Hamilton-Wenham Patch – Regional Student: First Congressional Debate Offers Voters a Clear Choice

On Thursday afternoon, the voters of the Massachusetts Sixth Congressional District were given their first chance to see the Congressional candidates spar on a variety of issues at North Shore Community College in Lynn – hosted by MassINC.

WGBH – John Tierney Versus the Media

As Congressman John Tierney seeks re-election, family may be his biggest liability. Last year, Tierney’s wife spent a month in prison after she was convicted of helping her fugitive brother file false tax returns — and Tierney’s family ties have loomed large in media coverage of his race against Republican Richard Tisei. Now Tierney seems to be sending the press a message: back off.

CommonWealth magazine editor Bruce Mohl disputes that. Mohl moderated the September 27 debate and helped craft its structure.

Wicked Local Newton – Kennedy, Bielat trade jabs during first debate

Democrat Joe Kennedy III and Republican Sean Bielat heated up the Fourth Congressional District race during a Sept. 27 debate on WCVB’s “On the Record,” where Bielat attacked Kennedy’s qualifications, while Kennedy touted his efforts to reach out to voters and give everyone “access to opportunity.”

Kennedy and Bielat will attend MassINC’s “American Dream” debate in Fall River on Oct. 10 and the League of Women Voters’ candidates night at Wellesley College on Oct. 15.

Lowell Sun – Tierney, Tisei clash in first debate

U.S. Rep. John Tierney linked his Republican opponent, Richard Tisei, to “extremist” Republicans, while Tisei described Tierney as a shill for Washington Democrats Thursday in their first debate in a hotly contested 6th Congressional District campaign.

The debate also featured Libertarian candidate Daniel Fishman. The event was sponsored by Commonwealth Magazine and held inside a packed gymnasium at North Shore Community College.

Boston Globe – Tierney, Tisei keep it civil in first debate

US Representative John F. Tierney and his Republican challenger, Richard R. Tisei, sparred Thursday over taxes and Washington gridlock in a surprisingly civil debate that was notable for what was never mentioned: how much Tierney might have known about the illegal gambling ring that was run by his wife’s brothers.

Controversy surrounding the gambling ring has made the race one of the most competitive and bitter in Massachusetts. A Republican political action committee that backs Tisei is running ads demanding that Tierney, an eight-term Salem Democrat, “man up and tell the truth — the whole truth,” about the gambling business.

But in their first debate, Tisei, a former state senator from Wakefield, did not mention the issue. Speaking to reporters after the debate, he said he wanted to respect the organizers at MassINC, a think tank, who wanted to keep a strict focus on jobs, the economy, and the middle class. Still, MassINC officials said the candidates were free to bring up any issue.

Boston Herald – Richard Tisei keeps family scandal out of debate with John Tierney

Things got testy, but the involvement of U.S. Rep. John Tierney’s family in an illegal gambling ring never came up during a one-hour-plus debate yesterday with the Salem Democrat and Republican challenger Richard Tisei.

At the outset, moderator Bruce Mohl, the editor of MassINC’s CommonWealth Magazine, said his organization had done some “soul-searching” after reports the Tierney campaign had threatened not to do the debate if a section allowing the candidates to question each other was left in.

But the organizers decided to stick to the agreed-upon format, he said.

Wicked Local Saugus – Tierney, Tisei lock horns at Lynn debate

U.S. Congressman John Tierney shared a stage with both of his opponents in the fight to keep his seat for the first time on Thursday afternoon, as he traded sharp political barbs with Republican Richard Tisei and Libertarian Daniel Fishman over Medicare, the Affordable Care Act, and creating and keeping jobs.

The debate took place at the McGee Center on the Lynn campus of the North Shore Community College. It was sponsored by CommonWealth Magazine and moderated by that magazine’s editor, Bruce Mohl.

WBUR – Tierney, Tisei Face Off In Testy 6th District Debate

The candidates in the 6th Congressional District, on the North Shore — including Democratic U.S. Rep. John Tierney and his Republican rival, Richard Tisei — debated for the first time in Lynn Thursday.

The debate was contentious nearly from the start. Tierney’s campaign had asked the organizers, CommonWealth magazine and moderator Bruce Mohl, not to allow direct questions between the candidates, but early and often Tierney then proceeded to address Tisei directly.

The Daily Item – 6th District rivals square off in feisty Lynn debate

U.S. Rep. John Tierney and Republican Richard Tisei drew cheers and some boos from a North Shore Community College audience that listened Thursday as the pair jabbed at one another over campaign financing, tax cuts and bipartisanship.

North Shore Community College hosted Thursday’s debate sponsored by MassInc., Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce, Lynn Business Partnership and the North Shore Latino Business Association.

Gloucester Times – Congressional rivals face off over range of issues

Despite focus this week on the candidates’ tax returns and Congressman John Tierney’s ongoing family woes, neither issue arose yesterday as Democrat Tierney, Republican Richard Tisei and Libertarian Daniel Fishman met in debate for the first time during this 6th Congressional District race.

