Massachusetts' Barney Frank Brings on Bill Clinton to Aid His Campaign

BOSTON - Seeking a 16^th term in Congress, U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D), brings on former president Bill Clinton to pitch his campaign at Taunton High School in Massachusetts next week. Frank scowls at the idea he is reinforcing support against Republican opponent Sean Bielat.

He told the Taunton Daily Gazette, "I asked Bill Clinton for his help a couple months ago." "It is no different than a TV ad - it's all part of a campaign." To project anymore into it, Frank claims is "...right-wing political bias." Barney Frank has always come off with an air of superiority that he is secure in his Commonwealth 4^th District post. Heading down the home stretch to midterm elections - I have to wonder if there is a slight breach in that comfort zone.

Sean Bielat Challenging Barney Frank

From out of nowhere, 35-year old Brookline resident, Sean Bielat, appeared and rode the state primary wave to land the Republican nomination for the 4^th Congressional District. He beat out Republican Earl Sholley. Bielat, is highly educated, an ex-Marine, a businessperson and surprisingly - a former Democrat, who found as he grew older, he viewed the world from conservative eyes.

Does Sean Bielat have what it takes to walk the walk alongside a long-term incumbent like Barney Frank? Bielat is tough and ready to tackle what might be one of the biggest challenges of his life. He may well be able to give Frank a run for his money, though.

Speaking of money -- I recently read an article that claims Sean Bielat has just $228,000 in his war chest. Barney Frank is playing with loosely $2.4 million. Will this tie Bielat's hands in promoting a strategic campaign?

While he may not have the financial backing to run costly television and radio ads, it will not surprise me if Massachusetts voters and grass roots movers and shakers come to his aid with donations.

There is certainly a heightened level of restlessness throughout the Commonwealth. For once, money in this campaign race, just might take a back seat to the desire for serious change and moving forward; something expressed by many in this state right now.

Will Clinton's Support Sway Voters

In my own circle -- a finicky mix of independents, democrats and republicans -- Bill Clinton's appearance is hardly significant. Barney Frank is certainly not a celebrated candidate when it comes to leading a thunderous campaign. For many, Clinton's stop in Taunton is not earth shattering that is for sure.

In fact, it is jarringly reminiscent of President Obama stumping for Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley, during her run for the senate seat, vacated by the death of Ted Kennedy. That political move, as we know, did not influence voters, who in the end sent Scott Brown down to Washington.

The Pendulum Swings

As the November elections near, the common political banter among all the candidates will no doubt turn ugly. With swords drawn, the bickering will get louder and more hateful by the day. Former presidents and perhaps the current president may join the campaign ranks. In the meantime, Massachusetts voters are taking it all in and when we have had enough... we will simply vote for the candidate we feel will propel our state forward.

Sources:
The Boston Herald
Sean Bielat's Website