Why I Support Martha Coakley

This is not an easy question for me to answer. It is not easy because it is hard for me to put into words what an incredible woman she genuinely is. Words like honest, ethical, caring, deserving, tough, inspirational all apply but they don’t seem to be enough. That is what sets her apart from all the other candidates that are currently in this race. She is the only truly qualified candidate and we would be lucky to have her representing our interests as the first woman Senator from Massachusetts.

I began working for General Coakley directly out of law school. I was referred to Martha through a mutual acquaintance and I was so honored that she was willing to take a chance on me. I must preface this by saying it was truly my dream to work for Martha. I had interned at the US Attorney’s office and would often hear stories about what kind of a person she was. I was amazed at how highly all of the attorneys that I worked for would speak of her. I can assure you that this was not always the case for other offices in the area. I had decided throughout the interview process that if I could not work for Martha, than I’m not sure if I even wanted to practice law. Luckily, I didn’t have to make that decision and I was hired as part of 2004’s incoming class.

From day one I knew that I was in the right place, working for the right person. Martha’s incredible reputation was more than accurate. She taught us that we were to hold ourselves to the highest of legal ethics. She constantly reminded us to never forget the victim, and that we can do what most cannot. We can have a voice for those who have been physically, financially and mentally harmed. In truth we had the ability to give them back their voice.

Martha knew the name of every employee in her office and would go out of her way to take the time to speak to you when you would encounter her. She was never too busy to ask how you were doing or give you advice. Being a prosecutor was a difficult job and she was the first to recognize that. The hours were long and the pay was barely enough to live on, but working for Martha made none of that matter.

She recognized the difficulties that we all faced, because she herself had once been there. She would do things to boost morale. Small things like having a meeting to remind us why we did what we did, and why it was so important. She was our biggest cheerleader and her enthusiasm was contagious. Working for her was the greatest experience in my life and I learned more in those two and a half years than I did in all my years of schooling.

I left the office when I gave birth to my son, who is now two. When he was about one year old I ran into Martha outside of the office. At the time I was debating returning to work and I was unsure of my decision to stay home full time. I was so nervous in telling her this and I will never forget what she said. She told me that what I was doing at home was just as important as what I was doing in the courtroom. She said that it is your reputation that people remember, not how long you are away and she assured me that if I was looking to start up again that there was always the possibility of applying for a position at the AG’s office. These words of encouragement meant more to me than she can ever know.

That is what is so amazing about Martha. It’s her loyalty to he employees and in turn her employees are completely loyal back. I am amazed at how many of my former coworkers are at every campaign event. These are people who work long hours, most with families, and they are more than willing to dedicate their evenings and weekends to support a woman who truly is deserving of their time.

Why vote for Martha Coakley? I honestly can’t think of one reason not to.