A: I think the founders would be horrified by the level of power exerted by the wealthy and by corporations. And if the founders had been able to anticipate them,
they would certainly have denied corporations the idea that they were somehow a person with constitutional rights.
A: I don't understand why people ignore politics. The one thing that can overcome the [corporate] forces is
democratic engagement. But [corporate forces] understand that, so they do everything they can to dishearten us, to disenfranchise us, to suppress voters, to change the rules. In fact, I believe that the Republican Party has realized that the only way it
can stay in power is by continuing to cheat--cheating in voter suppression, cheating in Citizens United, in redistricting, cheating in just about every way they can, to make sure that only the people who are likely to vote for them get to vote.
The grassroots power of 10,000 Our Revolution
Massachusetts members and friends will be critical to successful caucuses, as well as building momentum toward the primary and general elections. We will work to employ their creativity and energy in a genuine people-powered campaign.
Impose Term Limits on Members of Congress. Without fundamental reform and new leadership, little will change across the political landscape of
America.It's time for Congress to roll-up their sleeves and get to work. America will prosper again when we stop the reckless spending and balance the federal budget."
Source: 2014 Massachusetts Senate campaign website, BrianHerr.com
Feb 6, 2014
Brian Herr:
If we want new ideas, send new people, via term limits
Brian Herr called on Congress to amend the Constitution and impose term limits on Members of Congress. "We have real problems that must be addressed," said Herr. "Unfortunately, the ideas coming from Washington--from both Democrats and Republicans--are
the same tired policies that simply are not working. If we want new ideas in Washington, we must send new people."Herr continued: "The Founding Fathers envisioned individuals serving our country then returning to their everyday lives.
This is a far cry from today's reality, in which many Members of Congress have spent decades in those chambers."
Herr proposes to limit U.S. House Members to six two-year terms and U.S. Senate Members to two six-year terms. Recognizing
the need for practical support from Incumbents, the change would not be applied retroactively to current Members of Congress but would begin upon their next election.
Source: 2014 Massachusetts Senate campaign website, BrianHerr.com
Feb 6, 2014
Brian Herr:
If we want new ideas in Washington, we must send new people
Republican U.S. Senate primary candidate and Hopkinton Selectman Brian Herr today called for 12-year term limits on members of Congress. "We have real problems that must be addressed," Herr said in a press release. "Unfortunately, the ideas coming
from Washington--from both Democrats and Republicans--are the same tired policies that simply are not working. If we want new ideas in Washington, we must send new people."Herr proposes limiting U.S. House members to six two-year terms and limiting
U.S. Senators to two six-year terms. "Recognizing the need for practical support from incumbents, the change (should) not be applied retroactively to current members of Congress but would begin upon their next election,"
the press release reads. Herr said the country's Founding Fathers envisioned lawmakers returning to their everyday lives after serving, not staying in power for decades.
Source: Hopkinton Crier on 2014 Massachusetts Senate race
Feb 6, 2014
Bruce Skarin:
Campaign finance reform to end pervasive corruption
An independent candidate for the US Senate, Skarin took part last year in the NH Rebellion, a two-week trudge across the Granite State to underscore the need for campaign finance reform to end what participants called pervasive corruption in Washington.
Now Skarin is raising money in $15 increments to finance a 1,000-mile walk around Massachusetts starting in April to highlight his campaign against Democratic Sen. Edward Markey.
"This may seem like an incredibly ambitious thing to do, but I don't
think it's the least bit crazy," Skarin said. "I'm trying to put an emphasis on the need of representing the people. Right now there's institutional corruption."
By accepting only up to $15 per person a year, he said, he won't be beholden to the
special interest groups, large corporations & powerful industries that he says exercise disproportionate influence in Congress. Skarin's immediate goal is to collect 334 donations and qualify as an official candidate with the Federal Election Commission.
Source: Worcester Telegram on 2014 Massachusetts Senate race
Feb 14, 2014
Carla Howell:
Libertarian government is bare-essentials small government
Q: What is small government? A: Small government is a night watchman, a tiny institution that does only the bare essentials. Small government is limited to defending
our lives, our liberty, and our property. Small government is a mere fraction of today’s big government. Libertarian government is small government.
