Meet the two Republicans running to represent the Cape and Islands in Congress
HYANNIS — A two-way race for the Republican nomination for the Congressional seat representing the Cape and Islands will be on the primary ballot this September.
Dan Sullivan and Jesse Brown, both Republicans from Plymouth, are each vying to win their party's nomination. The winner will face in November's general election Congressman William R. "Bill" Keating, D-Mass., who is hoping for a seventh term.
The 9th District comprises 46 municipalities that stretch from Norwell to Fall River and encompass Cape Cod and the Islands.
Elected for two-year terms, representatives serve within the U.S. House of Representatives that makes and passes federal laws. They typically introduce bills and resolutions, offer amendments, and serve on committees.
The primary is set for Sept. 6 and the general election is Nov. 8.
The Cape Cod Times asked the two candidates to provide information about their background, experience and priorities if elected. They appear below in alphabetical order.
Jesse Brown
Age: 45
Residence: Plymouth
Education: Taunton High School,1995. Sergeant, Veteran, United States Marine Corps, 1995-1999.
Employment: Co-founder, Heidrea Communications https://www.heidrea.com/about-us/
Political experience: Member Plymouth RTC (Republican Town Committee) — present, candidate for State Senate 2020, Plymouth and Barnstable District
Other civic involvement: Co-founder Heidrea for Heroes https://heidrea4heroes.org/. Board Member — Labor and Workforce Development Board Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, member Marine Corps League, member, Plymouth VFW Post 1822,
Why are you running? I am running in Massachusetts 9th Congressional District to represent YOU and the district's best interests not my own. Coming out of the pandemic, we now face inflation at an all-time high, and we need someone who knows how to make something out of nothing. I have done that, coming from humble beginnings and building a company that created hundreds of jobs. I have already served our country in the Marine Corps, but the Marine Corps instilled the values of honor, courage, and commitment in me, and those values are telling me that even though it seems like an uphill battle some days, we can accomplish innovative change for MA-9.
What is the most pressing issue in your district and how would you address it? We're seeing the highest level of inflation in 40 years, causing hardworking families here in the district to be paying far too much for their groceries and energy. Congress has exacerbated the problem by recklessly spending trillions of dollars, while increasing our reliance on foreign oil. Pumping the brakes on federal spending and bolstering America’s energy independence are two major steps needed to bring down every day costs.
I would be remiss if I didn’t also discuss the opioid epidemic, which continues to hit our district harder than many, with the Cape being one of the country’s most addicted stretches of coastline. August is Opioid Awareness Month, and many will talk about this epidemic in numbers, but many in our district know the opioid epidemic by the names of loved ones. We need to work together, with state and federal entities, to bring resources to MA-9 for opioid recovery and help with remission and re-entry into society, on top of stopping opioids from getting into our communities at the source.
How do you differ from the other candidates? I am a business leader with a history of dedicated service to our country and community. I will bring my “get it done” attitude to Washington, where career politicians, like my opponent, have failed the American people. When it comes to federal responsibilities like the Cape Cod bridges, I am not going to just sit back and say, “The money will be there” while the price tag for the project skyrockets. I will be knocking on doors and not backing down until we bring the much-needed bridge improvements to the people of MA-9. Most importantly, I will show up and listen to and work with the people from P-town to Norwell to New Bedford, so that we can bring their voices to Washington’s front door.
What other information would you like voters to know about you or your policy positions? Even if we don't agree on a policy 100%, I will never turn you away. I will always listen and work with the people in MA-9 to find workable solutions to the challenges we face together. So if you have a concern, please reach out, and so we can work through it together.
Dan Sullivan
Age: 56
Residence: Manomet,, a village of Plymouth
Education: Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN), Regis College (Weston), Associate's Degree Nursing (AD), Regis College (Weston), Master of Arts, Political Science, Marquette University (Milwaukee, WI), Bachelor of Arts (BA), Political Science, Marquette University (Milwaukee, WI)
Employment: Steward Good Samaritan Medical Center Inc. (Brockton)
Political experience: Career voter, not a career politician
Other civic involvement: Human and social services and other charitable volunteerism
Why are you running? To advocate for working- and middle-class families and senior citizens
What is the most pressing issue in your district and how would you address it? Inflation. Stop inflationary government spending in the form of bailouts and handouts
How do you differ from the other candidates? I believe candidates fall into one of three categories: (1) Like being a candidate, (2) Want the status of the office, and (3) Want to serve the needs of constituents.
What other information would you like voters to know about you or your policy positions? Please refer to my brochure attached herein as well as my website: nursedanforcongress.org
Zane Razzaq writes about housing and real estate. Reach her at zrazzaq@wickedlocal.com. Follow her on Twitter @zanerazz.
This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Dan Sullivan, Jesse Brown face off in Republican congressional primary
