I wanted to start this diary in advance to remind people (who are close enough to MA to watch) of the debate tonight (Wed 3/27 at 7pm) between Congressmen Ed Markey and Stephen Lynch. Maybe this can be a place where we can come to discuss the debate after and perhaps inspire other Kossacks to contribute to Markey's campaign in the ways that they can.
The debate takes place at and will be broadcast live on WCVB Channel 5 in Needham MA. If you can go, there will be a gathering outside the studio of Markey supporters organized by the campaign (they will have signs). This is an important moment in the campaign so people are needed to show Ed Markey that we are standing with him. I wish I could go but since I can't, I'm hoping to inspire some (more) of you. You can sign up here (they will watch the debate togeather also, at a restaurant).:
https://docs.google.com/...
If you would like to learn more about Congressman Markey, volunteer with or donate to the campaign you can do so here:
http://www.edmarkey.com/
The more I learn about Ed Markey the more I like him, and the more I am perplexed that I did not even know who he was until a few short months ago. Yes, I was born, raised, and lived in Eastern MA most of my life (hangs head in shame) and didn't really know who he was. I am concerned I am not alone in that.
This is Ed Markey:
-100% rating by Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
-100% rating by NAACP
-100% rating by NARAL-Ed has always been Pro-Choice
-F rating from the NRA (a badge of honor!)
Ed has been a progressive leader on energy and environmental policy; he voted No on the approval of the Keystone XL Pipeline. He is endorsed by the Massachusetts Teachers Association, John Kerry, Sierra Club, Barney Frank, National Education Association, Progressive Massachusetts, NARAL, Planned Parenthood of Massachusetts, MoveOn (and more).
He is my kind of Democrat. Steven Lynch is not. Andrew Kaczynski at Buzzfeed called Lynch a "a pro-life, Iraq War-supporting, ObamaCare-fighting Congressman who once opposed an assault weapons ban and gay rights" and the member who is "routinely identified as the most socially conservative of the Massachusetts delegation (including former Republican Senator Scott Brown)" and says that "he could have trouble even winning in a statewide general election". Wikipedia concurs in this assessment, oracle that it is.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/...
Best of luck to both candidates tonight for a thoughtful, respectful and intelligent debate that shows the watching public why we need this Senate seat to go to a Democrat-and preferably one who reliably votes that way.