The Lowell Sun - Eldridge: You'll Know Where I Stand

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The Lowell Sun
By Hillary Chabot

State Rep. Jamie Eldridge, D-Acton, said yesterday he hopes to distinguish himself as the most liberal and progressive Democrat in the race for the 5th Congressional District.

He said his support of universal single-payer health care and fair trade along with overwhelming support from unions make him stand out from the crowded field of five Democrats.

Eldridge discussed his campaign to succeed U.S. Rep. Marty Meehan during an editorial board meeting with Sun editors and a reporter yesterday.

"That's what people are looking for, leadership. You may not agree with me but you'll know where I stand," Eldridge said.

Eldridge admits he was asked, "Jamie who?" when he went door-to-door in Lowell recently, but he said his strong voter base in Acton and the southern suburbs of the district give him an edge over the competition.

While he might not have the most name recognition or funding, Eldridge said he's working hard to gain grass-roots support.

"I'll admit I'm not going to raise the most money in this race, but just ask Gov. Deval Patrick about who raised the most money during that race," Eldridge said. Former gubernatorial candidate Chris Gabrieli had more money than Patrick, but lost in the primary.

Eldridge said he has at least 8,000 votes locked down in his district, and said the race could be won with as few as 20,000 votes. Eldridge said he will focus on the issues, such as pulling all troops out of Iraq in a 270-day period, to define his campaign.

Immigration is also a key issue for Eldridge, who said he is against the North American Free Trade Agreement. He believes that in order to truly end the issues with immigration, politicians must help workers in countries like Mexico to earn enough money to live on.

While he admits Democratic opponent Niki Tsongas is the front-runner in the election, he believes he's clearer on the issues.

"I'm not exactly sure what she stands for," Eldridge said.

He also points to economic development as a key issue, saying that affordable housing is the fastest way to encourage population and job growth.

"We need to make sure all communities are building affordable housing, especially single-family homes like Cape Cod (style) or ranch houses," Eldridge said.

"Those are the houses the workforce needs."

Eldridge also says he isn't afraid to stand up to political leadership if he doesn't agree with them. Eldridge, 33, voted against former House SpeakeTom Finneran when Finneran was still in power.

"I always find a way to stand up for my beliefs, but I'm still able to get things done," Eldridge said.

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