NEW: Markey and Lynch Reach Agreement on Senate Primary Debates

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Monday, February 25, 2013

GoLocalWorcester Politics Team

The campaigns of Congressman Stephen Lynch (D-MA) and Congressman Ed Markey (D-Malden) announced on Monday that they have reached an agreement on a framework for six debates across the Commonwealth in the Democratic primary contest to replace former Senator John Kerry.

The agreement the two camps hashed out calls for three public, general issue debates in Boston, Worcester and Springfield, as well as debates on jobs and the economy, domestic policy, and foreign policy, two of which will be held in Lowell and New Bedford, with the sixth location to be determined. The campaigns said that debate hosts have not been finalized, but are expected to include local media consortiums.

“I am glad that we have reached agreement on debates and look forward to getting started as soon as possible,” said Lynch. “While I would be happy to debate more frequently, the reality is that we have nine weeks left in this election, and both Ed and I have to spend time in Washington trying to fix the budget mess. So I think this debate schedule makes sense given the tight timeframe of the election.”

"This agreement ensures we will debate the issues that are most important to Massachusetts in regions throughout the Commonwealth," said Markey. "Voters deserve to hear in-depth debates on the issues facing the state and the nation, and I look forward to scheduling these as soon as possible."

Both campaigns will be working out specific dates and details with various media outlets.