Source: Eric Darbe, Massachusetts News
Jan 5, 2000
Carla Howell:
Supports term limits; 12 years for herself
Q: Do you support term limits? A: Yes, I do support term limits. I understand why some oppose them. But I believe that term limits is a form of limiting the power of government. In particular, limiting the power of
individuals to use government. So I do support term limits, I believe they should be applied to judges as well as legislators.
I promise that, if I am elected, I will serve no more than two terms as US senator from Massachusetts.
Source: Eric Darbe, Massachusetts News
Jan 5, 2000
Charlie Baker:
$500 donor limit is crazy; it's suppression of free speech
At a Republican forum in Braintree in early April, Baker critiqued rules such as the inability to launch an exploratory committee and donation limits as strictures that benefit incumbents. "We have a $500 limit.
Five hundred dollars, you know, in this day and age, I'm sorry, is crazy," Baker said. "I mean the federal limit is $2,500 in the primary; $2,500 in the general.
A number of other states, people have gone to court to say that this is a suppression of free speech. They've won.
I think Massachusetts probably ought to move. What do you think about having a ballot question that deals with some of these silly incumbent protection rules?"
Source: State House News Service on 2014 Massachusetts Governor race
Dec 3, 2013
Charlie Baker:
Declined to sign "People's Pledge" against outside PAC ads
Both made efforts to fire up their bases with red meat comments on wedge issues like illegal immigration and campaign finance reform. Coakley scolded Baker for not signing a campaign gimmick that blocks third party spending in campaigns
known as the "People's Pledge" while pressing him on supporting a constitutional amendment that would reform campaign finance laws. Baker responded by saying that he'd like to see reforms, but the constitutional amendment process is far too slow.
Source: Springfield Republican on 2014 Massachusetts Governor race
Oct 29, 2014
Charlie Baker:
Automatic voter registration via RMV and MassHealth
Hundreds of thousands of new voters could join the state's rolls in the coming years after Governor Charlie Baker signed legislation that adopts automatic voter registration. The voting measure registers eligible residents when they get their driver's
licenses or health insurance through the state.The automatic voter registration law makes Massachusetts the 14th state to adopt such a measure. Under the new law, eligible residents who interact with the Registry of Motor Vehicles or the MassHealth
program will have to opt out if they don't want to join the voter rolls, rather than opt in.
The law also allows the secretary of state to reach agreements with state agencies to automatically register voters if they meet certain criteria, potentially
further expanding the net the state can cast to reach eligible residents.
Baker previously said he had confidence that the state could install automatic voter registration with a "fairly high degree of integrity" at the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Source: Boston Globe on 2018 Massachusetts gubernatorial race
Aug 9, 2018
Danielle Allen:
Rebuild democracy with early voting & mail-in voting
Danielle believes that state-level democracy innovations can help rebuild our national constitutional democracy. These include election day registration; ranked choice voting; and making permanent
COVID-related innovations such as expanded early voting, vote centers, mail-in voting, and the use of stadiums and arenas and other locations of public celebration as voting facilities.
Source: 2022 Massachusetts Gubernatorial website AllenForMA.com
Jan 15, 2022
Danielle Allen:
Democracy is about working, deciding, acting together
Imagine a state government that in a crisis jumps in and activates all of our talents in response. Imagine one Commonwealth where those who are in power recognize their responsibility to the greater good and where those who felt powerless
are reconnected to their own agency through communal action. That's what democracy is about: coming together, working together, learning together, deciding together, and acting together.
Source: WAMC Albany-NPR on 2022 Massachusetts gubernatorial race
Jun 15, 2021
Deval Patrick:
To be in the leadership business, govern for the long-term
We have produced the results we have [because] we have governed for the long-term. In government, just like in business, there is enormous pressure to manage for the short-term, to lurch from crisis to crisis. I am determined to keep our focus on the
next generation instead of the next news cycle. And more often than not you have shared that discipline.Yet, even as we celebrate that progress tonight, some things have not changed enough.
We lead the country in student achievement but some of our students remain stuck in achievement gaps. We're using better tools to combat youth violence but still lose too many people to a cycle of violence. We are the only state to guarantee emergency
shelter but too many people need it. Our economy is growing, booming in some quarters. But we are leaving some of our neighbors behind. If we are to be in the leadership business, we need to lead in rebuilding the ladder to success, too.
