Michael Dukakis Officially Endorsing Capuano

Boston.com just picked up the story (6.00 / 3)

and points out that this is the first time since leaving office almost 20 years ago, that Dukakis has endorsed any Democrat in a statewide MA primary.

http://www.boston.com/news/loc...

That really underscores the importance of the race in the former Governor's eyes.

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by: RyanBC @ Sat Nov 28, 2009 at 16:20:39 PM CST

Unintended consequences? (5.80 / 5)

Mike Dukakis also, for the first time since leaving office, appeared at Brookline Town Meeting and spoke in support of a warrant article (and received a very warm welcome, I might add).

Perhaps the Paul Kirk episode (and the rather shabby treatment he received) catalyzed him to re-engage in local politics. I have a hard time identifying anyone else in Massachusetts who has demonstrated such life-long passion for health care and public transportation as Mike Dukakis.

This endorsement is big news for Mike Capuano. I suspect it has also not escaped the attention of Governor Patrick.

An energized and engaged Mike Dukakis could make for a very interesting 2010 campaign season.

"If the Republicans will stop lying about the Democrats, the Democrats will stop telling the truth about the Republicans" -- Adlai Stevenson

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by: BrooklineTom @ Sat Nov 28, 2009 at 16:49:17 PM CST

Thank you , Michael (6.00 / 5)

It's great to see Michael out there in this important race.  If I had not already neem supporting Mike Capuano, the Dukakis endorsement would have clinched it!  Thank you, Michael!  Kate

Kate Donaghue, volunteer.

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by: Kate @ Sat Nov 28, 2009 at 16:59:23 PM CST

I just got a robo-call from Dukakis (6.00 / 2)

announcing the endorsement - nice touch.

He also invited us all to the "Open Mike" tomorrow in Brookline.

I might just go.  Anyone else going?

Thank you, Michael Dukakis!

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by: portia @ Sat Nov 28, 2009 at 17:06:06 PM CST

I'll be there (6.00 / 2)

As a side note, the owner of the Washington Square Tavern is a cyclist and, more importantly, supportive of bicycling issues.

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by: stomv @ Sun Nov 29, 2009 at 08:37:54 AM CST

[ Parent ]

I wish I could be there (0.00 / 0)

It's a five minute walk from my house, and I know the owner and the restaurant.

Sadly, family dynamics make it impossible for me to attend. I would love my three children to have a chance to meet Mike Dukakis and Mike Capuano, but it isn't in the cards. Oh well.

"If the Republicans will stop lying about the Democrats, the Democrats will stop telling the truth about the Republicans" -- Adlai Stevenson

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by: BrooklineTom @ Sun Nov 29, 2009 at 09:32:25 AM CST

[ Parent ]

BrooklineTom is a liar (0.00 / 0)

or defies the laws of the universe.

I saw him at the event -- with family in tow.  :)

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by: stomv @ Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 05:34:45 AM CST

[ Parent ]

I found a wormhole at Park & Auburn Street (6.00 / 1)

Actually, we were able to reschedule a North Shore engagement the kids had later in the evening, they really wanted to go (as did I).

I'm really glad I was able to be there, it was a great afternoon. My guys were really glad they came.

"If the Republicans will stop lying about the Democrats, the Democrats will stop telling the truth about the Republicans" -- Adlai Stevenson

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by: BrooklineTom @ Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 07:48:26 AM CST

[ Parent ]

I like Mike x2. (6.00 / 3)

Thank you Mike (x2)

www.bit.ly/7Wousr - "Must include a public option"
www.bit.ly/7yaoMv - Coakley shifts, backs abortion curb
www.bit.ly/5f8CVb - John Kerry reporting for duty!
www.bit.ly/6rJnZU - Questions for Martha Coakley on Civil Rights  

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by: NeilSagan @ Sat Nov 28, 2009 at 17:44:43 PM CST

When will the public realize just how unproven (0.00 / 0)

