Why I’m #stickingwithEd (A THREAD)

In the winter of 2012, Barney Frank was retiring and there was a race for the open MA04 seat. There were two main contenders at the time - public policy expert Paul Heroux and Joe Kennedy III. (1/8)

Traditionally, this race would be close, with two qualified candidates (a prosecutor and a public policy expert) facing off in a competitive primary in an overwhelmingly blue district. But with massive financial backing on one side, the race wasn't exactly even. (2/8)

Overwhelmed by the odds of competing with a Kennedy who brought substantial name recognition and an ultra-wealthy family to boot, Paul Heroux dropped out after a few months, citing the "campaign industrial complex." (3/8)

Heroux went on to serve his community on Beacon Hill and currently serves as the mayor of his hometown, Attleboro. He's been a dedicated public servant. He has also endorsed Ed Markey in the Senate race. (4/8)

In July, when Ed came to visit Attleboro, Paul Heroux had some things to say. "I’m with Ed because Ed is a real leader. He doesn’t waffle on issues. He doesn’t wait to see what is politically popular. He is well respected...There's a reason for that. Ed shows up." (5/8)

Using your privilege well means advocating on behalf of those who are without a voice; it does not entail advancing your personal career because it's politically convenient. (6/8)

Joe’s running against Ed because he knows that many voters haven't heard the Markey name. He wants to be a leader on the Senate floor. But true leadership doesn't depend on people knowing your name. (7/8)

In this race I see that one candidate is running on his convictions and the other isn't. That’s why I’m #stickingwithed. (8/8)