Governor Patrick Should Appoint next U.S. Senator with Conditions--Let's have our cake and eat it, too!

During the recent campaign for U.S. Senate, I called upon Senator John Kerry to make a commitment to serve out his term, if he was re-elected. I was well aware that Senator Kerry had his eye, first and foremost, upon the position of Secretary of State in a potential President Obama Administration. I further called upon Senator Kerry to put up the millions of dollars it would take to hold a special election to fill his seat if his ambition came to fruition. Well, here we are. Senator Kerry is lobbying for Secretary of State and there is a good chance he may end up leaving the Senate job he was just elected to perform for the next 6 years and Massachusetts taxpayers will be left holding an empty bag.

At a time when firefighters and teachers are being laid off and, those teachers who are employed are dipping into their own pockets to pay for students’ essential supplies, Massachusetts taxpayers should not be burdened with the multi-million dollar cost of a special election for the U.S. Senate.

On the other hand, Governor Patrick should not be given full reign to appoint the next U.S. Senator, which could logically be seen as a lifetime appointment. This is a Democracy and Governor Patrick was elected to keep government open to the people.

In 1960, when Senator John F. Kennedy left his position as Massachusetts U.S. States Senator to become President of the United States, long time Kennedy friend and confidant, Benjamin Smith, was tapped to fill out the remainder of Senator Kennedy’s term. As a trusted and loyal friend, there was a tacit understanding that Senator Smith would not run for election when the Senate term expired in 1962. Keeping his word, Senator Smith did not run for election in 1962 and Edward M. Kennedy was elected by the people of Massachusetts to serve as the next U.S. Senator from Massachusetts. There is little doubt, in 1962, the people of Massachusetts made a great a choice.

However, as we have witnessed during the last campaign cycle, loyalty that existed in the early 1960's is a rare commodity these days in politics.

I am proposing that the Massachusetts Legislature pass a bill that gives Governor Patrick the power to appoint a U.S. Senator, if Senator Kerry gets his wish. Written into the legislation would be the condition that the person getting this appointment would only serve until the next statewide election--approximately two years from now. He or she would not be eligible to run at that time for the U.S. Senate and would be prohibited from promoting another candidate.

My proposal would save Massachusetts taxpayers millions of dollars and allow the money that would be spent for a special election to be invested in our local communities for education and public safety. In addition, it would allow Governor Patrick to appoint someone who could not only work with the new Administration, but also shake up the Senate a bit. After all, it was the U.S. Senate that grabbed the bailout ball from the House and gave it to the richest people in America and submissively asked these same people to allow some of the taxpayer money to trickle down to the people who need it the most. At this special time in history, we need someone in the U.S. Senate who will speak boldly for "ordinary" working people, fight special interests and not worry about being re-elected. Under this proposal, we could realize this rare opportunity.

The result of this legislation would be the culling out of those politicians who have a propensity to only run while being paid taxpayer dollars to work in another elected position. We need bold change in this country and encouraging personally and professionally conservative, self serving, calculating, and professional politicians to participate in a safe special election is not going to attract the kind of person we need to be our next U.S. Senator.

In order to talk about bold change in health care and economic justice, I, for one, believe a risk taker is the right kind of person for the job. For now, let's save Massachusetts taxpayers money and in two years, let's see who has the political courage and willingness to run.

The bottom line is that the people of Massachusetts can have their cake and eat it, too. My proposal is just simply the right thing to do.

Respectfully,

Ed O'Reilly
Former Democratic Candidate for U.S. Senate

Thank You

Dear Supporters,

Below is what Ed has written to you, thanking you for your support and encouragement in his Primary battle with John Kerry. 

I would also personally like to take this time to thank each and every one of you for reading my entries about my travels with Ed along the campaign trail. I learned so much, met so many wonderful people, and had the time of my life. Ed is the most genuine, thoughtful, and personable candidate I have ever met. I am honored to have worked with him, and for having worked with such a wonderful campaign staff. 

Once again, thank you for believing in and fighting for what was right, and for what really mattered the most.

Best Wishes, 

Greg Agnew

greg@edoreilly.com 

The Things That Matter

I want to thank you for working with me on this campaign for meaningful change. What a journey it has been!

Although we came up short on the final numbers, we stuck to our principles and, above all else, we always kept it real.

People have asked what the future holds and, of course, I have little idea. Today, I am going to count my blessings and my heartfelt thanks to you is first on my list. I took this picture outside of my home a while back and, as the moon was setting, the sun was coming up behind me. I was sending this photo along as a symbol of where I feel I am at right now.

The truth however, is just a little different. The fog has rolled in here along the coast this morning and the fog horn is giving its familiar two blasts every thirty seconds. I know the moon is setting just outside of the fog and the sun is rising. For this moment, I can smell the sea, hear the fog horn, and be grateful for so much.

Gee, it’s nice to be home! Now, if I can only learn how to sleep past 4:30 am.
I truly appreciate your support and thank you, again!

All the best,
Ed

Ed O'Reilly: The New Marlboro Man, No Smoke, No Mirrors

Dear Supporters,

Today, I had the privilege of being a part of one of the largest Labor Day Parades in the state in Marlboro, MA.

What a great day for a parade, the weather could not have been any better...and I have the sunburn to prove it!

If you were on the sidewalks, or viewing the parade from your back yard or porch, you probably shook hands with the future U.S. Senator from Massachusetts. Ed spent so much time talking with supporters that it almost seemed as if the whole parade route was a rally for Ed O'Reilly!

With only a few weeks left until the September 16, 2008 primary, Ed will be looking forward to your support. By visiting Ed's website, you can learn more about how you can help Ed during the final weeks of his campaign. While you're there, Ed also hopes that you'll be able to contribute to his efforts to unseat John Kerry and replace him with a working class candidate who will "think outside the beltway of Washington."

