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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsMA-01: High on the left's wish list: Knocking out another House chairman
BOSTON Rep. Richard Neal hasnt had a tough primary challenge in 30 years.
But Massachusetts Sept. 1 contest represents the last, best chance for the left to take down a Democratic incumbent this year, so the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee isnt taking any chances against a progressive challenger.
Hes used his powerful committee perch to raise $3 million through March the latest fundraising figures available leaving him with $4.5 million cash on hand. He flexed his muscles when the federal government tried to seize a shipment of personal protective equipment that was on its way to a local hospital in April. Months before voters go to the polls, Neal has already aired three ads.
After watching a seemingly safe longtime Massachusetts Democratic incumbent, Michael Capuano, get taken down in the 2018 primary and the likely defeat of at least one Democratic House incumbent in New Yorks June 23 primary the 71-year-old Neal is shoring up his defenses against Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse, a challenger who is half his age.
"I know the spotlight's now shining on anybody who is young and quote-unquote progressive," said Candy Glazer, a former chair of the Longmeadow Democratic Town Committee who supports Neal. "I know it's popular now, progressive, somebody with gray hair's gotta go, but he's got the record. He's actually delivered."
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/07/05/progressives-richard-neal-massachusetts-primary-348660
Voltaire2
(13,270 posts)It is almost like a democracy where people get to vote for the people they would like to see represent them.
bottomofthehill
(8,366 posts)Not much but some.......