It’s true that Congressman Richard Neal has been in Washington for a long time, and that his stated positions on the issues don’t always line up with the desires of progressives in his district.
But I would argue that his stance is less a result of a desire to please his campaign donors than an understanding of what is possible to achieve in a House where progressives are in a minority. Neal has achieved a position of great power and influence in the Democratic leadership, and he is well positioned to help bring about positive change if the voters deliver our nation from Trump and his Republican enablers in the fall.
Will he be able to bring about a progressive utopia? No, but neither will candidate Alex Morse. What he will be able to do is to use his experience and influence to bring about changes that are achievable and move us in the right direction. I believe he deserves reelection.
Joseph Blumenthal
Northampton