Massachusetts 2nd Congressional District Pre-Debate – Supporters Rally for Incumbent Richard Neal and Republican Challenger Tom Wesley

Tom Wesley Supporters Rally Outside of WGBY Springfield


The debate between Massachusetts Second Congressional District Incumbent Richard Neal and challenger, Republican Tom Wesley, will be aired tonight at 7:30 pm on Local PBS Channel 57, WGBY, Springfield and again on Sunday at 10:30 am. The debate was tapped earlier in the day, and both the Neal and Wesley campaigns held rallies in support of their candidates. This rally, not unlike the entire campaign, was not covered by any of the local news stations, not one newspaper, nor was one television news station present.

Arriving on Hampden Street at 10:45 am, one could see there were a few people gathered on both sides of the street next to the building that houses Channel 57, and others were stationed on Columbus Avenue. In general, the crowd was distinguishable by the union (carpenters) and other locals holding Neal for Congress Signs, while many of the Wesley supporters had take the time off work in order to stand in support of their candidate. The carried American Flags, Wesley for Congress Campaign Signs, and a few signs bearing messages for Congressman Neal. Both camps mingled and appeared to be fairly polite. About 20 minutes into the rally, additional Wesley supporters continued to arrive, while the Neal supporters packed up their signs and left. The exceptions being one Neal Staffer, one Neal family friend, a lawyer who was helped by Neal, and one Duval Patrick campaign staffer. They stayed until the tapping of the debate ended at approximately 12 noon.



Neal Staffer holds Campaign sign

Photo’s below give a clear idea of how much dedication it takes to support a candidate in New England on a rainy, damp New England day, during a lull in a Nor’easter. There was one minor incident where a staffer appeared a bit shaken when one Wesley supporter, as the Neal campaign staffers were packing up, shouted (paraphrasing) “Get a Real Job!”. The intent of the shout was in all likelihood, one which was motivated by this individual knowing that the youth worked for the campaign, and therefore, was not employed by the private sector. However, understanding that campaigns won and lost, include those staffer’s jobs, and it was clear from the tone of the young man’s voice that he was a bit rattled and defensive. It must have been difficult to witness a small number of union workers and staffers standing for his candidate (employer) and the larger contingent of Wesley supporters who were there.

Tom Wesley emerged confident from the Debate.


Scenes from the Neal-Wesley Debate Rally



Scenes from the Neal-Wesley Debate Rally




Scenes from the Neal-Wesley Debate Rally