Opinion :: Editorial
South End News endorses Mike Capuano for SenateWednesday Dec 2, 2009 Congressman Mike Capuano, former mayor of Somerville, is best suited to represent the issues important to the South End as Senator.
His knowledge and commitment to urban issues, including environmental challenges, health care, jobs, civil liberties, and education-as well as his on-the-ground experience as an urban mayor in Somerville, have earned him the endorsement of South End News.
Capuano has shown with his vote that he supports civil liberties and will stand up to the president if he believes the commander in chief is wrong. He voted against the Patriot Act in 2001 after 9/11 gave President Bush enough political capital to take the nation backward in the name of keeping it safe. He has worked on behalf of tenants-who make up much of Boston and a large part of the South End-in passing legislation to require that tenants receive 90 days notice before they must vacate a foreclosed home. He has also done his part in protecting the environment-as evidenced by his earning the endorsement of the Massachusetts League of Environmental Voters-both as mayor of Somerville with recycling efforts, and in Washington, D.C., by supporting measures to stop the increase in greenhouse gas emissions and implement a cap-and-trade system on pollution for American businesses. His efforts have also brought him the endorsements of several pivotal players in government, both locally and nationally, including 3rd Suffolk State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, nine members of the current Boston City Council and councilor-elect Felix Arroyo, mayors of numerous major cities from around the Commonwealth, and the Speaker of the House, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi. That alone would not make South End News choose Capuano, but the fact that local and national colleagues support him bodes well for a quick and effective entrance into the Senate.
In a race where the differences in stances on issues between the candidates are often minute, the experience factor weighs most heavily on our consciences. All of the candidates seem earnest in their progressive tendencies, but only one knows the actual process of turning rhetoric into national policy. The reality is that getting things done on Capitol Hill isn’t easy. Oftentimes knowledge of the players and what makes them tick will prove just as important as being on the right side of an issue. Capuano is ready to move his skills from the House to the Senate.
South End News urges you to vote Mike Capuano on December 8.
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