Race to represent the Cape & Islands in Congress: What to know about the candidates
Republican challenger Jesse Brown, of Plymouth, wants to win the Congressional seat representing the Cape and Islands. But first he will have to defeat U.S. Rep. William R. "Bill" Keating, of Bourne, who is running for his seventh term.
The 9th District comprises 46 municipalities that stretch from Norwell to New Bedford and encompass Cape Cod and the Islands.
More: Brown faces Keating in congressional race this November: What to expect
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 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, Massachusetts
Education: Taunton H.S 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 - 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, Plymouth, Massachusetts
Why are you running?
I am running in Massachusetts 9th Congressional District to represent you and the districts 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 candidate?
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.
William R. "Bill" Keating
Age: 70
Residence: Bourne
Education: JD, Suffolk University School of Law. MBA, Boston College. BA, Boston College
Employment: Current U.S. Representative
Political experience: US House of Representatives; Norfolk District Attorney; Massachusetts State Senate; Massachusetts House of Representatives
Other civic involvement: Co-chair, Massachusetts Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force; Founder, Autism and Law Enforcement Educational Coalition. Founder, Norfolk Advocates for Children
Why are you running?
Our most basic rights are under threat. Healthcare rights are under attack as Republicans try to cut funding for Medicare and Social Security, eliminate funding for the Affordable Care Act, and attack women's reproductive rights. Voting rights and civil rights are under attack, too, as Republicans focus on making it harder to vote and support doing away with marriage equality and other LGBTQ rights.
What is the most pressing issue in your district and how would you address it?
The most pressing issue facing our district is environmental infrastructure. As we acknowledge climate change, we must also focus on man-made threats — wastewater issues, PFAS contamination in drinking water, and Holtec's attempts to dump waste into Cape Cod Bay. Additionally, I am one of the leaders on replacing the lifeline Cape Cod Canal Bridges and continuing the offshore wind industry's progress in our region that will be a boost to our local economy.
How do you differ from the other candidate?
I have in-depth knowledge of our district's issues and a record of getting things done. The constituents who call my district offices for assistance with federal agencies greatly inform my work. But getting things done also involves relationships, and I have those necessary relationships among my partners in local government, my colleagues both in my party and across the aisle, and with members of the administration, many of whom I have known and served with for years.
What other information would you like voters to know about you or your policy positions?
I think it is vital to put people over politics in this year’s election and recognize the threat that voting for Republican candidates for Congress presents – even those calling themselves moderate. Moderate Republicans are not leading the GOP, Donald Trump is. This is not fearmongering. This is reality. GOP state legislatures are already going after our basic rights, and if the GOP takes control of the House, they are committed to implementing these policies nationwide.
Zane Razzaq writes about housing and real estate. Reach her at zrazzaq@capecodonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @zanerazz.
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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Brown, Keating to face off for Cape & Islands Congressional seat
