Saturday afternoon update: Over on No Quarter, Ani has written this post about Ed.
Ed O'Reilly decided, quite a while back, to buck the new not-improved style of Democratic Party top-down control-uber-alles style of politics. With the help of donors (join in, if you like), Ed was able to pay for and will be running all weekend this commercial. Download ed_oreilly__30_email.mpg
For those in the Massachusetts region who missed it the first time, Ed's debate with John Kerry - the only one Senator Kerry deigned to have with Ed, and then only under serious pressure to show up - will be rebroadcast Sunday night at 10:30 p.m. on TV 38, WSBK-TV. (Cable TV subscribers, please note that Channel 38 will probably be carried under a different channel number depending upon your cable TV company.)
This message just arrived from Ed's campaign regarding the debate and the current state of the race:
'As you know, John Kerry has refused to have any more debates with Ed. After viewing the debate, you will see why more debates are essential to the Democratic Process and also, why John Kerry has refused to partake in more dialogue. John Kerry’s debating career goes all the way back to his high school days in New Hampshire. This was Ed's first debate.
John Kerry continues to use millions of dollars on one way advertising and direct mail as this campaign approaches the Primary on September 16th. This is approach is an affront to the voters of Massachusetts.
“The United States Senate seat from Massachusetts can not be bought and this campaign has, from day one, been a referendum on democracy. It is truly shameful that John Kerry has ducked debates” Ed O’Reilly said, yesterday.'
I for one think that The Cape Ann Beacon's endorsement of Ed O'Reilly (reprinted in its entirety below, go here for original) gets the matter just right. The points I especially like I have emphasized.
The other race on the Democratic ballot next Tuesday is between longtime U.S. Senator John Kerry and Gloucester attorney Ed O’Reilly, a newcomer to the political scene.
Kerry has faced only one serious challenge for his Senate seat since 1984, and so the notion that a virtual unknown could get the convention votes needed to oppose him on the ballot may have come as shock to the incumbent from Boston. His response to that challenge was first to try to scuttle O’Reilly’s challenge and then to refuse to debate him. Ultimately Kerry made the right choice, although grudgingly, to appear with O’Reilly and talk about the issues — although 30 minutes hardly seems like enough time to debate the critical issues facing the citizens of Massachusetts. He has arrogance and a sense of entitled unbecoming someone of his stature in public office.
Kerry’s seat in the Senate is not a lifetime appointment. He is not entitled to a free ride back to Washington, D.C. Reasonable Democrats can disagree with his 2002 vote for to go to war in Iraq and whether he has served this state well. Those who disagree should be willing and able to pose a challenge to the incumbent. This is how the process was meant to work, whether your seat is in the state Legislature or in Washington.
Ed O’Reilly hasn’t run for statewide or national office, but he has the courage and energy required to take on an establishment Beltway insider like John Kerry. He has been a fisherman and a firefighter, and has spent the last 25 years as a defense lawyer. “I know how to fight and I know when to fight and the time has come to fight for our seniors and the working men and women of this state,” O’Reilly says.
When you go to the ballot box don’t just automatically check off the box for the incumbent. Think long and hard whether you’re happy with the status quo. Consider whether new blood and new energy would be a good thing in Washington. Yes, O’Reilly’s new at this game, but Kerry was new at it once too.
When you go into the ballot box, don’t just automatically fill in the arrow next to the incumbent. Take a moment to consider whether John Kerry is working for you. And then make your mark for Ed O'Reilly.
Heidi,
Yesterday, Steve O'Reilly, came to my home to bring signs. He is a younger version of his brother inappearance, and they would be identical twins if the same age.
I had an opportunity to speak with Steve for awhile. I was truly impressed. Very down to earth and yet extremely knowledgeable about the issues.
He even showed up in shorts and tee shirt.
The O'Reilly family IS the "change" we NEED - not the pie in the sky type to hope for.
Posted by: Nellie | September 13, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Boston.com take on the debate:
O’Reilly Strikes, Kerry Bridles in TV debate
http://tinyurl.com/5rbcaw
Posted by: Car54wru | September 13, 2008 at 08:35 PM