Coakley makes Lynn Senate stop

LYNN – State Attorney General Martha Coakley stopped briefly in Lynn Friday as part of her fast-paced campaign for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of Sen. Edward “Ted” Kennedy earlier this year.Introduced jointly by state Rep. Steve Walsh of Lynn and Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett, the candidate addressed the crowded community room at the Lynn Housing Authority and Neighborhood Development headquarters on Church Street.Coakley, 56, talked casually and candidly about her girlhood in western Massachusetts, her passion for reading Nancy Drew mysteries and watching the Perry Mason television show. At a young age, she felt attracted to a legal career and her first appearances as an assistant district attorney in Lowell District Court convinced her she had made the right decision.”I loved coming in front of the judge, saying I represent the people of the state of Massachusetts,” she said.As attorney general, Coakley said she has fought against injustices wrought by profit-swollen pharmaceutical and health insurance companies, a message that appeared to get the attention of the many senior citizens in the room. She also reminded voters of her struggle to halt the predatory lending practices of some financial institutions and unfair rate hikes by utility companies. Having done so with some success in Massachusetts, Coakley said she will carry those battles to Washington, D.C.Among her top priorities if elected to the U.S. Senate: clean and green energy projects to wean America of its dependence on foreign oil while helping the environment; passing alternative energy bills and laws that would provide good health care for all.Coakley said Massachusetts passed a law recognizing same-sex marriage and the federal government should not intervene.Several members of the audience were from Project COPE, a drug rehabilitation organization in Lynn. Coakley praised their efforts, adding that early intervention is the best way to keep children and young adults exhibiting risky behavior from ending up in jail.”We need to diagnose kids with problems early on and not let them fall off the map,” she said.Blodgett described Coakley as a smart woman with integrity and commitment. “She’s your friend. She’s my friend. And she’s going to be the next state senator from Massachusetts,” he said.Walsh offered similar accolades. He also cited a recent survey that showed 80 percent of the voters in Massachusetts are unaware that the special election for U.S. senator will be held Dec. 8.Mayor Edward J. Clancy Jr., Greater Lynn Senior Services Executive Director Paul Crowley, Lynn Housing Authority Executive Director Charles Gaeta and City Councilor Richard Ford were among the local dignitaries to greet Coakley during her visit.Coakley’s campaign tour on the North Shore Friday included stops in Peabody, Gloucester, Haverhill and Lowell.