Elections 2010 – MA2, Incumbent Richard Neal (D) and Republican Tom Wesley Debate Issues for Half Hour Pre-Tapped Debate

Incumbent MA2 Congressional Represenative Richard Neal,(D), up for re-election in 2010 - photo urbancompass blog

The only MA-2 Congressional District Debate known to be televised before the mid-term election on Nov. 2nd took place yesterday on New England Public Television, Channel 57, in Springfield, MA. The one-half hour debate, broadcast at 7:30 pm, was tapped earlier in the day. Coverage of the debate on MassLive, the Springfield Republican’s Website offers the three areas of “interest “touched upon during the limited time allowed the public to compare and contrast the two candidates.


Tom Wesley, Republican Candidate for MA2 Congressional District 2010 image Wales Republican blog


Incumbent Democrat Richard Neal continued to imply that he would be taking up issues when he returned in next session, between each of the three questions poised during the debate. The Congressman spoke for the longest period of time during each question and appeared a bit too over-confident throughout the debate. In the first round of questions, regarding jobs and taxes, Neal accused Republican opponent Tom Wesley of being an “outsourcing expert”, Wesley countered that although companies are forced to outsource to the fact that the U.S. corporate tax rate is second only to Japan (which country is reviewing their tax policies), he also was responsible for bringing jobs back into the country when the tax climate changed. As an example, Wesley cited a company brought back to the district from Germany, when that nation’s tax rate became unfriendly. In addition, in disusing taxes, Wesley brought up the fact that Congress allowed the Bush tax cuts to expire, which means that all constituents will bear a heavy tax burden in the coming year. Neal, who stuck to the party line of “no tax cuts for the Rich”, agreed with Wesley, when he inquired of Neal, what the Congressman felt was “rich”, and if the a $500,000 bench mark might be in order, keeping small business owners’ more comfortable. Neal said he was willing to look at that when he returned for the next session. Neal continued to focus on the incorrect fact that cheap labor drives outsourcing, while Wesley having asked and answered, smiled and told the moderator to move onto the next question. Wesley appeared controlled and confident in all three areas touched on during the debate.

On the question of spending Neal spoke about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the cost of which being the responsibility of the prior administration, never noting that the continued and increased effort in Afghanistan was undertaken by the current administration. Neal noted that he voted against his own party in the original Congressional role of allowing then President Bush to seek military action against Iraq. He said it was the “best vote he ever made”. Mr. Wesley, a veteran, also spoke to the conflicts, noting Special Forces should be utilized instead of the full-scale military option in both instances.

On the question of Health Care Reform, Neal stuck to the Obama Health Care plan, while Mr. Wesley offered alternate solutions, which appeared to be unacceptable to Congressman Neal. Wesley pointed out the jobs lost in the district due to the Health Care Reforms and taxes, while Neal spoke about constituents who were without health care. The later a bit disingenuous as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has mandatory health care coverage. Wesley suggested that certain portions of the Health Care Reform bill were acceptable, however, offered options that would lower costs to both taxpayers and business. The most humorous statement made in this segment came from Congressman Neal, when Mr. Wesley spoke about an Ambulance service that had to reduce its workforce (cutting jobs), because of the cuts to Medicare reimbursement which all health care providers are experiencing. Congressman Neal quipped: (paraphrased) “I know about ambulances – I won an award in Washington from an Ambulance Association!!” Although that statement might be tied with the response by Congressman Neal regarding Social Security and Medicare: (Paraphrased): “I know about Social Security and Medicare”! The fact that seniors would not be given a cost of living raise for a second straight year, was not discussed, nor the fact that Congress had insured they received an annual C.O.L.A.

In the debate, it was clear that Mr. Wesley knew a thing or two about the issues at hand, and that Congressman Neal was clearly on the defensive. As there were no closing statements, it is difficult to score the debate, however, regardless of any partisanship, Mr. Wesley, on content and appearance of control, scored. Both men would be eligible for congeniality awards, if one were looking for a fiery exchange, there was none present.

All in all, the time allowed was far too short, and other districts in the Commonwealth, such as the MA 1, which borders the 2nd district, incumbents have given the time to their constituents by taking part in either multiple and or extended televised debates. One would think, as Congressman Neal voted with the entire Massachusetts Congressional Delegation to take a break in order for incumbents in the Congress to go back to their districts to campaign, one would be seeing a great deal more, as far as debates and coverage of this particular district race. In addition, with that vote to leave, the issue of the Bush Tax cuts was left on the table – the result, a continued hiring freeze from employers across the district who are not sure what liabilities they may face in 2011.
The full podcast of the debate should be available after its second airing, this Sunday at 10:30 am. On Channel 57, in Springfield, MA.

Richard Neal (D-MA) Evasive on Debating Challenger, Tom Wesley – Is it Pelosi Style Dodge or Fear of Constituents!

Neal(D-MA2) and McGovern (D-MA3) shown on defense at Town Hall meeting in 2009 - photo Worcester Telegram

Congressman Richard Neal has been asked to debate his opponent, Republican Tom Wesley, in Town Hall Style Debates – the Congressman, has, to date studiously avoided debating in this format. There are two debates planned – one on the 15th of October broadcast from Springfield, MA and one in Milford, where only a portion of the eastern end of the Hampden 2nd will be represented. Both of these debates are in rather "safe" settings, and not entirely confirmed.

