This week, the Progressive Democrats of Somerville officially launched their endorsement process for the upcoming round of state elections. Invitations were emailed to candidates in local contested races: Rep. Carl Sciortino and Ald. Bob Trane in the 34th Middlesex (Somerville/Medford) House race and Patrick McCabe, Jim Caralis, and Rep. Paul Donato in the 35th Middlesex (Medford/Malden) House race. Candidates who indicate their interest in being considered for endorsement by 5:00pm, Sunday, June 8th will be asked to answer a series of questions about their qualifications and positions which will be posted on our website, and which will help members decide their vote on the endorsement question at our June 24th general meeting. PDS looks forward to hearing from these candidates as it moves forward with this important process.
For More information: Marty Martinez, Chairperson of PDS, 617-256-5641
Barry Rafkind
PDS Endorsement Chair
endorsements(at)PDSomerville.org
Posted in Politics
June 9th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Hey Barry, are we still supposed to endorse Sen. James Marzilli (Arlington)? I need to know what the politb…. er, I mean.. PARTY line is? We really need some direction here as one can only gulp down so much progressive koolaid (a pinch of Obama, a teaspoon of Jehlen and then a grope or two of (from) Marzilli) before it becomes just too much for any person (even a diehard PDS’er like myself) to swallow.
I know Jim Marzilli has always been a big proponent of GROPAL warming, but this one may be over-the-top. Is it true that his new motto is “Women and children FIRST (and preferred)!”? Of course, I should realize that Jim is the victim here, right? He has a sickness and needs “treatment”!!! After his treatment (I bet he is just overworked! The poor baby!) then we can get him back to the senate to work on all the more pressing issues for local residents like Darfur, Tibet, Human Rights for salamandors, etc! Once we him get him back in office then any more of his groping or malfeasance can stay inside the PD party like it always does.
What should a good PDS’er do Barry? Marty? Is there a 5 year plan we can work off of?
June 9th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
I’m not sure where you get your ideas, but Jim Marzilli has withdrawn from his election in September and has taken an indefinite leave from his job. I don’t think we’ll see him in the State House again anytime soon.
I also don’t know why you think that anyone here is making excuses for him. I have not seen any such mention here except from you.
June 10th, 2008 at 7:45 am
Kate, I am confused….
State Sen. James Marzilli, facing charges he groped one woman and lewdly harassed another, is still collecting $1,119 a week from taxpayers and could even vote on legislation aimed at toughening penalties for convicted sex offenders, officials said yesterday.
Nothing in Senate rules prohibits the Arlington Democrat from returning to the State House to participate in future deliberations, a fact that sparked outrage from advocates of tougher laws against sex offenders.
“Senator Marzilli should make a decision on his own to not vote in these matters,” victims’ rights advocate Laurie Myers said yesterday. “It’s not fair to his constituents and it’s not fair to the people of this state.”
Marzilli, 50, who checked into a psychiatric hospital Thursday, has given little indication of his plans for the remainder of his term.
June 10th, 2008 at 9:43 am
As Katie said, Marzilli is not seeking re-election, so it makes no sense to consider endorsing him.
Imux was quoting an article from the Boston Herald James Marzilli may vote on sex bills