Energizing the vote

Greenfield Recorder 06/17/2013, Page A01

Senate candidate Markey brings Warren, McGovern to Greenfield event

ANITA FRITZ Recorder Staff

GREENFIELD — With just 10 days left before the special election that will send voters to the polls to fill the vacant seat left by Democratic Sen. John Kerry, candidate Edward Markey and supporters were out in full force Saturday at the Arts Block, bringing Sen. Elizabeth Warren and U.S. Rep James McGovern along for support.

While she got her own standing ovation when introduced, Warren told everyone she loves being their senator, and then went on to say that Massachusetts must elect a Democrat to the seat left by Kerry when he became Secretary of State, and Franklin County must help accomplish that task on June 25.

“This is not about bickering,” said Warren. “It is about two fundamentally different visions.”

She said Massachusetts has had enough with Republicans who say, “I got mine, so good luck to the rest of you.”

Warren, who it was obvious was preaching to the party faithful, told people they can help create a strong future by voting for Markey, now a U.S. representative, in 10 days.

“It’s going to come down to one thing in 10 days,” she said. “Which way will Massachusetts go?”

Warren then asked everyone to get out and get others to vote, whether that means making phone calls, holding signs, knocking on doors or all three.

Current polls show a close race between Markey and the Republican candidate, former Navy SEAL Gabriel Gomez.

McGovern told the crowd he is tired of Republican attacks on Social Security, the environment, women’s rights, health care, and other important issues.

“This race is so important,” he said. “I served with Ed in Congress. He has been there the entire time. He is a leader and a decent, honorable human being.”

“Every once in a while it’s good to elect those kinds of people,” said McGovern.

He reminded the more than 50 in attendance that they should elect someone who won’t cancel out Warren’s vote.

“Let’s move this country forward, not backward,” he finished.

Of the more than 50 in attendance, many were state and local leaders, including former U.S. Congressman John Olver, Rep. Denise Andrews, Rep. Paul Mark, Mayor William Martin, and Register of Probate John Merrigan.

In the end, the message that Franklin County, and the state, cannot afford to lose on June 25 was loud and clear, and then Markey went to the podium.

“I want to go to the U.S. Senate and be a partner with Elizabeth Warren,” he began.

Cheers and applause followed his opening statement.

Markey said he will work for Greenfield, Franklin County and the entire state, and that he understands schools and economic development are very important issues.

Before he left for Worcester, where he was going to campaign with former President William Clinton’s help, he asked the crowd to get his message out to others in Greenfield and surrounding communities.

“This is not 2010,” he said. “Democrats are not agonizing, they are organizing.”

Markey said Gomez is not right for Massachusetts and said he has confidence in the voters of Massachusetts, because it is not just the Bay State, but the “brain state.”

“Now is the time to invest in people and economic activities,” he said. “We need to pay attention to our poor, sick, elderly and disabled and give them the tools they need.”

Markey said the state and country have to invest in making the economy vibrant, and not leave anyone behind.

“Give me some help to do that,” he said. “Stand up against those who want to undermine what made this country great.”

“Let’s go out and win,” he concluded, and received a standing ovation.