Sincerely,

Greg Agnew
greg@edoreilly.com

On the Road with Ed

Dear Voters,

On August 25th, Ed, Bill, and myself all arrived at the Fall River Senior Apartments on Whipple Street in Fall River. We brought over 70 cups of coffee, and plenty of doughnuts for each and every person to enjoy, and believe me, they were thoroughly enjoyed!

After the coffee and doughnuts were served, Ed got right down to business. He began speaking about the problems facing our Commonwealth, pointing out how he will "repeal the GPO (Government Pension Offset) and the WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision)." Ed feels that "retired public employees should not be treated as second-class citizens. They deserve to be treated the same as private pension holders. Ed will fight in the U.S. Senate to ensure that the GPO and WEP are repealed."

Amongst many other issues facing our seniors, we heard many a compelling story from almost every person who attended this forum. One woman, in particular, stood out from the crowd. She is a cancer survivor, but still needs many medications and other heath care provisions to continue to live comfortably. She can't afford all of her medications and her heath care plan will not pay for the sleeve she needs to dull the constant pain in her arm. Each night, because she can't afford another sleeve, she must wash the sleeve, and wear it wet each morning. What does this situation say about the treatment our seniors receive from the heath care industry? Heath care should be a constitutional right.

As we were preparing to leave, it was clear the whole room was in support of Ed's candidacy, and Ed was happy to talk with each and every senior and find out how he could help them once he became our U.S. Senator.

More to come from the campaign trail!

Best Wishes,
Greg Agnew
greg@edoreilly.com

On the Road with Ed

Dear Supporters and Voters,

Today, I had the pleasure of being with Ed and several of Ed's staff at the First Annual Billerica Family Outing and Meet the Candidates Event, co-sponsored by the Billerica Firefighters Union #1495, IBEW Local #103, and the Pipefitters Union #537.

Since Ed was a firefighter in three towns, he fit in pretty well at this event. Almost every firefighter spoke to Ed as if they were his brother, sharing stories of fond memories in the firehouses, or speaking with Ed about the need for AED's in every town.

There was certainly plenty of good food at this event, which went well with the plethora of Ed O'Reilly supporters who lined up to meet the next U.S. Senator from Massachusetts. Ed's supporters were eager to talk about the issues facing the voters of the Commonwealth, such as Gay Marriage, Abortion, and Immigration. Ed was glad to speak with each and every voter at this wonderful gathering, weather they intended to vote for him or not. Ed certainly answered every question on the minds of each voter, and believe me, there were a lot.

Before we knew it, it was off to Salem, and then back to Gloucester so Ed could rest for his next busy day of campaigning and meeting more of the working class!

Best Wishes,
Greg Agnew
greg@edoreilly.com

See you in September

Dear Supporters and Voters,

Today was a very exciting day for me and the Ed O'Reilly for US Senate team as we held signs in support of Ed's candidacy near Kenmore Square! Our theme of our sign holding experience was undoubtedly, "See you in September."

We held our signs high as thousands of people walked by, and more often than not, each of us heard, "He's got my vote on September 16th." I was delighted to hear people commenting about the primary on September 16th, since there is expected to be a lower than normal voter turnout.

After passing out information about Ed and helping more people understand John Kerry's opponent, I was happy to yield back and watch the Red Sox game.

If you're interested in helping your community with a visibility effort, please call our campaign headquarters at: 866-716-2008 or click here to get more involved.

As always, Ed's team is looking for your contribution. Even a $10 contribution will make it far and help us spread our message throughout the Commonwealth.

Best Wishes,
Greg Agnew
greg@edoreilly.com

On the Road with Ed

Below is a post from one of our supporters who was traveling with Ed on August 13th, 2008 at the Powderhouse Square event in Somerville, MA. I hope you enjoy reading his post and reading about how people received Ed at the event!

Best Wishes,
Greg Agnew
greg@edoreilly.com

Dear Readers,

Yesterday I went with Ed to Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone’s Annual Senior Picnic at the beautiful park at Powderhouse Square in West Somerville.

Ed spent more than three hours meeting the 800-plus seniors who came out for the afternoon’s entertainment. As well as the guests, Ed met with Mayor Curtatone and many of the city’s Aldermen and School Committee members as well as many of the city’s activists.
The atmosphere was carnival-like as the seniors enjoyed music from George Landers, the city’s most famous DJ, the great Somerville Sunsetter’s Group, and a massive raffle with hundreds of prizes! Ed, along with other local politicians, donated gift cards for local businesses in the area. Sponsors also provided a picnic lunch for all attendees.

The reaction was fantastic. Many of the seniors had heard Ed’s interview on the Dan Rea show the night before and more than one even recognized Ed from his voice alone! The people Ed met were very responsive to his candidacy and hundreds promised him their votes. They seemed thrilled that Ed spent the time to meet with them and hear their concerns; many noted that they never see John Kerry around. Even more said that Kerry was out-of-touch and that they would be voting for Change this year.

Somerville seniors are a very active bunch – they are among the best voters come Election Day and I believe that Ed will do very well with them on September 16th. Somerville is Ed O’Reilly’s kind of town – working families and decent ordinary people. I expect that he will do very well here on Primary Day.

There is a highly-contested State Representative race in the western part of Somerville, and turnout in that area in particular will be very high. Many of the people Ed met invited him to visit their senior homes before the election and the campaign will be setting that up in the next few weeks.

Cindy Hickey, the tireless head of the Somerville Council on Aging – who organized the event – told me afterwards that she had never seen a candidate stay as long as Ed did. That is what Ed O’Reilly is all about of course – grassroots campaigning.

Sincerely,
Feargal O’Toole
Chair Ward 1 Somerville Democratic City Committee