A Fighting Chance

For some of the press on this, see Jess Bidgood, “Brown Questions Role of Warren’s Daughter in Voter Registration Effort,” The Caucus (blog), New York Times, August 8, 2012. See also “Brown Urges Warren to Pay State for Mailing Costs,” Associated Press, August 10, 2012.

And more press … Mark Trumbull, “‘Welfare Voters’ Are Latest Battleground in Brown-Warren Senate Race,” Christian Science Monitor, August 9, 2012.

“We just don’t want the game to be rigged”: For my full speech at the Democratic National Convention, see ABC News at http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/OTUS/transcript-elizabeth-warrens-democratic-convention-speech/story?id=17164726.

all hands on deck: We have long had an outstanding delegation here in Massachusetts. I have a terrific partner in now senator Ed Markey, who was a great supporter during the campaign. Senator John Kerry was always a thoughtful advisor during the campaign, and we are all proud to have him represent us around the world as secretary of state. Congressman Barney Frank, a champion for the people who had been a true friend since our days fighting for the consumer agency, had been one of the first to encourage me to run for Senate. He was retiring from the House, but he campaigned with me, gave sharp advice, and took particular care to tutor me on fishing issues, determined that I get to know fishing families up and down the coast. Congresswoman Niki Tsongas was the first to endorse me, making it clear that she thought Massachusetts would be well served by a woman in the Senate. Congressman Richie Neal helped introduce me to his constituents in Western Massachusetts, and Congressman John Olver, who was retiring, showed up at event after event to introduce me to the people he had worked so hard for across so many years. Congressman Jim McGovern, a true man of conscience, offered to organize the central part of the state, which was powerfully important. Congressman John Tierney and I hit many events together on the North Shore, stressing the same issues and building on each other’s energy. Congressman Bill Keating was great on the Cape and South Coast, including a rally in the final days before the election in which, at the end of my speech, I reached behind me and grabbed his hand and identified him as my sweet husband who been with me every step of the way—much to the surprise of Bruce (who was standing next to Bill) and Bill’s wife (who was nearby). Congressmen Mike Capuano and Steve Lynch helped out at many events, and state officials and local officials jumped in at key points. I was grateful for everyone’s help.

power of the vote: Senators Al Franken, Bernie Sanders, Sheldon Whitehouse, Bill Bradley, and Jeanne Shaheen and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro showed up to stump for me, and they energized the volunteers and reached out to new groups.

the momentum of the campaign: From the earliest days of the campaign, Governor Patrick offered thoughtful advice. Each time we talked, he reminded me that a campaign was about values and that if I stuck to my values, I’d be all right. He endorsed me just before the state convention, giving the campaign a needed boost. Later in the campaign, he helped rally Democrats in the fight to win back the Senate seat and his powerful speeches left the crowds cheering. In short, he was terrific.

more helping hands: Caroline Kennedy offered to help, which I really appreciated. She joined Mayor Menino and me as we campaigned together in Charlestown.