Running for Kennedy's seat in the Senate

"We're in the second year of a major recession. Millions of Americans have lost their jobs. Our 401Ks and retirement plans have plummeted in value. Businesses have closed and are continuing to close. We have all seen examples throughout this state and certainly throughout the country.

Here in Massachusetts, as the unemployment rate rises toward double digits, the response of the Governor and the majority party has been to raise taxes of every type and make it tougher for businesses to survive. Remember they are the economic engine that will help us recover. I have stated on many occasions that higher taxes will further weaken our economy and put even more people out of work. In Washington, the politicians mistakenly believe that spending more money and growing the size of government is the answer. They are wrong. I believe that it is the private sector - small businesses and entrepreneurs -- that will get our economy moving again. Government can and will help, but it also needs to know when to step out of the way."