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Ashe kicks off campaign for re-election

Date: 10/9/2012

By Chris Maza

chrism@thereminder.com

LONGMEADOW — Local and regional Democratic representatives came out in force to support Second Hampden District State Rep. Brian Ashe's bid for reelection at his campaign kick-off party at Bertucci's at the Longmeadow Shops on Oct. 3.

Ashe will be countered on the Nov. 6 ballot by Republican challenger Marie Angelides in a rematch of the 2010 State Election, which he won by a count of 8,699 to 8,232.

Ashe's father, Register of Deeds Donald Ashe, Angelo Puppolo Jr., state representative for the 12th Hampden District, Michael Finn, state representative for the 6th Hampden District, former Springfield Mayor and current Governor's Council candidate Michael Albano, Hampden County Sherriff Michael Ashe and Timothy Collins, president of the Springfield Education Association, were among the current and former officials that came out to the event, which drew approximately 100 supporters.

In addition to local dignitaries, Paul Mark, state representative for the Second Berkshire District and John Fresolo, state representative for the 16th Worcester District were in attendance.

"It's important to point out that Brian's got colleagues such as Finn and myself and we're right here, but you've got a colleague that came all the way out from the Berkshires tonight, you've got my friend John Fresolo, who came out from Worcester, and I think this certainly speaks volumes of the amount of respect and appreciation people have for Brian and what he's been able to accomplish in the House," Puppolo said, addressing the crowd after a brief social hour.

Puppolo spoke of Ashe's dedication to the district and Western Massachusetts and the countless hours spent working on the residents' behalf.

"Brian's always there, ready to take the votes. He's well-informed, he's well-educated and when there's an issue where he has to fight for his district, no one fights harder than Brian," he said. "I think that's important because a lot of times people back in the district don't know what happens on a day-to-day basis inside that building, but let me tell you, there are a lot of quick votes and a lot of things that go on and myself and John [Fresolo] can tell you that Brian is always there with tenacity, strong willfulness and more importantly, he's educated on the issues."

Fresolo also took the opportunity to speak highly of Ashe.

"Brian is a good friend to all of us out here in Western Massachusetts and Worcester as well," Fresolo said, "More importantly, he's not only your good friend out here in Western Massachusetts, but he's also a great state representative. He's someone who is engaged, he's articulate [and] he's intelligent. I'm proud to know him as a friend and also I'm proud to have him as a colleague. You should be very impressed with him and very assured that Brian works very hard for your best interests down in Boston."

Ashe touted his status as a lifelong resident of Western Massachusetts and said that his primary focus would remain the best interests of his constituents.

"Four years has gone by since I was first elected to the House and I never forgot where I came from," he said. "I come from Longmeadow and I come from all of you. I am your representative and I represent each and every one of you while I'm in the district and while I'm in Boston . When I go to bed at night, I want to lay my head on my pillow knowing that I made the right decision on your behalf."

Ashe expressed gratitude for the support received not only from political colleagues, but the public and stressed the importance of the supporters getting the word out and encouraging people to vote.

"To win an election, some people say you have to do door-to-door, some people say it's stand outs, some people say it's the bumper stickers, some people say it's your advertisements. Well, it's none of those, but it's all of those together," he said. "To win a campaign, you have to have an effective campaign from top to bottom. I want to make sure we don't miss anybody. But the most important thing is getting out on Nov. 6 and making sure you vote."