’s about your communities, it’s about the unprecedented challenges we and future generations face. I have seven grandnieces and a grandnephew whom I adore, and I want them to live in a better world, where they have access to good jobs, quality, affordable health care, and a clean environment. I want them to live in a world that is not only safe and secure but also just, and where equality and fairness exist so that they are free to pursue their dreams. I ask you to stand with me on Tuesday, Jan. 19, to lead Massachusetts and this nation into the next great chapter of our history.
--Joe Kennedy begins by recognizing Ted Kennedy's place in history, and says, "I did not get into this race for fame or money. It cuts my pay and intrudes into my private life, but I expected that. I entered because every day I see more friends out of work, struggling to support their families, and I know how to fix it." He goes on to lay out his positions, before concluding: "This race is about our future, our jobs, and our children. There is only one way out of this recession and that is through spending cuts. I will go to Washington with a big eraser. Where I find waste I will work to repeal it and return every dollar to the taxpayer. If you care about our economy, jobs, affordable health care, our troops, and 100-percent equality for all there is only one choice on January 19th and that is Joe Kennedy."
--After weeks of bashing Coakley's campaign, the Globe editorial page is now rallying to her cause. Following yesterday's anti-Brown endorsement, today both Yvonne Abraham and Joan Vennochi went after the GOP contender. Abraham castigates Brown for denying he sponsored the controversial emergency contraception bill (and for dragging his daughters into the mess to defend him), while Vennochi admits that Coakley, "has run a dull Senate campaign," but that Brown, "wants voters to forget what he stood for in the past and accept him for the positions he now embraces."
--Brian Mooney reports on the oodles of ad spending by outside groups (and local TV stations continue to rejoice!) in the Senate race. He also notes that negative ads are everywhere (watching the Celtics last night at Game On! [where my team lost trivia on the very last question. Damn you Dave Matthews!], I must have seen Coakley's ad attacking Brown half a dozen times).
--Eric Moskowitz writes from the Brown campaign trail. The piece is a fairly glowing account of Brown's relentless retail campaigning and, aside from some polite disagreements with a Coakley voter or two (and this fun line: “I haven’t changed in 18 years, since I was 18,’’ Brown says, the cold numbing his powers of subtraction.), Brown comes off very well.
--Matt Viser reports on yesterday's campaigning, and notes that, according to a Globe review of the candidates public schedules, Coakley has held 19 public events since December 8 - compared to 59 for Brown.
--The Herald's Hillary Chabot reports that Scott Brown "warned" President Obama to stay away from Massachusetts and "not to interfere" with the Senate race. Chabot says there is word Coakley is pushing for an Obama visit on Sunday night.
--Margery Eagan says voters are "man-crushing" on Scott Brown, and Martha Coakley better "bring in the forklifts" to get voter turnout up.
--Jessica Van Sack reports that Brown is out-spending Coakley, a development that was unfathomable two weeks ago (maybe even a week ago).
--Luckily for Coakley, Democratic groups are outspending Republican groups 2-1, according to The Fix. Who also seemed perplexed by Coakley's comment in yesterday's Globe (maybe I can be the homeless man's Chris Cillizza).
--Abby Goodnough notes in the New York Times that Coakley, is adding to her schedule the kind of meet-and-greet stump events that she largely ducked for weeks.
--Scott Brown told the Washington Examiner it's him "against the machine."
--At CW Unbound, Robert David Sullivan has some links I have missed and writes on Scott Brown as "Goliath killer."
Tough to keep up with all this news, but I am loving every minute of it.
There is a ton of stuff in the Globe today, beginning with op-eds by all three candidates:
--Scott Brown lays out his positions on the issues, then concludes: "They call me a long shot. But I’m betting that a new day is coming in Massachusetts. I am running in the name of all independent-thinking citizens, whether they are Democrats, Republicans, or unenrolled, to take on one-party rule, and the Beacon Hill bosses, and their machine, and their candidate."
--Martha Coakley notes her background and accomplishments, lists her goals in the Senate, and concludes: "It’s about your families, it’s about your communities, it’s about the unprecedented challenges we and future generations face. I have seven grandnieces and a grandnephew whom I adore, and I want them to live in a better world, where they have access to good jobs, quality, affordable health care, and a clean environment. I want them to live in a world that is not only safe and secure but also just, and where equality and fairness exist so that they are free to pursue their dreams. I ask you to stand with me on Tuesday, Jan. 19, to lead Massachusetts and this nation into the next great chapter of our history.