Source: 2014 State of the State speech to Massachusetts legislature
Jan 28, 2014
Deval Patrick:
Allow online voter registration, early voting, vote by mail
H3788: An Act relative to election laws: Summary by Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries Blog: Some of the features to be introduced over several years are: online registration of voters; preregistering at age 16 and 17 for voting upon
reaching age 18; and an online portal to check your voter status, polling location and the state and federal elected official who represent you. Starting in 2016, it will permit an early voting period for biennial state elections in
November and other elections held in conjunction with those state. Early voting by mail will be an option.Legislative Outcome: :
Passed Senate 37-1-0 on Jan/16/14; Passed House 147-4-9 on May/14/14; Signed by Governor Deval Patrick on May/22/14
Source: 2022 Massachusetts Senate voting record S735
May 22, 2014
Ed Markey:
Ok with outside PAC ads, if positive ads
Markey and Kennedy sparred over a "People's Pledge," which would limit outside money spent in the race. Kennedy supports it, while Markey only limits negative advertisements. Markey has been endorsed by Environment Massachusetts, which plans to put
together a $5 million campaign to support his candidacy."We should welcome positive voices, disclosed voices," like those from "environmental groups," Markey said.
"Who gets to say these are voices we like?" Kennedy replied.
Source: CNN coverage of 2020 Massachusetts Senate debate
Feb 18, 2020
Geoff Diehl:
More public access; more checks on state spending
Spending reforms Geoff supports include:- Requiring more verification of income and assets before receiving benefits
-
Requiring more than self-auditing within the Department of Transportation
- Requiring more transparency within state government such as publishing the payouts of lawsuits against the state
Source: 2018 Massachusetts Senatorial website DiehlForSenate.com
Oct 1, 2017
Geoff Diehl:
Allow online voter registration, early voting, vote by mail
H3788: An Act relative to election laws:˙Summary by Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries Blog:˙Some of the features to be introduced over several years are: online registration of voters; preregistering at age
16 and 17 for voting upon reaching age 18; and an online portal to check your voter status, polling location and the state and federal elected official who represent you.
Starting in 2016, it will permit an early voting period for biennial state elections in November and other elections held in conjunction with those state. Early voting by mail will be an option.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 37-1-0 on Jan/16/14; Passed House 147-4-9 on May/14/14; State Rep. Geoff Diehl voted YES; Signed by Governor Deval Patrick on May/22/14
Source: Massachusetts voting records: H3788
Jan 16, 2014
Geoff Diehl:
Opposes permanent mail-in voting as open to fraud
The endorsement comes after Diehl falsely claimed that "the 2020 election was rigged, an often-repeated line from Trump acolytes. Diehl called on Baker to reject a bill that would allow for mail-in voting permanently, claiming without evidence that
absentee ballots have led to fraud. Experts say there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud; Massachusetts elections officials say they are not aware of any recent voter fraud cases.
Source: Boston Globe on 2022 Massachusetts Gubernatorial race
Oct 5, 2021
Heidi Wellman:
Term limits for US Congress
A maximum of two terms for US Senators and four terms for US House Representatives. If we limit the extent of it I strongly believe we will see a decrease in cronyism. The population wants it and if a person can't make
a difference in 6 years time, then I believe it would be time for a new replacement anyway. We may find MORE people willing to run for office. Average folk like you and I.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts Senatorial website HeidiForSenate.com
Oct 15, 2017
Heidi Wellman:
Oppose making voter registration easier
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Make voter registration easier"?
A: NO
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Massachusetts Senate candidate
Mar 7, 2018
Jay Gonzalez:
Strong campaign finance policies ensure democracy's promise
Let's aim high on campaign finance reform. "We the people" is a cornerstone of our American political identity. America is its people. But we know that our democracy is not self-fulfilling. It takes us, all of us, to breathe life into it and protect it.
We cannot take it for granted.Our collective well-being depends on a strong, healthy and responsive democratic government. We need to aim high to ensure that our elections and government are open and responsive to all of us.
We need to make it easier for regular people to impact elections and policy, and to participate equally in the political process, regardless of their income and resources.
We need strong campaign finance policies to ensure that our democracy
fulfills its promise to each and every one of us, to the people. Unfortunately, the current system for funding elections falls far short of the ideal, both nationally and right here in Massachusetts.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts gubernatorial campaign website jay4ma.com
Dec 12, 2017
Jay Gonzalez:
Supports same-day voter registration
The Cambridge Dems asked for stances on charter schools, sanctuary cities/states, the millionaire's tax, and money in politics (Not every candidate was asked about every issue): -
Warren supports extending Newton's newly passed "welcoming ordinance" across the entire state but stopped short of supporting a full-on sanctuary state designation.
