Neal’s campaign takes swing at Morse’s congressional effort

Oct. 15, 2019 | G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

HOLYOKE – Congressman Richard Neal’s campaign manager made it clear this week the gloves are off in the race for the First Congressional seat.

Peter Panos sent out a press release commenting on Mayor Alex Morse’s campaign. Panos wrote, “In July, Alex’s campaign said he was hoping to raise $1 million in 2019 and $2 million in 2020. As voters learn about his failed record managing Holyoke – including the schools falling into state receivership because of his inaction and inattention and a home tragically burning down because the fire hydrants were inoperable on his watch – it is clear voters are not confident in his leadership.”

Morse, however, chose to emphasize in his press release what he has done so far in his campaign.

“In less than a full quarter as a candidate for Congress, Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse raised $216,955.78 from 3,137 contributions. In a strong showing of grassroots mobilization, Mayor Morse received contributions from a majority of cities and towns in MA-01, including every one of the five counties in the district. Ninety-four percent of donations received by the Morse campaign totaled less than $100, and 70 percent  were just $25 or less. Nearly 200 people have added recurring monthly donations into their budgets, bringing with them a consistent base of financial support.”

“When I announced, I was relatively unknown in many parts of this district. In three short months, we’ve already been able to get our message out all across Western Mass. – and that’s only possible because of the support we’ve built on the ground. These numbers mean so much to me because they talk about who powers this campaign, and how the federal government should be accountable to everyday people in return.  If you look at where that money came from, a story emerges about who this campaign is for, and who it’s being powered by.

“Our supporters are friends, neighbors, coworkers and family – not corporate lobbyists, fossil fuel outlets, or big pharmaceutical companies. The people in the district are not just taking note of this movement, they are joining with us to forge a new kind of vision and leadership here.

Morse concluded, “When elected, I will only represent one special interest in Washington: the people of the first congressional district of Massachusetts.”

Neal made appearances in Berkshire County last week and  released a reaction to President Donald Trump’s announcement concerning the Kurdish fighters who were allied with the United States in Syria. Neal wrote, “The air and artillery strikes we are witnessing today in northern Syria against Kurdish military forces are tragic, disturbing and completely unnecessary. With his careless decision to withdraw U.S. troops from the region, President Trump has given Turkish President Erdogan tacit approval to launch a massive military offensive on the Syrian border putting our key allies in the fight against ISIS at grave risk. The Kurdish military forces have been vital partners in the war against terrorism but President Trump has abandoned them ignoring the best advice our military and diplomatic leaders. I believe the decision to pull U.S. forces out of northern Syria will embolden Russia, Iran and the Islamic State and send an unfortunate statement around the globe that the United States does not keep its word.”

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