Martha Coakley is as a legislator?  

www.bit.ly/7Wousr - "Must include a public option"
www.bit.ly/7yaoMv - Coakley shifts, backs abortion curb
www.bit.ly/5f8CVb - John Kerry reporting for duty!
www.bit.ly/6rJnZU - Questions for Martha Coakley on Civil Rights  

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by: NeilSagan @ Sat Nov 28, 2009 at 18:12:33 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Not too late, I hope. (6.00 / 1)

Feels undeniable to me that Capuano has some solid momentum right now.  I get the feeling that her momentum, on the other hand, has really stalled.  Probably because people have started to realize that, while she's very smart, she's not nearly the most qualified for the position.  I just hope there's enough time left.

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by: RyanBC @ Sat Nov 28, 2009 at 19:48:05 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Unproven? (0.00 / 0)

Ted Kennedy was also unproven as a legislator.  

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by: elliebear @ Sun Nov 29, 2009 at 13:58:55 PM CST

[ Parent ]

We know how Ted got elected (6.00 / 1)

Martha's opponent is a six-term US Congressman. She has less than 3 years experience in state wide office and has never legislated at any level.  

I'll stick with my assessment, "When will the public realize just how unproven Martha Coakley is as a legislator?"  

www.bit.ly/7Wousr - "Must include a public option"
www.bit.ly/7yaoMv - Coakley shifts, backs abortion curb
www.bit.ly/5f8CVb - John Kerry reporting for duty!
www.bit.ly/6rJnZU - Questions for Martha Coakley on Civil Rights  

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by: NeilSagan @ Sun Nov 29, 2009 at 14:09:19 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Michael Dukakis endorsement (0.00 / 0)

Hi All:

I received that robo call earlier from Governor Dukakis today as well. I am glad to be a supporter also, but it is difficult to make public meetings with twin two and a half year old sons. I wish that I could attend, it would be nice to see him again.

Respectfully Submitted,
Sincerely,
Wayne J. Wilson, Jr.
Roslindale

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by: warrior02131 @ Sat Nov 28, 2009 at 18:39:10 PM CST

Dukakis to Endorse Capuano for Massachusetts Senate (0.00 / 0)

CQPolitics
By Emily Cadei | November 28, 2009

Former Massachusetts governor and 1988 Democratic presidential nominee Michael Dukakis will formally endorse Rep. Mike Capuano in the Democratic primary for the Senate special election Sunday at an event in Brookline, Mass.

Dukakis, the state's longest serving governor after serving from 1975-1979 and again from 1983-1991, joins his wife Kitty, in endorsing Capuano in the four-person race. The primary election is Dec. 8.

In a statement issued by the Capuano campaign, Dukakis said he met the six-term congressman "as a young staffer at the State House," then "watched him grow and develop into one of the best mayors in the Commonwealth" and "worked closely with him since his election to Congress."

read more...

www.bit.ly/7Wousr - "Must include a public option"
www.bit.ly/7yaoMv - Coakley shifts, backs abortion curb
www.bit.ly/5f8CVb - John Kerry reporting for duty!
www.bit.ly/6rJnZU - Questions for Martha Coakley on Civil Rights  

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by: NeilSagan @ Sat Nov 28, 2009 at 20:27:27 PM CST

more experience Capuano has (which his opponents do not) (0.00 / 0)

Capuano, as the only member of Congress in the Senate race, has the most policy-oriented travel experience. He has visited troops in Kuwait and injured soldiers in Germany. He met with President Shimon Peres in Israel, President Hosni Mubarak in Egypt, and President Hamid Karzai in Afghanistan. He has also sat with Gerry Adams of Sinn Fein, US General George Casey, President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, and members of Parliament in Kenya.