-
Massie is for same-day voter registration and is "not for expanding charter schools at a huge rate," and didn't support Question 2.
-
Wolf supports becoming a sanctuary state and pursuing additional taxes beyond the millionaire's tax.
- Gonzalez supports same-day voter registration, and believes single-payer health care "needs to be on the table."
Source: Politico.com on 2018 Massachusetts governor race
Feb 1, 2017
Jay Gonzalez:
Special interests and big money have no place in elections
Special interests and big money have no place in our elections. As Governor, I will work to curtail the influence of moneyed interests in politics and increase disclosure requirements that will bolster transparency around how campaigns and outside
groups raise and spend their funds. I support passage of a federal constitutional amendment that will expressly permit Congress and states to regulate campaign contributions and expenditures, including corporate contributions.
I am proud to be one of the first candidates in the country to sign the American Promise pledge to use my office to advance this amendment. I also propose creating new disclosure requirements for donors to independent expenditure groups and closing
existing loopholes in state campaign finance laws that allow special interests & big donors to exert undue influence. I'm the only candidate that has published a detailed campaign finance reform policy that includes these and other proposals.
Source: ORMA questionnaire on 2018 Massachusetts governor race
Dec 20, 2017
Jesse Gordon:
Reform campaign finance to stop protecting incumbents
Q: Citizens United, a 5-4 Supreme Court decision, resulted in enabling the wealthiest people and largest corporations in this country to contribute unlimited amounts of money to campaigns.
This decision must be overturned and corruption in politics must end. This means fighting to pass a constitutional amendment making it clear that Congress and the states have the power to regulate money in elections.
We must also eliminate super PACs and other outside spending abuses and work to aggressively enforce campaign finance rules. A: Agree.
Candidate's position on this issue:
Campaign finance reform should focus on fighting the system that protects incumbents and the wealthy; realistically the only solution is public campaign financing.
Source: ORMA questionnaire on 2018 Massachusetts governor race
Jul 31, 2017
Jesse Gordon:
Why require in-person voting? Why register? Why Tuesday?
Q: In order to protect our democracy, we must fight for a publicly financed, transparent system of campaign financing that amplifies small donations. We must also ensure that all Americans are guaranteed an effective right to vote.
A: Agree.
Candidate's position on this issue: On the right to vote, every restriction should be questioned: Why require pre-election registration at all? Why require in-person voting? Why Tuesday?
Source: ORMA questionnaire on 2018 Massachusetts governor race
Jul 31, 2017
Joe Kennedy III:
Necessary regulations costs are crippling
On federal compliance: "Back home in my district just outside Boston, the 4th District, I hear concerns about the cost of compliance from those regulations in almost all the cities and towns that I visit," said Kennedy. "They don't disagree with the
importance of these regulations, but as they struggle to get back on their feet post recession and deal with an already crippling loss of state and federal dollars due to our budget situation here, that cost of compliance can seem almost impossible."
Source: Taunton Gazette on 2020 Massachusetts Senate race
Nov 15, 2013
Joe Kennedy III:
Proposed pledge to limit spending from outside groups
The three-way Democratic primary for incumbent Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey's seat may see the candidates sign the so-called People's Pledge to limit outside campaign financing. Politico reported that U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy's campaign had recently
reached out to Markey and labor attorney Shannon Liss-Riordan with proposed language to limit spending from outside groups and plans for a pledge signing ceremony. Kennedy had already called on his opponents to sign a pledge after he entered the
race in September, the Boston Globe reported.Politico reported that the campaigns were finalizing details and could sign an agreement within the next two weeks. Liss-Riordan and Kennedy had confirmed plans to sign the pledge, but the pair postponed
while the Senate was in session, with the Markey campaign telling Politico that the senator was "actively looking at" a pledge agreement.
Source: Springfield Republican on 2020 Massachusetts Senate race
Nov 7, 2019
Joe Kennedy III:
Supports People's Pledge: no outside PAC spending
Markey and Kennedy sparred over a "People's Pledge," which would limit outside money spent in the race. Kennedy supports it, while Markey only limits negative advertisements. Markey has been endorsed by Environment Massachusetts, which plans to put
together a $5 million campaign to support his candidacy."We should welcome positive voices, disclosed voices," like those from "environmental groups," Markey said.
