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Managing Editor SPRINGFIELD A billboard characterizing State Rep. Angelo Puppolo as a "traitor to marriage" had an effect, but perhaps not the one the organization that sponsored the billboard had in mind. Last year, after Puppolo changed his vote to support same sex marriage in the Commonwealth, the National Organization for Marriage placed a billboard on Interstate 91 that likened Puppolo to Judas and Benedict Arnold. That billboard was the inspiration for the Progressive Democrats of Massachusetts to sponsor a fund-raising event to support Puppolo's re-election campaign event last Wednesday that drew over 300 supporters to the Basketball Hall of Fame. The attendees were a who's who of elected officials and business leaders. And if the number of people weren't affirmation enough, Governor Deval Patrick spoke at the event. Patrick said he learned two lessons during his first year in office: "the importance of partnership and the absolute criticality of political courage." "That's what we have in Angelo Puppolo and that's why we're here," he added. Although it might be unusual for a freshman state representative to receive such attention from a governor, the former Springfield City Councilor said having Patrick's support that night was indicative of the "great working relationship" he has with the governor. Leading a group of 40 protesters outside on the sidewalk was Republican activist Michael Franco of Holyoke. Franco was holding a large sign that read "Angelo Puppolo is a thief and a traitor." Franco had told Reminder Publications before the event that he thinks the "sign is honest." Franco had been involved in a lobbying effort to secure Puppolo's vote on a measure that would have sent the same sex marriage issue to the voters. Franco claims Puppolo promised to vote for the referendum, but then was one of 11 legislators who allegedly changed their vote. Puppolo has denied he ever made any promises. Franco questioned why Pupplo has a low number state representative license plate unusual for a freshman representative that he interpreted as meaning Puppolo "had to have befriended someone." Other protesters held signs denounced same sex marriage "It's Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve" and homosexuality "Quarantine Queers." Although Puppolo didn't want to comment much on the protest, he did say, "The more they protest, the more support I get." | ||||||
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Gov. Deval Patrick was also in attendance - Patrick attended the fund-raising event to support Puppolo's re-election campaign. | |
