PHOTO BY SPENSER HASAK
Congressman Seth Moulton speaks during his announcement to run for re-election.
BY BRIDGET TURCOTTE
Congressman Seth Moulton announced his campaign for re-election at Finz Seafood and Grill in Salem Tuesday night. The announcement kicks off the Seth Moulton for Congress 2016 campaign.
Moulton represents the Sixth District. Dozens of supporters attended the kick-off celebration.
“I’m proud of all that I, along with my incredible team, have accomplished,” said Moulton. “I’m excited to announce, formally, my plans (to campaign for re-election.)”
Moulton said he was pleased that many of the changes he and his team set out to make, including economic development efforts in Lynn, have been accomplished.
“These things are possible, if we’re willing to work together right from the start,” he said.
“As I’ve said many times before, I’ve not been shy about saying we need a small business renaissance in Lynn,” he said. “There is incredible potential in Lynn. This is a city that’s a 20 minute train ride from Boston.
“A stronger Lynn would be (beneficial) for the entire district,” he said.
“We’ve made good progress in a year,” Moulton said. He said he has no doubt he will continue to make progress in the next year, as well.
“But there’s a lot of work to be done,” he said.
Of particular importance is providing veterans with the best healthcare possible, he said.
Moulton was first elected to Congress in 2014. During his first term, he focused on economic growth for Massachusetts families and improving veterans’ health care through the VA.
Moulton serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Budget Committee, and the House Small Business Committee in the 114th district.
After graduating from Harvard University in 2001 with a degree in Physics, Moulton served four tours in Iraq as an infantry officer for the United States Marine Corps.
“I was one of the few elected officials, in the beginning, who supported Seth,” said Peabody City Councilor Barry Sinewitz. “His message is what drew me to him. He said tonight that he’s not just for Democrats or Republicans.
“He’s a veteran who completed four tours,” Sinewitz said. “He served his country, he’s not into self service. You get a sense he’s a person you can trust. You may not agree with everything, but he keeps his word.
“He’s a good man, and he’s doing good things,” he said.
When Peabody activist Bob Croce was running for City Councilor three years ago, Moulton showed up at his campaign party, Croce said.
“I was impressed with him from the get-go,” he said. “He let us know he was a Democrat for sure, and believed in Democratic principles, but (stressed the need) to work together.
“He went to Washington, not to be a Democrat or a Republican, but with the idea that we have to work together,” Croce said. “Until we do that, we’re not going to get anywhere.”
“I think (he has) the most fast forward congressional office in the House of Representatives,” said Jennifer Migliore. Migliore is Moulton’s former district representative and is running for State Representative for the Ninth Essex District.
“Congressman Moulton represents a new generation of leadership and has a deep commitment to public service,” Migliore said. “He’s doing things differently and bringing the 21st Century to Congress.”
“I’m proud to be here with so many Democrats tonight,” Moulton said. “But I don’t represent just Democrats, I don’t represent just Republicans.
“Doing what’s right for the country – that’s what I’m trying to do,” he said. “Because of that fundamental ideal is the reason I ran in the first place and it’s why I’m running again.”
Moulton said the biggest question he gets while campaigning is “Why are you running? Why do you want to get involved?”
“It comes from a firm belief in the American ideal that I can make a difference,” he said. “If you feel like you can make an impact, stand up and do it.”
Bridget Turcotte can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @BridgetTurcotte