Politics & Government

Democratic Candidates On How They Would Work Across Party Lines in Congress

To help readers make a choice in the Democratic primary election on Tuesday, Patch asked the seven candidates how they could stop the deadlock in Congress and work with Republicans.

By Susan Petroni
On Tuesday, Oct. 15 voters in the 5th Congressional District will decide which of seven Democratic candidates will face off against a Republican challenger to be the district's newest U.S. Representative. The final election is in December.

There will be seven Democratic names on the Tuesday, Oct. 15 ballot. They are Sen. William Brownsberger, Sen. Katherine Clark, Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, Martin Long, Paul Maisano, Rep. Carl Sciortino and Sen. Karen Spilka.
 
Patch asked each of the candidates a series of questions. The answers to those questions will be published now through Sunday, Oct. 13. Long did not respond to Patch's request.

Today's report focuses on working with Republicans and stopping gridlock in Congress.

Currently, the federal government is shut down as the Democrats and Republicans can't work together.

This summer, a Wall Street Journal poll indicated 83 percent of Americans disapprove of Congress' job, which is an all-time high for that survey. 

Patch asked: "What can you do, if elected, do make Congress work. Give an example of where you are willing to work across party lines on an issue."

***

Sciortino: "In my TV ad, I show how my Tea Party father and I talk about politics. Although we disagree politically, at the end of the day we still get along. While I’ll never back down from fighting for progressive values in Congress, I will also seek to maintain civility among those who I disagree with politically."

Maisano: "I bring a business background to this office. Listen carefully to the other candidates when they speak of fighting. In business one who speaks of fighting usually is soon out of business. Each is a politician, we need less politicians and more business people in Congress to start getting the real WORK done. I bring this experience and have done this for over forty years in the private sector successfully."

Brownsberger: "I want to end the economic gridlock and move this country forward and I'll work with any colleague who wants to do the same. Areas that I have strong interest in where bipartisan progress appears possible include: (a) reining in our overreaching national security apparatus; (b) moderation of our drug laws (ending mandatory minimum sentences and legalizing marijuana); (c) tax reform focused on simplification.

On the broader question of gridlock, too many legislators are making campaign promises not to move an inch from the “party line” on the issues of the greatest national importance. This means they arrive Congress with their hands tied, unable to take steps toward reaching the kinds of agreements that will be necessary to move our country forward.

During this campaign, I have refused to make blanket promises never to compromise, because it is exactly those kinds of promises that have pushed us all the way to a shutdown of our federal government. 

Instead of promising to go to Washington and dig in my heels, I have shared my approach to decision-making: I will look at all sides of each issue – at what is possible as well as what is desirable; I will take the time to become informed before making up my mind; I will listen to my constituents and take the time to understand and consider their views on the issues I am struggling with; I will remain open to the possibility of changing my mind if new information leads me to rethink a position I have taken; and I will vote according to my own best judgments on behalf of my constituents and our country."

Clark: "It’s no wonder Americans disapprove of Congress – they’ve completely abdicated their responsibility to keep the government running in favor of partisan attacks on women’s rights and attempts to deny millions of Americans access to health insurance.

Although we certainly won’t agree on most issues, I can find opportunities to work with certain Republicans on shared issues. Actually moving progressive issues forward by identifying common ground and building consensus has been a hallmark of my work for families.

For example, we have to do more to encourage energy efficiency in residential, commercial and industrial buildings, which will decrease fossil fuel consumption and create jobs. A measure to do this is sponsored by Rep. David McKinley of West Virginia, and although we have many differences, I can work with him to increase efficiency and create jobs in the process."

Spilka: "As I have done with great success in the state legislature, I’ll work with anyone to tackle important issues and get the job done. Even if we disagree on the majority of policy, I would look for specific issues to make progress.

For example, as the legal guardian of my sister who has Down syndrome and now Alzheimer's, I personally know the great need and would immediately join with Republican Congressman Crenshaw as a cosponsor of the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE Act) which would allow for the creation of tax-exempt accounts to cover expenses like education, housing and transportation for disabled individuals. Just like families are able to have tax-deferred savings accounts to save for college and retirement, this would allow for accounts to set up for people with disabilities. It’s smart, commonsense legislation that Congress should be doing more of."

Koutoujian: "I have shown throughout my career that I can work across the aisle to find consensus on important issues while also staying true to my core values as a progressive Democrat. 

I believe that there is room for compromise on issues that matter to working families, like veteran’s issues, immigration, and gun control.

At the same time, I will never compromise on my principals --the issues of basic fairness like a woman’s right to choose, equal pay for equal work and tax fairness for the  middle class."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here