"Who gets to say these are voices we like?" Kennedy replied.
Source: CNN coverage of 2020 Massachusetts Senate debate
Feb 18, 2020
John Kingston:
Washington is broken: term limits for members of Congress
Republican U.S. Senate candidate John Kingston criticized Sen. Elizabeth Warren Wednesday for protecting career politicians and supporting the broken status quo in Washington by refusing to endorse term limits for Members of Congress. Kingston has
signed the U.S. Term Limits Congressional Pledge and was praised by the organization in a statement released last week."Washington is fundamentally broken, in no small part, because there are too many politicians in Congress whose top priority is
getting re-elected, rather than doing what is right for the nation," Kingston said. "That is why I fully support term limits for members of Congress."
"Members of Congress should never forget they are there to serve the citizens that elected them--
not to advance their own political careers," Kingston continued. "Sen. Warren's continued refusal to endorse term limits puts an exclamation mark on her loyalty to the broken status quo in Washington."
Source: 2018 Massachusetts Senate campaign website JohnKingston.com
Feb 14, 2018
Kevin O`Connor:
Every vote must count; make ballots more accessible
Election integrity must be preserved, and Kevin O`Connor is committed to ensuring that every vote counts. When the pandemic hit, power brokers on
Beacon Hill refused to create reasonable ballot access rules. Kevin fought that injustice all the way to the State Supreme Judicial Court, and he won. Kevin also supports continuing the Electoral College system for presidential elections.
Source: 2020 Massachusetts Senate campaign website KOCforSenate.com
Oct 6, 2020
Lori Trahan:
Ambitious campaign finance and voting reform plan
Lori understands that Americans are skeptical about our political system. With trust in our institutions at an all-time low, Lori wants to help foster a stronger relationship between citizens and their government. Lori supports an ambitious campaign
finance reform plan and will also work to break down the barriers that exist in civic engagement. Lori understands that voting is one of the most important rights we as Americans have and she intends to expand that right, not restrict it.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts 3rd House campaign website LoriTrahan.com
Oct 9, 2018
Maura Healey:
Pass VOTES Act; same day voter registration
- Protecting the integrity of our democracy and expanding access to it have been top priorities for Maura. As Governor, she will focus on:
- Passing the VOTES Act in Massachusetts, including same day voter registration and election day voting,
and making voting more accessible to people who are incarcerated.
- At the federal level, passing the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
Source: 2022 Massachusetts Governor campaign website MauraHealey.com
Jun 7, 2022
Setti Warren:
Public records laws for open and transparent governing
As Mayor of Newton, Setti Warren governed in an open and transparent way because people deserve to know what their government is doing in their name.
Massachusetts lags the nation in government transparency, but nowhere is sunshine needed more than the annual state budget making process.
Setti Warren believes that a budget is not only a statement of values, but that the process of writing this values statement requires public input.
That's why he will make public records laws apply to the governor's office and has endorsed the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center's recommendations to make our budget process more transparent.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts governor campaign website SettiWarren.com
Jun 1, 2017
Setti Warren:
Supports automatic voter registration
Of the eight specific federal legislative proposals in ORMA's "People's Platform," I am fully comfortable supporting the first five, including the Automatic Voter Registration Act, and I will work to implement each of these in Massachusetts as governor.
SummerForProgress.com summary of H.R. 2840, the Automatic Voter Registration Act:
We fought for elimination of superdelegates coming from Massachusetts, as well as a Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) system.
Both measures are included in the platform and RCV will be on the 2020 ballot. We support the pending legislation in the state house for Automatic Voter Registration.
Our goal is to revitalize democracy here in the commonwealth by supporting legislation that would increase civic engagement and remove barriers to voting.
Source: ORMA questionnaire on 2018 Massachusetts governor race
Dec 20, 2017
Shannon Liss-Riordan:
Pledge to limit campaign spending from outside groups
The three-way Democratic primary for incumbent Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey's seat may see the candidates sign the so-called People's Pledge to limit outside campaign financing. Politico reported that U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy's campaign had recently
reached out to Markey and labor attorney Shannon Liss-Riordan with proposed language to limit spending from outside groups and plans for a pledge signing ceremony. Kennedy had already called on his opponents to sign a pledge after he entered the
race in September, the Boston Globe reported.Politico reported that the campaigns were finalizing details and could sign an agreement within the next two weeks. Liss-Riordan and Kennedy had confirmed plans to sign the pledge, but the pair postponed
while the Senate was in session, with the Markey campaign telling Politico that the senator was "actively looking at" a pledge agreement.
