Time magazine predicts healthcare is no longer the number one issue on midterm voters’ minds. “Voters are far more concerned about the stalled economy or soaring budget deficits,” writes Time. But here in Massachusetts, the state that elected the 41st vote, healthcare is still dominating the discussion in at least one race leading up to the September 14 state primary. What little discussion taking place, that is.
Incumbent Stephen Lynch is facing a challenge in the ninth Congressional District from Mac D’Alessandro, the former New England Political Director for the Services Employees International Union. Lynch, you will recall, voted no on healthcare reform because he says the bill “stripped out all the significant reform.” D’Alessandro disagrees. “He should tell that to the people in the district whose children have pre-existing conditions,” he says. D’Alessandro says he got in the race because “The thought of (Lynch) going unchallenged gave validity to his healthcare vote.”
Winning in September won’t be easy for D’Alessandro. He entered the race late with little name recognition and far fewer funds and insider connections than Lynch. But he is running a smooth grassroots campaign and he easily wins over many of the people he meets on the campaign trail. D’Alessandro, you see, is not afraid to take a stance. I met with D’Alessandro last week, and while our discussion focused primarily on women’s rights, he had plenty to say on healthcare, Iraq, immigration reform, private industry, the environment and the economy.
On disenfranchised women voters who feel let down by the Democratic Party, he says, “It’s not just women. Lots of progressives do. That’s why we don’t need more Democrats in office. We need better Democrats.”
On the glass ceiling, he says, “It’s titanium coated and some of it is still so ingrained in our culture. I noticed especially with healthcare that a lot of people aren’t even aware of the insidious nature of some of the insurance industry’s practices.”
On choice, he states on his website, “A woman’s right to choose must always be protected.” And he is clearly against the Stupak amendment, something Lynch supported with an early healthcare vote in Congress last fall.
You can read his position on the other issues on his campaign website. You cannot do that at Lynch’s site. With less than three weeks to go until the election, Lynch’s issues page merely says, “Coming soon.”
Stephen Lynch's blank Issues Page
So even if one could argue Lynch is not afraid to take a stance; that going against the Democrats on healthcare – in Kennedy country no less – was certainly a bold move, you have to wonder why he won’t defend, discuss or debate his vote.
On August 5, D’Alessandro invited Lynch to a series of debates. As of today, no debates have been scheduled. D’Alessandro’s team was told by Lynch’s campaign that the Congressman has assembled a debate negotiation team, but that team hasn’t been able to put anything on the calendar. If that isn’t a telling example of how Washington doesn’t work, than what is?
The voters in Massachusetts Ninth Congressional District deserve information, transparency and discourse. But Lynch isn’t cooperating. I have never found a candidate with whom I agree 100 percent and D’Alessandro is no exception. But assuming we align on the issues that matter most to me, I will always support the candidate who is willing to both talk, and listen, to their constituents. That is why, “I am a Mac.”
Reminder: today is the last day to vote in the September primary.
UPDATE: Mac D’Alessandro announced on September 2 he has received the endorsements of three leading pro-choice, pro-women’s health organizations — NARAL Pro-Choice America PAC, the National Organization for Women PAC, and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund.
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