In 2006, Capuano traveled to Sudan, where he met with government officials and expressed outrage over their treatment of citizens and the genocide in Darfur. In February, he was in Afghanistan with a delegation that included US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

"I understand fully well that as a member of Congress I can meet with presidents and heads of state, [and] I've taken advantage of that,'' Capuano said. "It's not the only reason to vote for me, but it is part and parcel that, on Jan. 20, I would hit the ground running and the others wouldn't.''

www.bit.ly/7Wousr - "Must include a public option"
www.bit.ly/7yaoMv - Coakley shifts, backs abortion curb
www.bit.ly/5f8CVb - John Kerry reporting for duty!
www.bit.ly/6rJnZU - Questions for Martha Coakley on Civil Rights  

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by: NeilSagan @ Sat Nov 28, 2009 at 20:43:39 PM CST

link (0.00 / 0)

"Coakley less well-traveled, Capuano goes mostly on policy-oriented jaunts"

www.bit.ly/7Wousr - "Must include a public option"
www.bit.ly/7yaoMv - Coakley shifts, backs abortion curb
www.bit.ly/5f8CVb - John Kerry reporting for duty!
www.bit.ly/6rJnZU - Questions for Martha Coakley on Civil Rights  

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by: NeilSagan @ Sat Nov 28, 2009 at 20:45:13 PM CST

[ Parent ]

same article (0.00 / 0)

"... The world is global."   - Steve Pagliuca  

www.bit.ly/7Wousr - "Must include a public option"
www.bit.ly/7yaoMv - Coakley shifts, backs abortion curb
www.bit.ly/5f8CVb - John Kerry reporting for duty!
www.bit.ly/6rJnZU - Questions for Martha Coakley on Civil Rights  

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by: NeilSagan @ Sat Nov 28, 2009 at 20:47:50 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Coakley said she believes she is prepared to face foreign policy questions (0.00 / 0)

same article:

Coakley, who has the least foreign travel experience, said she believes she is prepared to face foreign policy questions.

"Travel may be broadening but it may not be depthening, if that's a word,'' Coakley said. "The fact that you've been somewhere may or may not be relevant to how you think about problem-solving.''

earlier:

"I have a sister who lives overseas, and she's been in England and now lives in the Middle East."

the next day, October 26, 2009:

Coakley declined to comment specifically on her remark, but said she believes foreign policy is taking a back seat to economic issues in the race to succeed U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.

"Coakley: Few go to Senate with foreign policy experience" By Laura Crimaldi link

www.bit.ly/7Wousr - "Must include a public option"
www.bit.ly/7yaoMv - Coakley shifts, backs abortion curb
www.bit.ly/5f8CVb - John Kerry reporting for duty!
www.bit.ly/6rJnZU - Questions for Martha Coakley on Civil Rights  

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by: NeilSagan @ Sat Nov 28, 2009 at 21:03:53 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Closing the gap... (6.00 / 2)

This race is really heating up. Capuano has been steadily gaining momentum as voters learn more and more about the race and the various candidates. I think Coakley's early lead (a product of simple name-recognition) led her to become a little too complacent. While she was suffering from front-runner syndrome (dodging questions, talking around answers, and ignoring the blogs), Mike was out engaging the public, meeting with voters, and racking up high-profile endorsements.

Add Dukakis' endorsement (a very impressive one, from a man who's dedicated his life to public service) to the top of the pile. Nancy Pelosi, Diane Patrick, almost all of the Congressmen from Massachusetts, a whole host of State Senators and Representatives and 20 Massachusetts Mayors all deciding to throw their weight behind Mike? Definitely more than a fluke. That's a decidedly strong showing of support from liberal stalwarts and champions of progressive values.

Things are looking good for Capuano! Looks like this underdog has a shot!

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by: uffishThought @ Sat Nov 28, 2009 at 20:56:13 PM CST

The Globe endorsed Alan Khazei (0.00 / 0)

He's for Charter Schools and Merit Pay for teachers tied to students scores on standardized tests.

The Globe is also for Merit Pay and Charter Schools.

