Politics & Government

WATCH: State Rep Candidates Debate in Somerville—Toomey, Connolly, Vasconcelos Square Off

26th Middlesex District State Rep. Timothy Toomey and challengers Michael Connolly and Thomas Vasconcelos sparred during an entertaining debated in Somerville Tuesday. Here's video of the showdown.

If you enjoy an entertaining debate, check out this video of State Rep. Timothy Toomey and his challengers, Mike Connolly, a Progressive Independent, and Thomas Vasconcelos, a Republican, debating in Somerville Tuesday.

The debate, for the 26th Middlesex District seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, was held at SCATV and was moderated by "Greater Somerville" Host Joe Lynch.

Watch the debate here.

Find out what's happening in Somervillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The three candidates discussed a number of issues, including a proposed gas tax to fund public transit, development in East Somerville, charter schools, air pollution in East Somerville, the state debt and constituent services.

They also went after each other on topics such as their employment histories, charitable contributions and campaign tactics.

Find out what's happening in Somervillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

To give a sneak preview, Vasconcelos at one point said there are "quite a few" members of state government who are not competent enough to "run a lemonade stand." Connolly accused Toomey of making an ad hominem attack, and Toomey challenged Connolly's values based on his day job at a multi-national corporation.

The whole debate is worth watching, but the sparks really start flying during the last half hour.

Here's some initial coverage of the event.

The three candidates will face off again in Cambridge on Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. The location has not yet been determined.


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