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Ed O`Reilly on Principles & Values
Democratic Senate Challenger
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Graduated UMass; then firefighter, lobsterman & lawyer
Born in Boston, Ed grew up in a large Watertown working class family. His father was the former Watertown Fire Chief. Ed attended UMass Amherst [and later the New England School of Law]. After graduation, Ed worked for the Mass. Department of
Corrections at Norfolk State Prison. He has also been a Commercial Lobsterman. Ed served for over three years as a proud member of the Watertown Fire Department, IAFF Local #1347 until he was laid off due to Proposition 2-1/2.
Source: Campaign website, www.edoreilly.com, “Issues”
May 19, 2007
Elected to Gloucester City Council & School Committee
Ed was elected and served as an at-large Gloucester City Councilor in the 1980’s and was highly regarded as a supporter of environmental causes. In the 1990’s Ed served as Chairman and member of the
Gloucester School Committee. Known for his sense of humor, Ed has served for over twenty years as the Master of Ceremonies in the bi-annual “roasting” of Gloucester political candidates.
Source: Campaign website, www.edoreilly.com, “Issues”
May 19, 2007
Formally announced at the Democratic State Convention
A Gloucester attorney is planning to challenge Sen. John Kerry in the 2008 election, saying the Massachusetts Democrat was wrong to support military intervention in Iraq and should be replaced to bring a fresh perspective into the political system.
Edward O’Reilly, a former lobsterman, firefighter, Gloucester city councilor and Gloucester School Committee member, plans to run as a Democrat.O’Reilly, 53, plans a formal announcement at the Democratic State Convention in Amherst.
A year from now, he will need to gain the support of 15% of the convention delegates to secure a spot on the Democratic primary ballot against Kerry. Kerry was unchallenged during his 2002 re-election campaign. O’Reilly said Kerry was wrong to vote in
Oct. 2002 in favor of a congressional resolution authorizing war with Iraq, a vote Kerry himself now says was a mistake. A Kerry spokesperson said “Sen. Kerry is honored to serve Massachusetts and looks forward to his re-election campaign.”
Source: Associated Press in Boston Globe, “Challenge Kerry”
May 17, 2007
Will follow Howard Dean in raising many small contributions
O’Reilly said he’ll leave his law practice in the hands of a partner while he campaigns full-time. He said he’s not concerned about raising money. A supporter of Howard Dean’s presidential campaign, O’Reilly said he hopes to follow
Dean & raise small contributions from many donors. Asked whether he can beat Kerry, O’Reilly said that’s the wrong question. It’s whether voters want change. “It’s not whether I can beat him,” O’Reilly said. “If they want a new senator, it’s up to them.”
Source: Edward Mason, North Andover Eagle Tribune, “Challenge Kerry”
May 17, 2007
Page last updated: Nov 22, 2009