Hudak Gears up for Race Against Tierney In November

Boxford Republican Bill Hudak easily defeated primary challenger Rob McCarthy on Sept. 14, collecting more than 70 percent of the votes to face Congressman John Tierney (D-Salem) in the general election on Nov. 2.

In North Andover, voter turnout was low at about 14 percent. Of the more than 18,000 registered voters in town, only 2629 voted in the primary. Hudak received 1,281 votes -- 80 percent of the Republican primary vote. His primary opponent, Robert J. McCarthy Jr., received 213 votes to get 13 percent.

Hudak said he was humbled by the support, but noted that he has been campaigning for more than a year.

"I started working long before anyone else in the state," Hudak said. "I was out campaigning before Scott Brown; I was ahead of the curve."

He said he is about "uniting our country again to all stand together for a common purpose, for America, to be the strongest we can be."

In a statement from Tierney's spokesperson Kathryn Prael Sept. 15, she said: "John is pleased Mr. Hudak, who avoided debates throughout his primary race, now agrees that it is important to discuss the critical issues facing our families and community," the statement said. "As John made clear last week when he invited the winner of the Republican primary to debate, he is looking forward to sharing with voters his views on how to revive our economy, create jobs, protect Social Security and Medicare, and strengthen our national security."

Prael went on to say, "In the coming days, our campaign will work directly with Mr. Hudak's campaign to make certain there will be vigorous debate, so voters have the opportunity to hear where the candidates stand on important issues."

Tierney received 80 percent of the Democratic primary votes in North Andover, getting 825 votes.

Hudak's campaign manager, Kevin McCullough, said that the outcome was "pretty obvious" from the get-go, although a lot of the results did not come in until after 10 p.m.

Hudak's support ranged from the mid-70s to more than 90 percent in some towns in the northern part of the Sixth Congressional District, which runs from Burlington to the shore and north from Lynn to Newburyport.

McCullough said Hudak's campaign rented the Village Green in Danvers to watch results.

"We had so many supporters, people running phone banks," McCullough said. 

There was no party, but a lot of watching of the races around the district and the state, he said.

Tierney made a surprise announcement on Sept. 10 that he would be open to debating his opponent. In a letter to both Republican candidates, he said he would reach out to the winner's campaign.

"I formally invite the Republican nominee to debate the issues," Tierney's letter said. "My campaign staff will be in touch with the winner's campaign staff to discuss debate specifics."

After the results came in on election night, Hudak immediately announced his proposal for a "series of debates," with Tierney.

McCullough said the debates will be negotiated with Tierney's campaign staff, but he said one debate is not enough.

"Given the issues, we don't think one debate is enough to satisfy it," McCullough said. "And, we've got to get around the district."

There are sharp divides between the candidates, Hudak said, which is why a series of debates should be held on different issues, such as jobs, healthcare, and national security.

Hudak said he has raised more than $600,000, mostly "hand-to-hand" from small donors. He admits it will be tough going up against Tierney's significant money advantage in the final six weeks until the election.

"He can't buy this election," Hudak said. "He may be able to outspend me, but he cannot outwork me."

In a statement after the primary results came in, Tierney thanked his supporters.

"I am proud and humbled by the outpouring of support I received today," Tierney said. "I look forward to continuing my conversations with local residents and providing voters with an opportunity to learn more about the differences between the candidates for Congress."