To the editor:
When I first read Bruce Tarr was mulling a run for the US Senate in the coming special election, my first and genuine reaction was, “Good.”
Bruce is an honorable guy who has demonstrated over two decades in politics the ability to reach across the aisle and work with people he may not always have agreed with on every issue. Because of that ability, he has represented Cape Ann during his tenure as a state representative, and then the wider district as a state senator after succeeding Bob Buell with a degree of integrity and credibility too few politicians, of either party, possess today.
Personally, as staunch a Democrat as I am, I could see myself voting for Bruce if the Democrats nominate South Boston Congressman Steve Lynch to be the party’s standard bearer.
Why?
Well, first off, I am no fan of Steve Lynch’s. I also firmly believe Washington needs more Republicans like Bruce Tarr. He is cut from the same bolt of party cloth as Edward Brooke, Bill Weld, Christie Todd Whitman, Susan Collins, Chris Christie, and Olympia Snowe.
Washington already has enough right-wing, conspiracy-theory loving, GOP/Tea Party ideologues like Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Ted Cruz of Texas, and Congressmen Steve King of Iowa and Louis Goehmert, also of Texas.
Should Bruce still decide to run, all of Cape Ann — Democrats and Republicans alike — should wish him well and, depending on who the Democrats nominate as their standard bearer, consider voting for him, not based on his party affiliation, but on his stellar record of public service and demonstrated ability to work with those with whom he may not agree 100 percent of the time.
MICHAEL COOK
Gloucester and Vieques, Puerto Rico
AK-47-wielding thug may be the most bumbling crook ever
Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage
Trout's cycle a boost for Angels
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
Kim Kardashian Flaunts Pregnant Bikini Body in Greece
NBA star pledges $1M to help tornado recovery
Shakira's Shocking Talent
Morgan Freeman falls asleep on air
GRAPHIC: Blood-Soaked Machete Killer Caught on Tape
Elin Nordegren Furious With Lindsey Vonn For Parading Kids in Public
Camera Captures Climber As He Loses Grip And Falls
Helen Mirren Meets with Dying Boy in Queen Elizabeth's Place
Crowd Chants '¡Si, Se Puede!' After Passage of Immigration Bill
DWTS Crowns a Winner
Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff
Demi Moore a Rocks Bikini at Harry Morton's Family House
Anthony Weiner: I'm running for New York City mayor
Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up
VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal
The Hangover Baby All Grown Up