Moderator Bruce Mohl, editor of Commonwealth Magazine, asked the crowd at the onset to remain silent, which lasted a brief time before temptation prevailed and vigorous applause and jeers became commonplace.

Fox 25 – Tierney, Tisei clash in Mass. 6th District debate
Democratic U.S. Rep. John Tierney and his Republican challenger Richard Tisei wrangled in their first debate over who would be more independent if elected to represent Massachusetts’ 6th Congressional District.

CBS Boston – Rep. Tierney & Tisei Square Off In First Debate
Democratic U.S. Rep. John Tierney and his Republican challenger Richard Tisei wrangled in their first debate over who would be more independent if elected to represent Massachusetts’ 6th Congressional District.

NECN – Candidates for Mass.’s 6th District clash in debate

Democratic U.S. Rep. John Tierney and Republican challenger Richard Tisei confronted one another in their first debate in the race to represent the Bay State’s 6th Congressional District.

During the debate, Tierney, Tisei and Libertarian Party candidate Daniel Fishman talked about jobs, the economy and the future of the American Dream. 

WHDH – Tierney, Tisei clash in 6th District debate
Democratic U.S. Rep. John Tierney and his Republican challenger Richard Tisei wrangled in their first debate over who would be more independent if elected to represent Massachusetts’ 6th Congressional District.

WISHTV – Tierney, Tisei clash in Mass. 6th District debate

Democratic U.S. Rep. John Tierney and his Republican challenger, Richard Tisei, wrangled over who would be more politically independent and a better fighter for the middle class during the first debate in the state’s 6th Congressional District contest.

Tierney said Tisei would be beholden to “extremist” Republican House leaders if elected, pointing in part to support Tisei has received from Republican groups for his campaign.

“He said the tea party is a godsend,” Tierney said.

Republicans consider the 6th District race their best chance of picking up a U.S. House seat in Massachusetts. The National Republican Congressional Committee has made a push for Tisei, identifying him in its Young Gun campaign and making the race a priority.

Wicked Local Saugus – Candidates in 6th District race to debate ‘American Dream’
Democratic Congressman John Tierney, Republican challenger Richard Tisei and independent challenger Daniel Fishman will square off on policy issues related to the “American Dream” in a debate led by CommonWealth magazine and partners in the 6th Congressional District Thursday, Sept. 27, 3 p.m. in the Thomas McGee Building at the Lynn campus of North Shore Community College, 300 Broad St., Lynn. The 60-minute debate will be moderated by CommonWealth editor Bruce Mohl and will focus on national and state economic issues.

CBS Springfield – 1st debate planned in Mass. 6th district race

The candidates in the hotly contested 6th Congressional District race in Massachusetts are preparing for their first debate.

Incumbent Democratic Rep. John Tierney and Republican challenger Richard Tisei will square off Thursday at North Shore Community College. The debate sponsored by Mass Inc. and CommonWealth Magazine is the first of 4 in the race, and will also include Libertarian Party candidate Daniel Fishman.

The Herald News – Bielat, Kennedy agree to Oct. 10 debate at Fall River’s ATMC

As unemployment numbers climb way too high, and families watch as their homes are foreclosed upon, many are watching firsthand as the American dream fades away.

With elected officials needed to play a role in bringing that dream back into focus, the candidates in the 4th Congressional District race will be asked to provide details on their plans to improve job opportunities, the economy and rebuild the country’s middle class.

Republican Sean Bielat and Democrat Joseph Kennedy III have agreed to participate in an Oct. 10 debate hosted by MassINC and Commonwealth Magazine that will focus on “The American Dream: Jobs, the economy and the future of the middle class.”

Salem News – Attack of the TV Ads

Unless you’re very skillful with your Tivo, you were likely introduced this week to just how nasty the congressional race in the Massachusetts 6th District has become.

Both sides recently debuted negative ads on local network television — a tried and true political strategy, local experts say.

A recent poll by WBUR and MassINC Polling Group found that 57 percent have heard at least “a fair amount” about Tierney’s family’s issues.

Miford Patch – Kennedy Agrees to Debate Appearances; Bielat “Disappointed” with Announcement

As the general election race for the Fourth Congressional District heats up, so begins a debate about debates.

Kennedy will face Bielat in the Nov. 6 general election for the Fourth Congressional District seat currently held by Barney Frank. 

According to a press release issued today by the Kennedy campaign, Kennedy agreed to a televised debate on WCVB’s “On the Record” with Janet Wu and Ed Harding. The WCVB debate is scheduled for Sept. 30 at 11 a.m.

Kennedy and Bielat will also take part in MassINC’s “American Dream” debate in Fall River on October 10 at 4 p.m. and the League of Women Voters’ candidate’s night at Wellesley College on October 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Boston Globe – New poll shows Scott Brown leading Elizabeth Warren, after four other polls showed Warren ahead

A new poll shows US Senator Scott Brown with a lead over Elizabeth Warren, a break from a string of four previous polls that showed Warren leading the race.