One can hardly blame Neal for avoiding town hall style meetings or debates – although he thought it was a good idea when blasting President George Bush’s Town Hall Meetings in 2005 (see video below) – Neal has since changed his mind. When holding a town hall style health care forum in August of 2009, with McGovern (D-MA) 3rd District, ” U.S. Reps. James P. McGovern and Richard E. Neal were heckled and booed after trying to rally support today for President Barack Obama's plan for a comprehensive national health insurance program.

The two Worcester-area Democratic lawmakers were shouted down several times by people attending a packed “town hall” meeting at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

UMass officials threatened several times to end the gathering because of the raucous behavior, which occurred despite a heavy police presence.” (Worcester Telegram)

Perhaps Neal would debate Wesley in this style if he were given certain assurances, such as not having to answer any questions based on his vote on Health Care Reform, or any number of votes where this career politician has voted consistently with one political party. In other words, Neal cannot debate the issues, based on his stand on the issues and his fear that, even in Massachusetts, his stand might be unpopular (given his recent 2009traumatizing experience with actual constituents.)

Although Neal is campaigning harder than he had anticipated to try and maintain the Hampden 2nd Congressional seat, it appears to be an uphill battle, and in some cases, even unfair to the "low-profile" Neal. In recent conversations with constituents across the district over the past three days, the response is one of anti-incumbency. The most telling response, one woman (name held by request) who had actually received help from Neal’s office noted: “It’s sad, he helped me, but I really feel that he’s been there too long.” This long-time Democrat went on to note she would be voting for the Republican, Tom Wesley – a first in her 20 odd years of voting.

While researching roll call votes at The Library of Congress online, one finds Neal voting straight party line from 1999 forward. This last term has seen a lock-step party politician in Neal’s Yea’s or Ney’s - see roll call votes for the 111th Congress 1st session here and for the 111th second session here.

It is fear of running on one’s record in an environment which is not only anti-incumbent, but also one in which the voter, regardless of party, is seeking representation that is not afraid to cross party lines – more than say – once.

Therefore, those in the Hampden 2nd, both the east and west ends of the District are being treated to photo-opps of Neal, and articles written about how those darn Wesley supporters show up at Neal events to hold signs in support of their candidate. It is not that Wesley supporters actually “crash the party” – rather they keep a respectable distance. It is apparently too much for Neal, who would prefer to be isolated from the public – at least until after Nov. 2nd. On the following Wed. he is hoping to hop on the first train out of Massachusetts and head back to the “safety” of the Beltway where he can relax in a less hostile environment.

Again, one has to wonder if Neal will get his wish, from sources within a polling firm hired by the campaign, the road to Neal’s success is not certain. Neal will hold the majority of the Progressives in the district, and those Democrats who simply could not vote for a Republican under any circumstances, he will not hold the Republicans (who make a slight dent in this district), or the unenrolled – who are the majority of the voters in the Hampden 2nd.

Although Neal is reported to be running television ads somewhere in the district (note to Neal Campaign: those 3 AM time slots do not reach a large segment of the populace.), The local media is either unwilling (possible) or unable (likely) to pin Neal down on issues, making this race all but invisible in the press. Most important, the “regular” folk are aware that a race is taking place, and the district (which voted heavily for Scott Brown (above statewide averages), sees that same independent streak (pick a name out of the phone book would be better) unabated.

One has to wonder if it was worth it for Neal to vote with Nancy Pelosi on Congress taking a break so that members could go back to their districts to campaign, instead of voting on the Bush Tax Cuts, which places every single household in the district in peril of having to pay additional taxes beginning January 1. Local businesses, both small and large, have been left in limbo, as those tax cuts (see the Wealthy), apply to them as well – this will result in continued hiring freezes for the Hampden 2nd.

One would think Neal would “man-up”, take Wesley on in any debate forum, in order to showcase his rhetorical skills, and to take a stand on the issues, that although unpopular with the majority of his constituents, that he supported.

Neal has to understand that in order to keep his seat; he needs to convince those voters who, even with his help, would prefer to remove him. The only way to reach those voters and to give them a reason not to vote for Mr. Tom Wesley, of Hopedale, a businessman and veteran who has never held a public office, will be to debate Mr. Wesley and stop avoiding questions posed by certain local reporters.

To pretend this race is a "lock" for Neal is foolhardy, although factions within the Republican party may be putting their efforts into the Governors race, or the 10th, 4th and 5th Districts, it is reminiscent of the Brown campaign, where the ground game counted. Should Neal continue to duck and cover (1950's reference to hiding under ones desk in he event of nuclear war.) it may well be his undoing. This race will not be a landslide on either side, it will be tight and although at this point it is difficult to project (without the marginals from referenced pollsters - which, granted this is hearsay without the ability to print the source name, or the marginals - not yet delivered.) one would hazard to bet a 5 point deficit for an incumbent might be difficult to overcome this close to an election.


Richard Neal on Town Hall meetings.