May 15, 2016/Dispatch

Special Election Victories, Baker’s Bad Week & More

Tuesday was a great day for the Massachusetts Democrats, as we elected two new Democrats to the legislature: Senator Joe Boncore and Representative Dan Cahill. Joe and Dan are both extremely hard workers who are going to be strong advocates for working families in their districts. In a sign of strength for our Party, it’s important to note that the Republicans couldn’t even field an opponent for Joe or Dan.

We also want to commend Joan Meschino for running a spirited campaign steeped in Democratic values. Her message of being an independent voice for the South Shore and her clear plans for job creation and taking on the opioid epidemic resonated with voters across the district. However, we were unable to overcome the outside spending from Gov. Baker’s Republican machine and Super PACs. As we suspected, Republicans were willing to spend whatever they thought necessary to hold onto a seat that they’ve had for over 20 years. We know Joan is going to be back in the fall and we look forward to taking back another Republican seat.

In the latest addition of our weekly talking points, below you will find articles about Democrats leading our state and holding Gov. Baker accountable for his harmful positions. Please make sure to share with your networks. Enjoy! 

#DemsLead

We anticipate a very competitive election cycle for Democrats challenging Republicans, especially considering Republicans down the ballot need to answer for their standard bearer Donald Trump spewing hateful rhetoric for the next five months. Click here to read more

Read here about the important work Sen. Warren is doing across the country to elect Democrats and take back the Senate. If we are going to elect a Democratic President, we need to ensure we have a Congress that wants to partner.

AG Maura Healey defends consumers against Gov. Baker’s proposal to raise your electric bills. Read more here.

Holding Gov. Baker Accountable

For months we’ve said that Gov. Baker’s refusal to stop Donald Trump made him complicit in Trump’s rise. Click here to read a Berkshire Eagle editorial that describes Baker as “too little too late.”

Gov. Baker isn’t the only Republican who’s harmful positions on the environment are cause for concern. Readhere about the Environmental League of Massachusetts’s “Dirty Dozen.” 

Six western Mass lawmakers sent a letter to Gov. Baker calling on him to halt closure of an unemployment call center. Read more here, as one Rep says, “People are having a difficult time as it is and to make it harder for them to access unemployment benefits is fair.”