Our candidates for the Legislature
by The Republican
Monday October 27, 2008

State Representative Democrat Brian M. Ashe and Republican William J. Scibelli, a lawyer, both Longmeadow selectmen, are running to fill the vacancy in the 2nd Hampden District left by the retirement of Rep. Mary S. Rogeness, R-Longmeadow.

Ashe defeated Springfield City Councilor Kateri B. Walsh in the primary.

Both candidates oppose Question 1. Both are strong candidates, but our endorsement goes to Ashe, who we believe has better government experience than Scibelli. Besides serving on the Longmeadow Board of Selectmen, Ashe has served on the board of the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority.

He is familiar with the workings of the Legislature and he has pledged to help his district maintain essential services. Ashe lost a Senate race two years ago, and said that door closed and "another door opened," one that he described as a "perfect opportunity."  

 
   
 

Patrick and Neal endorse Ashe for State Rep.
On Thursday, October 23, 2008 Governor Deval L. Patrick visited the Hampden Senior Center, 104 Allen Street Hampden, Massachusetts. Governor Patrick was greeted by Congressman Neal, State Senators Gail Candaras (D-Wilbraham) and Stephen Brewer (D-Barre) at the Senior Center. Council on Aging Director Rebecca Moriarty and Hampden Selectman John Flynn stated that they were very excited to have the Governor visit Hampden.

Following the tour of the senior center Governor Patrick and Congressman Neal spoke on the lawn to the crowd in the sunshine of a beautiful fall day to endorse candidate Brian M. Ashe (D-Longmeadow) for the open seat of State Representative of the 2nd Hampden district. Governor Patrick stated, “Brian is the candidate to partner with the state to help keep the communities strong in the district during these difficult fiscal times. The district needs someone who will work with us as a partner as we make difficult budget decisions. Every cut that has been made was done with extreme care and consideration.”

Brian Ashe thanked Congressman Neal for his longtime friendship with his family. He graciously thanked the Governor and State Senators for their support and willingness to work with him in the Legislature. Brian joked with Senator Candaras about running against her in 2006, “just for practice for this race”, to which Senator Candaras claimed credit, “for teaching (Brian) everything he knows.” Brian’s father, Donald Ashe the Hampden County Registrar of Deeds, described the event as “perfect”.


Lt. Governor Timothy P. Murray endorsed Brian M. Ashe (D-Longmeadow) for State Representative in the 2nd Hampden District, Thursday, September 25, 2008 at 3pm in front of East Longmeadow Town Hall. 

Brian stated, "I am honored that the Lt. Governor supports my candidacy for State Representative. I look forward to serving the communities of East Longmeadow, Hampden, Longmeadow, Monson and Springfield and working with the Western Massachusetts delegation to bring resources to our part of the state. The Lt. Governor has been an extraordinary asset for the people in Central and Western Massachusetts. We are fortunate to have someone of his caliber working with and for us."



Hampden County Registrar of Deeds Donald Ashe


State Senator Stephen Brewer State Senator Gale Candaras

Speaker of the House Sal DiMasi


State Rep. Cheryl Coakley-Rivera State Rep. Angelo Puppolo

Hampden County Sheriff
Michael J. Ashe, Jr.

Worcester County Sheriff
Guy Glodis


Longmeadow Selectboard Member
Kathy Grady
Monson Selectboard Member
Kathleen Norbut

Monson Selectboard Member
Edward Harrison

Hampden Selectboard member
John Flynn, Jr.



East Longmeadow
Selectboard Member
James Driscoll

E. Henry Twiggs
Chairman of the Springfield Democratic City Committee


 

          


United Food and Commercial Workers Union



    

Republican Newspaper Endorses Ashe