Lesser declares support for Kennedy for Senate

Nov. 12, 2019 | G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

Reminder Publishing photo by G. Michael Dobbs

SPRINGFIELD – In the contested senator race a key Western Massachusetts Democrat has thrown his support to an opponent of incumbent Sen. Edward Markey.

State Sen. Eric Lesser formally announced his support of Congressman Joseph Kennedy III at a press event in front of the entrance to Union Station on Nov. 8.

“We need leadership in Washington D.C. to know the state does not end at the 617 [area code],” Lesser told a small by enthusiastic crowd.

He described Kennedy as “a person of incredible character” and a “long time friend.”

Kennedy has served the Fourth Congressional District since 2013 and was an assistant district attorney in the Cape and Islands and Middlesex County. He is a grandson of the late Robert F. Kennedy.

Kennedy restated Lesser’s charge: “There’s space between [U.S. Interstate] 495 and the Pacific Ocean.”

Kennedy said the Commonwealth needs a senator who will “show up and listen.”

Prior to his speech, Kennedy toured Union Station with Lesser, a prominent supporter of extended East-West passenger rail. Kennedy said rail service is part of his regional economic strategy.

Although Kennedy did not participate in a debate with his fellow candidates about climate change on Nov. 10, Lesser said all three candidates – Attorney Shannon Liss-Riordan who is also challenging Markey – would speak at a forum about east-west rail proposals.          

Kennedy said as a member of the House he has experienced frustration at the gridlock in Congress. He noted that in the past 11 months the House has passed a number of bills – “an extraordinary record of success.”

That legislation, though “has been collecting dust in the desk of [Senate Majority Leader] Mitch McConnell,” he said.

Kennedy called for a change of leaders in Washington.

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