To the editor:
I was proud to endorse Joe Kennedy for U.S. Senate almost a year ago, and I am even more proud to stand with him now. Over these months, Joe has shown us all that he has to offer the people of Massachusetts and the Senate. It is a lot: progressive policies, a near-constant presence across the Commonwealth, a selfless focus on service, and national leadership.
Joe’s integrity and call to service infuse everything about his leadership and his campaign. In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Joe quickly halted campaign operations and transformed his team into a community service organization. Instead of campaign fundraising, they raised over $100,000 for local COVID-19 relief efforts. Instead of voter outreach, they called seniors and other vulnerable people to check on their needs and help with groceries, medications and other essentials.
Joe is a champion for those typically marginalized or left out entirely. He fights for justice on all fronts, from the LGBTQ+ community to the climate crisis, economic justice based on moral capitalism, racial justice and more. It is at the center of what he does, and his relentless efforts to “give everyone a fair shot” have earned him the endorsements of civil rights and community leaders, both iconic and local, including Rep. John Lewis, Martin Luther King III, Dolores Huerta, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Mayor Yvonne Spicer, Monica Cannon-Grant and dozens of others.
Joe is a partner in our efforts to build the kind of state and country worthy of all its people, and to build a Democratic Party for the future. He has always been a welcome and frequent presence in western Massachusetts, showing up to talk with anyone with a problem to solve. I have lost count of the number of times I have walked with him in Pittsfield, and know that he is a call (or text) away at any time. Joe also travels the country to energize and uplift others, as he did in 2018 when he stumped for congressional candidates in almost 20 states and helped Democrats win back the House (it is hard to recall visits from incumbent Sen. Ed Markey in western Massachusetts, and he did not campaign for any Democrats in 2018).
We need new leadership in Washington and the Democratic Party. It is not ageist to consider the value of fresh ideas and voices. Whether or not new leadership is young, it is valuable — just look at Sen. Elizabeth Warren, 71, who joined the Senate recently after multiple careers. She is a powerhouse, the face of Massachusetts in the Senate. Rotating leadership is not only reasonable, it’s a founding principle of our democracy. Congress was never supposed to be a lifelong career.
Joe Kennedy has the vision, tireless energy, and skills to lead and implement a bold, progressive agenda. Please join me in voting for Joe for U.S. Senate by mail, early voting or on Tuesday, Sept. 1.
Andrea Harrington
Berkshire District Attorney