The new University of Massachusetts Lowell/Boston Herald telephone poll of 524 voters, released Wednesday night, showed Brown leading 49 percent to 45 percent among those deemed likely to vote.

The most recent of the polls showing Warren ahead was conducted over roughly the same period as the UMass poll, from Saturday through Monday, by WBUR/MassINC Polling Group and was released Wednesday morning. It showed Warren leading 45 percent to 40 percent among 507 likely voters.

Talking Points Memo – Poll: Warren Up 5 In Mass. Senate Race

Massachusetts Democratic senate candidate Elizabeth Warren claims a lead in another post-convention poll, with a new survey out Wednesday showing her leading Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA) by 5 points.

The poll, conducted by MassINC Polling Group on behalf of Boston-based radio station WBUR, shows Warren leading Brown among likely voters, 45 percent to 40 percent.  Three other polls released this week also showed Warren moving ahead of Brown, after the Republican incumbent had seemingly asserted himself as the favorite in August. 

WBUR Senate Poll: Warren Leads Brown By 5

A WBUR poll of 507 likely Massachusetts voters (PDFs — topline, crosstabs) finds Democratic challenger Elizabeth Warren leading Republican incumbent U.S. Sen. Scott Brown, 45 percent to 40 percent. The survey has a 4.4 percent margin of error.

The WBUR poll, conducted Sept. 15-17 by the MassINC Polling Group, is the fourth released this week to find Warren making gains.

Lowell Sun – Tierney edging out Tisei in 6th District Congressional race

U.S. Rep. John Tierney is leading Republican Richard Tisei by 7 points among likely voters, according to a new poll in the 6th Congressional District.

The poll gives Tierney a 39 percent to 32 percent edge over Tisei. Libertarian Daniel Fishman received 6 percent support.

The poll was commissioned by WBUR and conducted by the MassINC Polling Group.

Marblehead Reporter – Poll: Tierney leads Tisei by 7 points in Congressional race

As Republican Richard Tisei prepares to announce Democrats who are behind his campaign for Congress, a new poll shows his opponent, Rep. John Tierney, leading Tisei by 7 points.

The WBUR poll, conducted by the MassINC Polling Group, showed 22 percent of likely voters are undecided, but 39 percent of the 401 likely voters surveyed were with Tierney compared to 32 percent for Tisei.

Boston Globe – Tierney up seven points on Tisei in race for Congress, new poll says

As Republican Richard ­Tisei prepared to present Democrats who are backing his campaign for Congress, a new poll shows his opponent, US Representative John Tierney, leading Tisei by seven points.

The WBUR poll, conducted by the MassINC Polling Group, showed 22 percent of the 401 likely voters surveyed were undecided, but 39 percent backed Tierney, compared to 32 percent for Tisei.

WBUR – Tierney Leads Tisei, But Electorate Still ‘Soft’

Republicans consider it their best chance of unseating a Democratic congressman in Massachusetts. It’s the 6th Congressional District race between embattled Democratic incumbent Rep. John Tierney and his Republican challenger, former state Sen. Richard Tisei.

A new WBUR poll out this morning shows that Tierney is leading by seven points, a lead that widens when you factor in voters leaning toward Tierney. But the poll also shows potential trouble for Tierney ahead.

Steven Koczela, president of MassINC Polling Group, joined WBUR’s Morning Edition to discuss the results.

WBUR Poll: Tierney Leads Tisei In Tight Race

With as many as 22 percent still undecided, a WBUR poll of voters (PDFs – topline, crosstabs) in the 6th Congressional District finds incumbent Democratic Rep. John Tierney leads his Republican challenger, former state Sen. Richard Tisei, by seven points.

The survey of 401 likely voters, conducted for WBUR by the MassINC Polling Group, had a margin of error of 4.9 percent. (Here’s our conversation with the pollster.)

National Journal – Poll Shows Scandal-Plagued Tierney Ahead

Embattled Rep. John Tierney, D-Mass., leads his Republican challenger in a new poll released early Wednesday, but that survey suggests Tierney’s support is soft, contributing to his vulnerability.

The poll of likely voters in Massachusetts’ 6th District, conducted by the MassINC Polling Group for WBUR-FM, a Boston-based NPR affiliate, shows Tierney leading former state Sen. Richard Tisei, 46 percent to 34 percent. Seven percent of likely voters said they would vote for the Libertarian candidate, Daniel Fishman, while 12 percent chose another candidate or were undecided.

Salem News – Column: Public’s voice must be heard in power transition

As Massachusetts pursues agendas of water innovation and clean, renewable power, one crucial issue joins these twin courses into a single, vital current. Will public voice — the ability of communities to speak concerns and self-determine — be heard in the midst of major redevelopment and remediation projects statewide?

As Paul McMorrow notes in an Aug. 17 Commonwealth Magazine article, market forces are driving coal to extinction.