Everybody is having a blast! (still via YouTube/WWLP)

The Democratic primary for Senate came back to Western Massachusetts last Wednesday with the campaign’s first debate. Incumbent Senator Ed Markey jousted with his challenger, North Shore Congressman Seth Moulton, in a roughly hour-long debate that touched on effectiveness, healthcare and pushing back on Donald Trump.

The debate also provided a backdrop for Moulton to announce a slate of endorsements from the 413. The list was relatively short, given that Markey had locked down support from most of the region’s electeds. Moulton had brushed off the disparity during the debate, noting that Markey had collected many of them before the race was competitive.

“We also all know, that all these endorsements you racked up before I even got in the race,” Moulton said. “It’s not about the establishment politician endorsements. It’s about what is your vision for the future.”

Moulton touted his town hall visits throughout the commonwealth—including one in Chicopee that night. However, Markey said he has local support because he is present and working hand-in-glove with area officials.

“I show up. There’s reason why the mayor of Springfield has endorsed me and the mayor of Easthampton and Northampton and Pittsfield and North Adams and Holyoke and Chicopee. They’re endorsing me because I show up.”

Since last July, Markey has amassed an endorsement list that includes almost all Western Mass state legislators, most of the 413’s mayors, many county and local officials and countless former officials. The campaign began rolling out that list last July with an announcement that Springfield Congressman Richard Neal headlined. Worcester Congressman James McGovern, whose district includes the Upper Valley, soon followed.

Where there’s a Will, there’s a Moulton endorsement? (via Xitter/MayorReichelt)

While most area mayors are with Markey, not all are. The mayors of Agawam, Westfield and, until recently, West Springfield had been on the sidelines. Moulton’s campaign announced on the day of the debate that he has scored the support of Westside’s popular mayor, Will Reichelt.

Moulton’s 16 endorsements also include Longmeadow Select Board Vice-chair Shelley Maynard-Dewolf, and Chicopee City Councilor Shane Brooks. The list includes notables like Richard Sullivan, a onetime (and longtime) Westfield mayor and a staffer to former Governor Deval Patrick. Also with Moulton were former Springfield State Rep Jose Tosado, former Pittsfield State Senator Andrea Nuciforo and several former mayors.

The debate itself mostly stuck to national issues. However, there were state and local notes.

A consortium of local media organized the debate. The candidates appeared at WWLP’s studios in Chicopee. Patrick Berry, a host of WWLP’s Mass Appeal, moderated the debate. The panel consisted of New England Public Media Executive Editor Liz Roman, Western Mass News anchor emeritus Dave Madsen, Republican reporter Jim Kinney and WWLP’s Anthony Fay.

The questions with obvious local dimensions ranged from impending healthcare cuts to East-West rail to connecting with the region’s Latino community.

The 413’s hospitals face steep losses starting next year because Trump slashed Medicaid to pay for his tax cuts.  Markey assured that if Democrats take Congress this year, they will reinstate that money.

Echoing an argument Joe Kennedy, III had made in his bid to dislodge Markey, Moulton said that what mattered was winning the majority. He pointed to the efforts his Serve America group had made to elect more Democrats nationwide.

The candidates battled a bit over East-West rail as well. Markey plugged the roughly $150 million he, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Congressman Neal secured to fund a startup service. Moulton poo-pooed that, as he has in interviews.

Construction has been slow to start, but will the actual trains between Boston and Springfield be too slow to attract riders? (No.) (via wikipedia)

“Nobody will ride your train because it’s too slow,” he claimed. Moulton instead insisted that a high-speed rail venture should be pursued.

Markey persisted.

“We got the funding. It’s now on its way. It’s on track to be built,” the senator said. “It is long, long overdue.”

On the question of reaching the region’s Latinos, Markey highlighted support from Springfield Senator Adam Gomez and legislation to help small business owners. Moulton emphasized the need to address matters of affordability. Both called for the abolition of US Immigration & Customs Enforcement. ICE, along with Customs and Border Patrol, has been terrorizing immigrant communities and, increasingly, US citizens who oppose the agencies’ tactics.

The debate closed with light-hearted questions about favorite Massachusetts sports teams and favorite local restaurants. (Markey picked Red Rose; Moulton gave White Lion Brewery a shoutout).

Little happened in the debate that is likely to change the race much. Generational change is central to Moulton’s bid, but Markey had no moments that might lead voters to worry about his age. (The senator turned 80 this month.) Likewise, Moulton navigated around a question about his comments about trans athletes.

The candidates will meet at least two more times before the primary on September 1.