WALTHAM, Mass. (A.W.)—With only days remaining until the Democratic primary in the Fifth District Congressional race on Oct. 15, Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian, who describes himself as a “kid from Waltham,” garnered some key endorsements, as he campaigned to succeed Edward J. Markey in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The 52-year-old Koutoujian’s campaign is likely to get a boost with state House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo’s endorsement on Oct. 9.
Commentators expect DeLeo’s endorsement to go far in this race, where a low voter turnout is expected. DeLeo, who represents Winthrop and part of Revere, is a political heavyweight in the state, and his support for Koutoujian—a former state representative—is likely to help lift voters’ and donors’ confidence in the sheriff, say observers.
“I know how important it is for a district to have a strong, dedicated and intelligent representative always willing to do what is in the best interest of his or her constituents,” DeLeo said in a statement released by the Koutoujian campaign. “Peter will be that person for the Fifth Congressional District. … I am proud to endorse my friend Peter Koutoujian for Congress.”
The Boston Herald also endorsed Koutoujian on Oct. 8: “Sometimes it’s hard to look at the dysfunction that is now Washington, D.C., and not marvel that anyone would want to be a part of it. And frankly a number of the candidates currently in the race are such committed ideologues of the left that it is hard to imagine them doing anything but contributing mightily to that dysfunction. But one of those Democratic contenders, current Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, by virtue of his experience, his integrity, and his work ethic has the potential to actually make a positive contribution and the Herald is pleased to endorse his candidacy,” read the editorial.
Others who have endorsed Koutoujian include State Senator Warren Tolman of Watertown and the former director of the White House Office of Women’s Initiatives and Outreach, Betsy Myers.
During his campaign, Koutoujian has said that the big issues matter to him as much as the smaller ones, as both impact people’s lives. As a state representative, he has worked on a school nutrition bill, stalking legislation, and a workplace smoking ban, and is an outspoken supporter of the Affordable Care Act.
On education, Koutoujian believes there should be a fixed rate established on college education loans. On gun safety, he calls for a ban on assault weapons and high capacity magazines, saying, “No responsible gun owner needs a weapon that shoots 100 bullets a minute.” He also calls for expansion of mental health services, as well as universal background checks for firearm purchases. He wants Congress to end tax subsidies for oil companies, while increasing investment in alternative sources of energy. As the grandchild of immigrants, Koutoujian believes immigration reform is a must to help undocumented immigrants become legal citizens. On social security, Koutoujian says he will not compromise: “We cannot solve the nation’s deficit problem on the backs of our seniors while billionaires and corporations are not paying their fair share. Our senior citizens have spent their entire lives paying their fair share and we owe it to them to hold up our end of the bargain.” Like the other candidates, Koutoujian is pro-choice, and believes that women should receive the same compensation as their male counterparts in the workforce.
Koutoujian has said his Armenian heritage and his experience as a descendent of Armenian Genocide survivors informs certain positions on issues. For instance, during a televised debate between the Democratic contenders, Koutoujian was asked whether he would have supported military intervention in Syria. “I’m the grandchild of Armenian Genocide survivors and everything in my being wanted to go there and protect those people because I know what happened to my people,” said the sheriff. “But when I really considered it in line with the lack of support of the larger international community and the failure of a long-term vision, not just for entrance, but for exit with regard to Syria, really made me realize…that we can’t go in there.” He also added that in case of genocide, he would absolutely vote for an intervention.
Six other Democrats are also vying for the Democratic nomination in this race, four of whom—like Koutoujian—hold elected office. All of the candidates describe themselves as “progressive.” Since this will be a special election, the candidate who is able to move more voters and get them to the polls will win the primary.
According to a poll conducted by the Emerson College Polling Society in September, Koutoujian’s main contenders are State Senator Katherine Clark, 50, who is ahead, and State Senator Karen Spilka, 60, who is behind.
Clark, who is a resident of Melrose, is endorsed by state Attorney General Martha Coakley, as well as EMILY’s list, a national organization that supports pro-choice female candidates. She has promised to be a voice for women’s rights in Washington, is advocating for universal pre-kindergarten in the country, and has vowed to fight “radical” and “extremist” Republicans in Congress.
“I’m tired of hearing radical Republicans talk about family values when they don’t actually focus on what’s best for our families,” Clark was quoted as saying on her campaign site. On Oct. 10, the Boston Globe endorsed Clark. “[Of all the candidates] the one who has best articulated a strategy for navigating the bitterly divided House is state Senator Katherine Clark of Melrose, whose warmth and intelligence are complemented by a sharp understanding of the issues and a shrewd legislative game plan. The Globe is pleased to offer her its endorsement in next Tuesday’s Democratic primary,” read the statement. As a State Senator, Clark represents Malden, Melrose, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, and Winchester.
Ashland-resident Spilka, a former social worker and labor lawyer, is enjoying endorsements from most labor unions. Spilka, who has been a State Senator since 2001, has focused her campaign on health issues, including rights for the mentally disabled. She is a champion of labor unions, and says job creation is a top priority of hers.
State Senator Will Brownsberger, 56, from Belmont has made transparency a focal point, priding himself on being the only candidate to refuse any financial contributions from PACs or lobby groups. He has made his e-mail and cell phone number available to the public, and vows to do the same if elected. Brownsberger, who is often described as “professorial,” says he is not someone to shy away from unpopular votes. “It really takes courage to vote against the tide. And I’ve been willing to do that too… Sometimes, a legislator needs to do something that is unpopular and trust that constituents will respect his explanation of his vote,” he noted on his campaign website.
State Representative Carl M. Sciortino Jr., 35, from Medford has made cooperation a running theme in his campaign, with an ad in which he embraces his father who is a Tea Party supporter. Sciortino, a self-described “Massachusetts liberal,” has asserted his unyielding and principled approach to issues, a trait critics view as counterproductive in a bipartisan environment.
Two other Democratic candidates are also in the race. Arlington Democrat Martin Long, 52, hopes to solve the issue of bipartisan non-cooperation, and has called for the decriminalization and taxing of marijuana. Paul John Maisano from Stoneham, 59, who describes himself as a conservative, hopes to find “harmony” between Democrats and Republicans in Congress, and is championing the cause of fighting cyber-terrorism.
The general election will take place on Dec. 10.
To read the Armenian Weekly’s interview with Koutoujian on issues concerning Armenian Americans, click here.
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