Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren's entrance created a media frenzy, with reporters from across the state as well as national outlets jumping for a chance to hear from the woman aiming to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Scott Brown in November. Watch video
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Activists say Romney would be a “nightmare for the poor and middle class.”SPRINGFIELD - Politicians and political hopefuls from Across Massachusetts mingled with voters, colleagues and even rivals at Hampden County Sheriff Michael Ashe's 35 annual clambake in Springfield on Wednesday.
After early morning showers made for a soggy pre-party golf game at the Oakridge Country Club & Franconia Golf Course, the day made way for sunny skies and muggy air for most of the afternoon at what is considered the premier political event of Western Massachusetts.
The clambake, which was moved from Six Flags New England in Agawam to the Springfield Elks Lodge on Tiffany Street, has grown over the years, although Ashe says he never thought it would become the big-ticket gathering it is today.
"I like to believe that this this is about more than politics and we all come together because we all know the value of serving the community," Ashe said. "After 35 years, I just feel blessed."
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren's entrance created a media frenzy, with reporters from across the state as well as national outlets jumping for a chance to hear from the woman aiming to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Scott Brown in November.
In an endorsement of Brown by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce earlier in the day, Rob Engstrom, the group's political director, said “No other candidate in 2012 represents a greater threat to free enterprise than Professor Warren."
When asked for her reaction, Warren laughed and shrugged off the characterization while reiterating her campaign's promise to be a champion for the middle class. "Once again, Scott Brown stands with the big Washington lobbyists. I want to close the loopholes, and say no more subsidies to big oil, and those guys just hate that," Warren said. "I'm out here working for middle class families and small businesses. Nothing is going to change over here."
As Warren and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, made their way toward the food pavilion, Ashe introduced Neal, who brought the Harvard Law professor into the spotlight.
"You're the folks that brought Mike Ashe to the dance years ago. And today, I'm going to ask you to bring someone else to the dance," Neal said. "She'll never vote to cut Medicare and never vote to privatize Social Security, I can guarantee you that. So it's an honor for me to welcome the next senator from Massachusetts, our friend, Elizabeth Warren."
Brown, who was endorsed at an event in Roxbury Wednesday morning, was unable to attend the Springfield clambake as he had to make it to New York City for a fundraiser hosted by the Big Apple's Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Other notable politicos in the crowd included Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Chicopee Mayor Michael Bissonnette and several Beacon Hill legislators, including State Sen. Jim Welch, D-West Springfield, State Sen. Gale D. Candaras, D-Wilbraham and State Sen. Michael Knapik, R-Westfield.
The crowd also had some faces rumored to be considering a run for governor in 2014, as Gov. Deval Patrick said he will not be seeking another term. Among those were State Treasurer Steve Grossman, Secretary of State William Galvin and Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray.
Although no one spoke publicly of a potential run for the state's highest office, all offered kind words for the sheriff and the annual gathering.
Grossman called Ashe the "gold standard" against which other sheriffs are compared to, citing his innovative programs for reducing prisoner recidivism rates and helping re-acclimate those being released into society.
Murray, a Worcester native, said that lawmakers in Boston can sometimes neglect the central and western parts of the state, but Ashe has been a "great advocate" for the region.
"He is well respected across the board and knows how to get their attention," Murray said of Ashe, going on to discuss his admiration for the sheriff's programs at the house of corrections.
"Sheriff Ashe is not just considered a leader in the state," Murray said, "but he serves as a nationwide example for the programs he has started."
According to Richard McCarthy, Ashe's longtime press secretary, the crowd was one of the biggest the clambake has ever drawn.
"Not to knock Six Flags, but a lot of people have spoken highly of having it here and the people seem very happy," McCarthy said. "I think we have over 1,500 people or so and the sheriff is happy, so the clambake is definitely a success."