On Tuesday, Massachusetts residents will cast ballots to select their next U.S. Senator, filling the position vacated when former Senator John Kerry assumed the role of Secretary of State.
Two candidates are competing for this seat: Democrat Ed Markey, a veteran Congressman, and Republican Gabriel Gomez of Cohasset, who is new to electoral politics.
The contrast between these two candidates could hardly be more pronounced.
Markey has consistently backed President Obama and his administration’s agenda. Gomez, by contrast, has criticized the President’s handling of the elimination of Osama bin Laden before entering the race and has opposed the administration’s policies across nearly every issue area.
Fundamentally, Markey represents a commitment to bipartisan cooperation with Republican colleagues—an approach he has pursued throughout his 36 year tenure in Congress—to accomplish legislative goals. Gomez, according to his own statements, would join the GOP caucus in supporting Mitch McConnell’s party line, perpetuating the gridlock that currently hampers Washington, D.C.
Beyond this, Gomez, a former fund manager, opposes unions and backs restrictions on reproductive rights, including a 24 hour waiting period. Markey, throughout his time in office, has steadfastly championed both working class and middle Americans, as well as women’s right to choose.
This election carries significant implications for Chelsea, Massachusetts, and the nation as a whole. Regardless of where one stands on the issues, staying home is simply not acceptable.
Make the effort to vote Tuesday—it requires only two minutes and deserves your participation.