Election season 2012 is in high gear now, and we don’t want you to miss a thing. Here are some highlights from various races from your area.
HOUSE ESSEX 14TH
In a political upset, challenger Diana DiZoglio defeated State Rep. David Torrisi in the Democratic Primary. Torrisi, who has served in the legislature since 1999, won in North Andover but lost in every other community in the district.
DiZoglio will go on to face Republican Karin Rhoton in the general election.
STATE SENATE ESSEX 1ST
In another political upset, in the Democratic Primary former Methuen Mayor William Manzi and Haverhill progressive Timothy Coco were both defeated by Newburyport City Councilor Kathleen O'Connor Ives.
Ives received 3,881 votes, Coco received 3,320 votes and Manzi received 3155 votes.
In the Republican Primary, Haverhill's Shaun Toohey defeated Haverhill's Sam Meas.
CONGRESS DISTRICT 6
This was a relatively quiet week for the District 6 congressional race. Neither Congressman John Tierney nor challenger Richard Tisei faced primary opposition.
Last weekend, Tierney went after Tisei over a retweet. It seems Tisei -- or whoever runs his Twitter account -- retweeted a tweet by ACT For America, a controversial watchdog group that many see as anti-Islam and that the Anti-Defamation League has labeled an extremist hate group.
“It is surprising that Richard Tisei would promote an anti-Muslim hate group like ACT,” Tierney spokesman Grant Herring said after the tweet. “He owes voters an explanation about this bizarre move. This seems very inconsistent with Mr. Tisei’s claims of being a ‘live and let live Republican.’ It is concerning that anyone who wants to be taken seriously as a candidate for U.S. House would re-tweet something from a group like ACT.”
The tweet was removed from Tisei’s Twitter page.
Tierney attended a breakfast with the North Shore Chamber of Commerce this week as well, to discuss small business and job growth.
At the Democratic National Convention, former President Bill Clinton spoke about the Affordable Care Act and mentioned the “Tierney Rule,” which mandates that companies spend a certain percent of premium money on health care for patients and resulted in many people getting rebate checks from insurers.
U.S. SENATE
Both Sen. Scott Brown and Democratic challenger Elizabeth Warren were unopposed in primaries.
Warren spoke at the DNC on Wednesday night, supporting President Obama and calling for tougher bank regulation.
Raymond Hanna
6:09 pm on Saturday, September 8, 2012
Regarding the Tisei/Tierney article, I am not surprised that John Tierney is on the wrong side of national security and freedom. Like his ignorance of what his wife was doing illegally under his nose with his brother in law, he distorts what ACT for America stands for. Act for America exposes the truth about Islam and sharia law.
John Tierney’s ignorance about both tells you a great deal about this empty suit in office. Unfortunately John Tierney has always been on the wrong side of the issues that pertain to his constituents.
I am also disappointed that Richard Tisei would cow tow to this demonizing put on by his opponent when he knows full well he would be one those that would be persecuted and condemned and put to death if we allow sharia law in this country.
The statements, positions, opinions and views expressed in this comment, whether written, audible, or video, are those of the individuals and organizations making them and do not necessarily represent the positions, views, and opinions of ACT! For America, Inc., its directors, officers, or agents.”
Bryan McGonigle2
9:48 pm on Saturday, September 8, 2012
What also bothers me is the extremely misleading mail I'm getting from his campaign. And the Mass Democratic Party should be ashamed of itself for the stuff it posts on the Patch.
Raymond Hanna
10:14 pm on Monday, September 10, 2012
Four minutes of your time will show you how much ACT!forAmerica defends our national security and freedom.
http://youtu.be/4nhVZ0-wtzw