Jake Auchincloss, candidate for Ward 2 alderman at-large, today was endorsed by fellow marine Congressman Seth Moulton, (D-Salem). Auchincloss provided the following quote from Moulton (I am awaiting confirmation from Moulton’s communications person but I have no reason to believe it’s not authentic):
“Jake’s positive, policy-oriented campaign is exactly what voters are seeking in a polarized political climate.” – Cong. Moulton (D-MA)
I can’t remember an endorsement from a congressman in a race for alderman, albeit a congressman from another district. Does anybody remember Barney Frank endorsing in a local legislative race?
Will this endorsement from a Democratic congressman help Jake?
Didn’t former Congressman Barney Frank endorse Marcy?
You’re right, Amy.
Was that ever mentioned on V14? Barney Frank was our Congressman for many years.
@Jane: I don’t remember anyone sending V14 a statement from Barney Frank about Marcia. I apologize if I missed it.
Although I could argue that an endorsement from a former congressman and a sitting congressman have different meanings. I could equally argue that they both mean nothing.
So many people support Jake for all the right reasons. Go Jake, we need more people like you representing Newton residents. Your willingness to work hard for what you believe in is an inspiration for many of us who believe many of the long term aldermen/women have truly forgotten us common people.
I’ve always wondered how much endorsements matter in local contests. (Maybe Gerry Chesvinsky has some insights about this.) But given that Shawn Fitzgibbons and the City Democratic Committee have made it an issue about Auchincloss “strong GOP ties,” this one seems at least newsworthy.
Plus the fact that Moulton is from the North Shore and most likely doesn’t even know how many aldermen we have, let alone the names or the other candidates in this contest, is another reason why this is unique.
Semper Fi.
I think it will help Jake. It highlights his military service, and increases his ability to say he is an independent.
Look, I’m on the record regarding his appeal. He is a very strong candidate. I may very well vote for him. I think he will work tremendously hard, and that he will be very focused on doing a good job. I do think that those who think he will join the anti-development block of the counsel are going to be disappointed. I think Jake wants to run for a bigger office in a few years and he knows that running city wide or district wide he’ll need to appeal to more people. He didn’t join the “block” of folks running together for a reason…
Congrats to Jake on the endorsement.
Semper Fi
I’ll get on it!
Bloggers on Village 14 can use their own discretion as to what’s worthy of a post here. Barney Frank endorsing a fellow Dem is perhaps interesting to some, but not something I’d consider newsworthy. A sitting Democratic congressman endorsing a candidate that’s been criticized by the city party for his “strong GOP ties,” is much more news worthy.
But if Marcia Johnson wants to post the endorsement here, is there a way to make that happen?
Of course! Alderman Johnson and everyone else is welcome to post a comment on Village 14 at any time! We’re open for conversation 24/7.
To make it fair, if any candidates for alderman get statements of endorsement (actual words) from sitting Massachusetts congressmen, I’ll post them. Send them through the Contact Village 14 link.
I think this endorsement will help Jake. I also believe that Jake will be one of the newly elected Aldermen this year. Voters want fresh faces.