Source: Springfield Republican on 2020 Massachusetts Senate race
Nov 7, 2019
Shannon Liss-Riordan:
Be aggressive in ensuring public records laws are enforced
In addition to protecting workers, consumers and civil rights, the attorney general is also tasked with enforcing the state's public records law.
However, only twice has the office ever brought cases to enforce that law. Liss-Riordan said she would be "aggressive in ensuring public records laws are enforced."
Source: Daily Hampshire Gazette on 2022 Massachusetts A.G. race
Aug 9, 2022
Shiva Ayyadurai:
We need term limits against lobbyists & career politician.
What better person to represent Massachusetts than someone who knows information technology, someone who knows biotech, someone who knows how to create jobs. A Senator is someone who is supposed to be a representative. I am de facto
the best representative. I am not a lobbyist or a career politician. We need term limits. I'm not looking to do this as a job. One or two terms maximum and then get back to the farm. That's it.
Source: Merion West on 2018 Massachusetts Senate race
Jul 24, 2017
Shiva Ayyadurai:
Pledges to serve one term, not focus on re-election
Career politicians exist to serve themselves, not America and not YOU. They spend 80% of their time after election to get re-elected, and the remaining 20% on legislation to pay back those who funded their election.
I will serve one-term, 100% for you, and I will push forward legislation for your long-term interests, not my re-election.
Source: 2020 Massachusetts Senate campaign website Shiva4Senate.com
Jun 24, 2020
Sonia Chang-Diaz:
Allow online voter registration, early voting, vote by mail
H3788: An Act relative to election laws: Summary by Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries Blog: Some of the features to be introduced over several years are: online registration of voters; preregistering at age
16 and 17 for voting upon reaching age 18; and an online portal to check your voter status, polling location and the state and federal elected official who represent you.
Starting in 2016, it will permit an early voting period for biennial state elections in November and other elections held in conjunction with those state. Early voting by mail will be an option.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 37-1-0 on Jan/16/14; State Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz voted YES; Passed House 147-4-9 on May/14/14; Signed by Governor Deval Patrick on May/22/14
Source: 2022 Massachusetts Senate voting record S735/H3788
Jan 16, 2014
Sonia Chang-Diaz:
Signed letter urging federal action on voting rights
Seventy-four members of the Massachusetts Legislature have signed a letter asking the federal government to bolster access to the ballot as several states, including Massachusetts, have seen proposals for voting restrictions. Ten Massachusetts
Democrats--Comerford, Rausch, Sonia Chang-Diaz, Cynthia Creem and Adam Gomez in the Senate, and Mindy Domb, John Lawn, Tram Nguyen, Chynah Tyler and Bud Williams in the House--led the effort on the letter, according to Comerford's office.
Source: The Berkshire Eagle on 2022 Massachusetts Gubernatorial race
Aug 3, 2021
Geoff Diehl:
Forensic audit of 2020 Massachusetts election results
Diehl initially rejected false claims about the 2020 election, saying in July 2021 that "I don't think it was a stolen election" and that Republicans need to "stop crying over spilled milk." But Diehl soon began shifting. By the Sept. 2022 primary, he
was explicitly saying that the election was stolen.Asked in July 2021 whether he thought the election was stolen, Diehl said, "I don't know. I don't think you or anybody knows at this point." The next month, Diehl called for a "forensic audit" in
Massachusetts to search for "possible irregularities." In Oct. 2021, Diehl issued a statement falsely saying, "Sadly, it has become clear as the audit results from Arizona, Georgia, and Pennsylvania have come to light, that the 2020 election was rigged."
The next day, Trump announced he was endorsing Diehl.
In Aug. 2022, Diehl said : "The fact of the matter is: I was wrong initially. It definitely was an election that was stolen from Trump. And it was rigged in a way that should never happen again."
Source: CNN on 2020 Election Denial:2022 Massachusetts Governor race
Sep 9, 2022
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023