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December 2, 2009

Capuano: 'Insider' is right for the job

By Katie Curley Katzman

Editor's note: This is another in a series of profiles on the candidates running in Tuesday's U.S. Senate primary.

NEWBURYPORT — When Mike Capuano arrived in Newburyport last month, he was well received by a large crowd gathered at Caffe di Siena to greet him.

Local politicians, including representatives from Gov. Deval Patrick's office and the state Democratic Committee, Sheriff Frank Cousins, members of Newburyport's City Council, and Amesbury and Newburyport Democratic committees turned out for the event. Since then, Mayor Thatcher Kezer of Amesbury and Newburyport Mayor-elect Donna Holaday have endorsed Capuano for Senate, along with former Gov. Michael Dukakis and Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi.

Capuano, a former mayor of Somerville who proudly boasts of his roots growing up on the streets of the crowded Boston suburb, has locked up more endorsements from civic leaders than any of his three Democratic opponents. It's his roots in local government and his direct — some might say combative — style that appeals to them.

"Mike has an understanding on the street level, having served as mayor of Somerville, of where the rubber meets the road," Kezer said at last month's coffeehouse meeting.

Rep. Michael Costello, D-Newburyport, as well as his father, former state Sen. Nick Costello, were on hand to offer support for their friend.

"Mike is a kid who grew up on the streets of Somerville with the courage to take a stand," Costello said. "He stood up against the war in Iraq and the Patriot Act; he thinks there should be a public health care option. He has a backbone."

Capuano is running for the seat vacated by the death of senior Sen. Edward Kennedy. In Tuesday's Democratic primary, Capuano is pitted against City Year founder Alan Khazei, Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca and state Attorney General Martha Coakley, who is the early front-runner, according to many polls.

Often characterized as a pugnacious man, Costello says those qualities are associated with being passionate.

"Passionate personalities translate into angry personalities sometimes," Costello said. "I've never seen him lose his temper, but he's a passionate guy who grew up on the streets of Somerville, and he understands what it's like to fight."

Costello said he has known Capuano as a mayor and as a congressman and believes he is what we need for change.

"We have great candidates, but he is the most passionate and has taken stands I'm proud of," Costello said. "This is the highest elected office outside of president with a concentration of power. Mike is not part of the millionaires' club, he grew up on the streets, and that perspective is refreshing. It will be an alter-ego for people like Sen. John Kerry, for instance."

Capuano noted last month many of the issues statewide are consistent, and he has the philosophy and determination to get answers in Washington.

"There are issues across the state that are not specific to one city or town," Capuano said. "The Plum Island (beach erosion) issue here is kind of important, but it is part of a greater issue."

As Capuano ramps up his attacks on campaign front-runner Martha Coakley, he in turn has received criticism for his liberal voting record and accepting campaign contributions from lobbyists.

He voted against the authorization to invade Iraq, opposed the Patriot Act and is opposed to the death penalty. He has also been a consistent supporter of abortion rights and gay marriage.

Capuano has received criticism for accepting substantial campaign contributions from lobbyists and taking money from political action committees. During his time in Congress, political action committees have donated nearly 35 percent of the $5.4 million he has raised, according to federal campaign finance reports. In addition, Capuano has received PAC money and individual contributions from the PMA Group currently under investigation for funneling fraudulent campaign contributions to lawmakers, though Capuano has not been named among them.

In addition, in 2005, Capuano and his wife took a trip to Brazil funded by corporate and special interest money.

Among the issues Capuano lists as key are the economy, energy and environment, veterans services, ethics and education. On health care, Capuano says he will carry on the legacy of Kennedy and support the public insurance option. Capuano is fighting for its inclusion in the final package.

Touting his background in local politics and his ancestry as a descendent of Irish and Italian immigrants, Capuano has said running for the Senate is not about the title but about the chance to make a big difference in Washington.

Another title often shunned, "Washington insider," Capuano wears as a badge of honor.

Close with Pelosi, Capuano heralds the relationships as a way to get things done for Massachusetts.

The ability to bring federal money to Massachusetts was something Kennedy was known for. This, coupled with his commitment to get the health care bill passed, is the way Capuano has said he will carry on Kennedy's legacy.

Mike Capuano

Hometown: Somerville

Age: 57

Family: wife, Barbara Teebagy Capuano, and two sons, Michael and Joseph

Experience: currently serving sixth term as a member of Congress from the 8th Congressional District. Prior to 1998, Capuano served five terms as mayor of Somerville. He has also served as president of the Massachusetts Municipal Association and the Massachusetts Mayors' Association.

Key Issues: Supports health care reform

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Capuano: 'Insider' is right for the job
by By Katie Curley Katzman , , Wed Dec 02, 2009, 03:56 AM EST

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