--Joe Kennedy begins by recognizing Ted Kennedy's place in history, and says, "I did not get into this race for fame or money. It cuts my pay and intrudes into my private life, but I expected that. I entered because every day I see more friends out of work, struggling to support their families, and I know how to fix it." He goes on to lay out his positions, before concluding: "This race is about our future, our jobs, and our children. There is only one way out of this recession and that is through spending cuts. I will go to Washington with a big eraser. Where I find waste I will work to repeal it and return every dollar to the taxpayer. If you care about our economy, jobs, affordable health care, our troops, and 100-percent equality for all there is only one choice on January 19th and that is Joe Kennedy."
--After weeks of bashing Coakley's campaign, the Globe editorial page is now rallying to her cause. Following yesterday's anti-Brown endorsement, today both Yvonne Abraham and Joan Vennochi went after the GOP contender. Abraham castigates Brown for denying he sponsored the controversial emergency contraception bill (and for dragging his daughters into the mess to defend him), while Vennochi admits that Coakley, "has run a dull Senate campaign," but that Brown, "wants voters to forget what he stood for in the past and accept him for the positions he now embraces."
--Brian Mooney reports on the oodles of ad spending by outside groups (and local TV stations continue to rejoice!) in the Senate race. He also notes that negative ads are everywhere (watching the Celtics last night at Game On! [where my team lost trivia on the very last question. Damn you Dave Matthews!], I must have seen Coakley's ad attacking Brown half a dozen times).
--Eric Moskowitz writes from the Brown campaign trail. The piece is a fairly glowing account of Brown's relentless retail campaigning and, aside from some polite disagreements with a Coakley voter or two (and this fun line: “I haven’t changed in 18 years, since I was 18,’’ Brown says, the cold numbing his powers of subtraction.), Brown comes off very well.
--Matt Viser reports on yesterday's campaigning, and notes that, according to a Globe review of the candidates public schedules, Coakley has held 19 public events since December 8 - compared to 59 for Brown.
--The Herald's Hillary Chabot reports that Scott Brown "warned" President Obama to stay away from Massachusetts and "not to interfere" with the Senate race. Chabot says there is word Coakley is pushing for an Obama visit on Sunday night.
--Margery Eagan says voters are "man-crushing" on Scott Brown, and Martha Coakley better "bring in the forklifts" to get voter turnout up.
--Jessica Van Sack reports that Brown is out-spending Coakley, a development that was unfathomable two weeks ago (maybe even a week ago).
--Luckily for Coakley, Democratic groups are outspending Republican groups 2-1, according to The Fix. Who also seemed perplexed by Coakley's comment in yesterday's Globe (maybe I can be the homeless man's Chris Cillizza).
--Abby Goodnough notes in the New York Times that Coakley, is adding to her schedule the kind of meet-and-greet stump events that she largely ducked for weeks.
--Scott Brown told the Washington Examiner it's him "against the machine."
--At CW Unbound, Robert David Sullivan has some links I have missed and writes on Scott Brown as "Goliath killer."
Tough to keep up with all this news, but I am loving every minute of it.
Scott Brown releases fourth TV ad.
Republican Senate candidate Scott Brown released his fourth television ad today.
The spot, called "Momentum," features Brown campaigning in South Boston on recent winter day, shaking hands with voters and knocking on doors.
"If you want someone who's going to lower your taxes and bring common sense back to Washington, then join with me," Brown says. "I can't do it alone, I need your vote."
If one thing is certain about Tuesday, it's that Brown's media team is going to be fielding plenty of offers from GOP candidates. Another great ad.
The spot, called "Momentum," features Brown campaigning in South Boston on recent winter day, shaking hands with voters and knocking on doors.
"If you want someone who's going to lower your taxes and bring common sense back to Washington, then join with me," Brown says. "I can't do it alone, I need your vote."
If one thing is certain about Tuesday, it's that Brown's media team is going to be fielding plenty of offers from GOP candidates. Another great ad.