I'm not a bit surprised.

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by: portia @ Sat Nov 28, 2009 at 22:22:14 PM CST

Are these issues (0.00 / 0)

that a US Senator would deal with?

Shoe bomber, underwear bomber -- why aren't we waging war on clothes?

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by: kirth @ Sun Nov 29, 2009 at 11:37:41 AM CST

[ Parent ]

You bet. (0.00 / 0)

Huge federal overlay for education these days, especially where funding is concerned.  It's a fair question vis-a-vis casinos, but education?  Absolutely.

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by: David @ Sun Nov 29, 2009 at 12:03:43 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Capuano to receive Dukakis endorsement; candidates campaigning (6.00 / 1)

www.bit.ly/7Wousr - "Must include a public option"
www.bit.ly/7yaoMv - Coakley shifts, backs abortion curb
www.bit.ly/5f8CVb - John Kerry reporting for duty!
www.bit.ly/6rJnZU - Questions for Martha Coakley on Civil Rights  

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by: NeilSagan @ Sat Nov 28, 2009 at 23:23:34 PM CST

Unbiased site? (3.00 / 1)

I thought bluemassgroup was supposed to be a neutral site and am surprised at all the Capuano posters on it.

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by: elliebear @ Sun Nov 29, 2009 at 14:01:25 PM CST

You can post your opinion too. (6.00 / 2)

Write a diary.  

www.bit.ly/7Wousr - "Must include a public option"
www.bit.ly/7yaoMv - Coakley shifts, backs abortion curb
www.bit.ly/5f8CVb - John Kerry reporting for duty!
www.bit.ly/6rJnZU - Questions for Martha Coakley on Civil Rights  

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by: NeilSagan @ Sun Nov 29, 2009 at 14:10:46 PM CST

[ Parent ]

The site is unbiased... (5.00 / 2)

...it's all those opinionated people who write on it that's causing the problem.  Including those of us who were here long before the special election began.

~~~~
Believe it or not, I have even more to say...

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by: sabutai @ Sun Nov 29, 2009 at 14:12:32 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Duke (6.00 / 1)

thats what this site is for. its a place for fellow DEMs to speak about how they feel! and on this story DUKE is a fantastic endorsement pickup hes a state wide official and believes Cappy will do the best job state wide.  

Let's Get Health Reform Done NOW!

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by: TylerODay @ Sun Nov 29, 2009 at 14:18:50 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Unbiased Mike Dukakis? (0.00 / 0)

I thought Mike Dukakis was supposed to be a neutral Democrat and am surprised at the Mike Dukakis endorsement.  

www.bit.ly/7Wousr - "Must include a public option"
www.bit.ly/7yaoMv - Coakley shifts, backs abortion curb
www.bit.ly/5f8CVb - John Kerry reporting for duty!
www.bit.ly/6rJnZU - Questions for Martha Coakley on Civil Rights  

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by: NeilSagan @ Sun Nov 29, 2009 at 14:24:56 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Question? (0.00 / 0)

when you say neutral Democrat what do you mean?

Let's Get Health Reform Done NOW!

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by: TylerODay @ Sun Nov 29, 2009 at 14:32:38 PM CST

[ Parent ]

To clarify: (0.00 / 0)

Blue Mass Group is not an "unbiased site," except in the sense that we welcome all viewpoints here.  There happen to be a lot of Capuano supporters who are active contributors, which explains why you're reading a lot of pro-Capuano comments.  The Editors of the site have not yet publicly endorsed, but expect to do so as soon as one of them gets off his a$$ and finishes the endorsement.  [slinks away in shame]

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by: David @ Sun Nov 29, 2009 at 17:31:52 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Lovely image (0.00 / 0)

David slinking away in shame, I mean, not being unbiased.  

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by: Judy Meredith @ Sun Nov 29, 2009 at 18:47:10 PM CST

[ Parent ]