DiNatale Co-Hosts Senate Hopeful AG Martha Coakley at Slattery's (12/4/09)
Posted 2009-12-05 10:55:04
Coakley addresses top issues during visit
By Emily Devlin, edevlin@sentinelandenterprise.com
Posted: 12/04/2009 06:40:54 AM EST
FITCHBURG -- Attorney General Martha Coakley stood by her position on abortion access under health-care reform, and other hot-button issues surrounding the race for the U.S. Senate democratic nomination, at Slattery's Restaurant in Fitchburg on Thursday evening.
Sen. Jennifer Flanagan, D-Leominster, and Rep. Stephen DiNatale, D-Fitchburg, organized Thursday's meet-and-greet between Coakley and local supporters days before the Dec. 8 primaries.
Coakley, the Democratic front runner, was adamant that a health care bill with a strong public option is a top priority for the nation, and said the notion that the congress may need to choose between abortion access and passing health care reform is a "false choice."
"I refuse to acknowledge that we have to make that choice," said Coakley, in an interview with the Sentinel and Enterprise.
Coakley said she is confident that Congress will arrive at a bill that allows unrestricted abortion access, but she maintained that she would not vote for a bill that does not guarantee unrestricted abortion services to all women.
Stephen Pagliuca, who is running against Coakley in the Democratic primary on Dec. 8, criticized Coakley and U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano for saying they would vote against a health-care reform bill if it meant restricted access to abortion, during a television debate Tuesday night.
Coakley took about 15 minutes to shake hands upon her arrival at Slattery's at 5:30 p.m. The crowd included Rep. Jennifer Benson, D-Lunenburg, and Rep. Robert Rice, D-Gardner, and about 75 supporters, some of home lugged around huge campaign signs, in support of Coakley.
Mayor Lisa Wong did not attend the event, sending her Chief-of-Staff, Ryan McNutt, in her place.
Coakley gave a brief speech to the crowd, in which she challenged supporters to tell 10 people a piece to get out and vote on Dec. 8.
Coakley said her support of civil rights -- including same-sex marriage -- as well as green initiatives, and efforts to bring federal aid to more remote regions, are values she will carry with her to Washington, if she is elected.
"I hope the next time I see you, I'll be your democratic nominee, and then your U.S. senator," Coakley told the enthusiastic crowd.
After her remarks, Coakley talked more about about her stance on the latest issues facing the nation.
Coakley said recently that she likely would not support President Barack Obama's plans for a troop surge in Afghanistan, and her stance solidified after Obama announced a formal plan Tuesday night.
Obama plans to send 30,000 more troops to the country in 2010, in order to fight Taliban advances. Troop withdrawal will begin in July 2011, Obama said.
"I think that (the surge) will not be able to succeed in establishing a legitimate regime," said Coakley, who claimed that the time frame and number of troops Obama has proposed are not sufficient to make an impact.
Coakley said while health-care reform has become the central issue on a the national level, with a Massachusetts unemployment rate of 8.9 percent, working with local elected officials to expand aid is crucial.
"When the economy goes sour, it's tougher. It's harder to get it back," said Coakley.
Albert Ludwick, a member of the Democratic Committee in Leominster, said Coakley, a Berkshire County native, understands the plight of cities and towns in the North Central Massachusetts region.
"I like the fact that she's not from Boston. She's from our west, and she's gone a long way," said Ludwick.
Flanagan, the senator, agreed.
"She's looked passed the 495 belt and the 128 belt," said Flanagan.
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