Speaking for Those Who Have No Voice

I misted up on Wednesday hearing Martha Coakley describe working for those who have no voice, particularly immigrants. Martha has taken on employers who frighten their employees by telling them they will be deported if they either report domestic violence or avail themselves and their children of emergency healthcare. I was touched by her obvious pride and love for the jobs she’s held and by the ability it has given her to help those with no other champions.

Earlier in the morning she had spoken of starting a sexual assault unit so that victims of those crimes could receive the special understanding that they need.  And she described defending abused children

It’s about case-by-case how we make the system work, and how we make it fair for people.

In an afternoon interview, she described how the people-connection skill she has developed as DA and AG will help her be an effective senator, because in Washington,

you have to look at the big picture, you have to vote on legislation, you have to look at policy, but you also have to care about people back in your commonwealth who are losing their homes, losing their jobs, or who are worried about doing that.

As she’d said earlier,

That’s what Senator Ted Kennedy was so terrific about… understanding every single constituent in Massachusetts who would be dependent upon him for cutting through the red tape of for making government be fair.

Senate President Therese Murray said

 As a U.S. Senator, with the torch of Edward Kennedy lit behind her, she will carry on that tradition of righteousness and carve out a new path of representation and achievement for which we can all be proud.

Martha Coakley is truly a shining example of an advocate that combines heart and head with the ability to fight for what is right. Having followed her career for years I am incredibly excited by the possibility of having the most qualified candidate, who, as a bonus, happens to be our first woman, represent us in the United States Senate.