Endorsements

"We lost an extraordinary public servant when we lost Ted Kennedy. Filling his shoes in the United States Senate will take somebody who has many of his special qualities — a deep commitment to the welfare of ordinary Americans; the courage of his convictions; and at the same time the political skills to craft solutions to our problems that can work and win the support they need in the Congress of the United States. Mike Capuano is that person."

"Mike Capuano [is] someone who always finds a way to make progress regardless of the issue, which is why I selected him to serve in key roles on my leadership team. Whether overseeing the transition as the Democrats prepared to serve in the majority or working with Republican members on ethics reform, Mike always finished the job and got results," stated Speaker Pelosi. "Mike’s proven record of accomplishment in the House is clear evidence that he will be an outstanding advocate for the people of Massachusetts in the tradition of the late Senator Kennedy."

"Mike combines the street smarts of Somerville with the decisiveness of his Dartmouth education. Having worked with him in Congress for the last eleven years, I know that he will be a passionate and effective force for progressive values in the United States Senate."

"I cannot think of anything the United States Senate needs more than a strong dose of the commitment, energy and appropriate skepticism of established traditions that Mike Capuano has shown in his ten years in the House."

"Having been elected to Congress in 2001, I have worked closely with Mike Capuano on many serious issues. He has the experience, knowledge and integrity to represent Massachusetts in the United States Senate. I know firsthand how hard he works, and I am pleased to endorse him for the U.S. Senate."

"As our next U.S. Senator, Mike Capuano will continue to effectively serve all Massachusetts residents and fight for the progressive ideals we share. I have been proud to call Congressman Capuano a friend and colleague."

“He’s tenacious. He was a very effective mayor, he’s been a skilled legislator, and I think that ought to play in the voters’ consideration. He will make a great United States Senator."

"Mike is a strong, proven champion of everything that Massachusetts needs right now – affordable health care, quality public education, living wages, retirement security, innovative transportation, clean energy, investments in science and technology that pay off, and corporate and financial institution responsibility. Mike has made a career in the House of fighting hard for jobs and economic growth for Massachusetts, and he will be even more effective in that role in the Senate."

"I am supporting Mike in his campaign for Senate because I know how hard he works to stand up for middle-class families, to achieve affordable, universal health care, and to create jobs here in Massachusetts. There is no other candidate in this race who can match his work ethic, his years of legislative experience, and his steadfast commitment to his principles and progressive beliefs."

"Mike has proven leadership on issues important to me such as improving education and fighting to protect our cherished civil liberties. Mike’s experience in the House coupled with his passion to fight for what is best for Massachusetts makes him the very best candidate to send to the U.S. Senate. I am proud to endorse Mike today."

"I am here tonight because I see in this Mike, Mike Capuano, the single most important quality that [my husband] brought to public office: the courage to stand up and lead on those issues where leadership matters most. You cannot teach political courage. There is no course at the Kennedy School. You either own it or you don’t."

"Mike Capuano is the only candidate with the necessary experience to represent Massachusetts' working families in the U.S. Senate. His proven record of success as a mayor and congressman is clear. He has the legislative experience and know-how Massachusetts needs."

"I've known Mike Capuano for twenty-five years, and I have always been impressed by his deep commitment and passion for the issues that matter to the people of Massachusetts, and for his dedication and ability to find real solutions that make a difference in their lives."

"Congressman Mike Capuano is an established leader who has the proven record and experience necessary to represent Massachusetts at the national level. As our next U.S. Senator, Mike Capuano will continue to be a champion for working men and women across the Commonwealth and will continue to fight for the issues that matter most to the residents of Massachusetts."

"Mike has a tremendous passion that he brings to this job. It is that passion and commitment that separates him from the others. It is this passion that gets things done and reminds us of the people that we are working for."

"I have always been impressed by public servants who know what they believe, and are not afraid to say so, when the opportunity arises."

"Mike is an experienced and committed public servant who will be immediately effective in the Senate."

"I believe Massachusetts deserves a Senator who has already clearly demonstrated he is not afraid to take on the special interests of Capitol Hill or to push his colleagues to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct to serve the people of this country."

"I’m proud to endorse Mike Capuano for U. S. Senate. I’m confident that as Senator he’ll undoubtedly be a strong and persuasive advocate for the citizens of the Commonwealth. Both experienced and determined, he is the best candidate to fill the late Senator Kennedy’s seat in Washington, D.C."

"I am proud to give my support and endorsement to Congressman Mike Capuano. I believe that Mike has the qualities and experience which best qualify him to serve as our next United States Senator for Massachusetts."

"In Congressman Capuano I find something unique, a nice blend Washington experience and contacts with the right commitment to the values of the Democratic Party so dear to Senator Kennedy and the people of Massachusetts. Congressman Capuano has demonstrated to me that he has the ability to successfully translate that experience and value commitment into service to his district as well as legislation on the floor."

"I offer my endorsement with great enthusiasm and excitement! I can't imagine anyone with Mike's skill, energy and track record not filling the seat. He and his remarkable staff have always responded to any issues in my district as soon as I've asked."

"Mike has had experience at all levels of government. He understands the stresses that are our cities and towns are feeling now and he understands the national economic issues that are facing our country today."

"I am supporting Mike Capuano because there is no one better suited to continue the fight for the people of this Commonwealth and to carry on many of the benchmarks that were a part of Ted Kennedy's legacy: Health Care Reform, Education and Constituent Services. These are items that Mike has already been a passionate advocate for in the House and will hit the ground running from Day One as our next Senator."

"Our Commonwealth is extremely fortunate — at a time when so many complex issues are being debated in Washington — that we have Congressman Mike Capuano who we can send to the Senate without missing a beat. Mike won't need any on-the-job training."

"I want someone who will go to Washington to fight for us now. Not in six months or a year. To do that you have to know where the fight is and you have to know how to fight. Mike not only knows where it is, he knows how to do it. He's taken the tough votes against the war in Iraq and against the Patriot Act. He's for a public option in the National Health Care debate. We don't have time to wait for someone to figure out how to be a legislator."

"Mike understands the bread-and-butter issues like health care reform and civil liberties like the freedom to marry and reproductive choice. Plus, he’s the only candidate who has any foreign policy background."

"Congressman Capuano has the experience necessary to hit the ground running as our next U.S. Senator at this critical juncture in our nation’s history. As a former mayor, Mike Capuano understands the issues confronting cities such New Bedford and Fall River which is very important to me as a state legislator from Southeastern Massachusetts."

"I've known Mike Capuano for over 15 years, having first met him when we both served on the Massachusetts Municipal Association Board. Mike recognizes the issues and challenges facing our municipalities and is the only candidate who understands that these may differ for cities versus towns and for metropolitan areas versus suburban or rural communities."

"Those of us who have taken the time to examine his career in public service understand very clearly that he is, without a doubt, the candidate most ready to take on the important responsibilities of representing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States Senate."

"Mike Capuano is an experienced and thoughtful leader and I believe that he is the best candidate in this race to continue the work of Senator Kennedy. As a former Mayor, he also understands the needs of our local cities and towns and recognizes the need for federal support for housing, schools and public safety."