Monthly Archive for January, 2010

Representative Loughlin Hears the Message Sent by Massachusetts Voters: “It’s a New Day!”

Stunning Upset by Scott Brown Returns “The People’s Seat”

TIVERTON – In an upset of historic significance, the seat held for the last 47 years by Senator Edward M. Kennedy, has been won by State Senator Scott Brown, a candidate, who, like State Representative John Loughlin, believes in less government, lower spending and responsive, responsible representation.

“The victory is stunning,” says John Loughlin, Rhode Island State Representative and Republican candidate for U.S. Congress in the First District. “Massachusetts is one of the bluest of the blue states, where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by 3 to 1.

Voters turned out in record numbers. Even visits by Democratic giants – including two Presidents – plus the full backing of Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, Senator John Kerry and the entire Kennedy family, including RI Congressman Patrick Kennedy, could not derail Brown’ campaign for the peoples seat.”

Loughlin believes that the many Independent voters of Massachusetts as well as Democrats joined Republicans and made their voices heard. “Voter frustration crosses party lines,” says Loughlin.

“This election proved that it is not the people who don’t understand the issues, it is the politicians who don’t understand the people.”

Loughlin believes that voters were fueled by anger and anxiety over today’s most crucial issues, from crippling unemployment to out-of-control spending and unchecked government expansion. He feels the political climate is one of profound unrest, where voters are unheard by out-of-touch, catch-me-if-you-can Washington insiders, operating behind closed doors.

“Today’s most serious issues, like Medicare and healthcare reform, high taxes and national security cry out for a common sense approach,” says Loughlin.

“Frustrated voters deserve a voice and a victory – today they got both.”

As Massachusetts neighbors, Rhode Islanders are facing a similar crossroad. “Ours is a state that’s heavily Democratic too,” Loughlin says. “But the upset in Massachusetts, I believe will motivate voters to unseat Patrick Kennedy, another career politician who’s voting record reflects his inability to understand the challenges Rhode Islanders face daily. He’s been entrenched in the Washington establishment for far too long.”

“I look forward to the contest with Representative Kennedy. It’s time for fresh-thinking, independent leadership from a candidate who listens to and respects the voters,” he says. “The days of letting the old political machinery run our state must end. Now more than ever, we need accountability and transparency. Elected officials need to be in touch, whether it’s visiting a business owner in Portsmouth, a caregiver in Woonsocket or a homeowner in a Providence neighborhood.”

The Loughlin campaign will reach across state lines to extend an invitation to the newly elected Massachusetts Senator in the months ahead. “I want Scott Brown to see first-hand that Rhode Islanders are also ready to send someone to Washington who will take on the political machine,” says Loughlin. “Today, Massachusetts voters opened the door to a new era – and I’m confident that Rhode Island voters will follow.”

Press Release: State Representative John Loughlin