Candidate questions opponent's use of Brown photos

Date: 7/12/2010

After reading Marie Angelides' response to my initial letter to the editor I am concerned about her "spin" on her use of photos of Scott Brown and Charlie Baker in her campaign pamphlet with the implication that they are supporting her candidacy. Misleading campaign propaganda of this sort is a problem all across our state.

Eric Estevez, another state representative candidate (for the 32nd Middlesex District), posted online a photo with himself at the podium with the caption, "Addressing supporters at the Baker/Tisei Campaign's 'Had Enough?' tour at the Massachusetts State House."

When pressed by the Melrose Free Press about not being on the list of speakers for the event, he apologized that the photograph had created "some kind of confusion type thing."

In an earlier press release, Estevez claimed that he and state Sen. Richard Tisei (R-Wakefield) had "recently received" an endorsement from the Massachusetts Association of Italian American Police Officers (MAIAPO) in an event at the Hilton hotel in Woburn. The announcement also included a photograph of Estevez standing with several members of the group and a man holding a plaque. The group never endorsed Eric Estevez, and the Melrose Free Press editorial staff asked that he withdraw from the race.

Marie's spin that her photos don't represent endorsements or bragging rights does not address the question of what her purpose was for using them in her campaign brochure. What was her intent if not to insinuate support from those pictured in the photos? I think we can safely assume that at least some of those depicted on her pamphlet did not have a chance to review their photos much less give their approval before they were printed and distributed. If they had, surely state Rep. Karyn Polito would have asked that her name be spelled properly (she is listen as "Karen").

Marie is right. The voters will decide which candidate has the integrity and honesty to represent them in 2nd Hampden District.



Martin Kane

Chairman, East Longmeadow Republican Town Committee