Candidates Capuano, Pressley Debate Race, Housing In Boston

BOSTON, MA — It's the first time in the past two decades the Democratic U.S. Congressman who represents much of Boston and Cambridge along with some surrounding communities, has had a challenger for the Democratic Primary.

The debates online and in the court of public opinion started when Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley threw her name into the ring months ago, with some criticizing Pressley for running against someone who would likely vote very close to how she would. Now, in the lead up to the Primary Election Day where U.S. Congressman Michael Capuano faces Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley for the Democratic nomination in Massachusetts' 7th Congressional District, the official debates kicked off with a Radio Boston moderated debate on WBUR.

As the debate got underway at UMass Boston, and Capuano finished his introduction someone from the back of the audience rang what appeared to be a cow bell and began heckling.

"Disability Integration Act Now!" she yelled as WBUR moderators acknowledged her and the issues and continued. It was the first time the moderators had to raise their voices to be heard and call order. But it was definitely not the last throughout the debate, which also involved some spicy feedback from Capuano.

One of the first questions moderators asked was about why voters should choose them in the Democratic primary.

Pressley, 43, became the first woman of color elected to the Boston City Council in 2009. A resident of Dorchester, she previously worked for U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy II and U.S. Sen. John Kerry. Pressley positions herself as an activist leader.

"Leadership can't just be defined by number of years serves or how you vote, it's about impact in this district," she said.

"Race is a factor in everything," said Pressley when asked if it was a factor in the race. "Representation does matter. That wasn't the impetus for my run," she said. "You can not have a government for and by the people if it is not represented by the people."

Capuano, 65, represents Somerville, Chelsea, Everett, Randolph, half of Cambridge, parts of Milton and much of Boston. The former Somerville mayor and alderman was first elected to congress in 1998. He noted a number of times that it takes a while to learn the system in order to become an effective Congressman.

On race?

"Of course they matter. That's why we fight so hard for rights," said Capuano. He noted a number of key moments when he was the one to pick up the phone and make sure a diversity of voices and people were taken care of, especially when it came to public transportation.

Both criticized President Donald Trump.

On whether Nancy Pelosi should continue as Speaker:

"It's a premature discussion. I don't know who is going to be in office. We do not have consensus in this moment even on who we are as party,"

She said she had respect for Pelosi.

Capuano who has called for Pelosi to step down in the past said he thought Pelosi had great skills and that he, too, respected her.

"In Congress it is the majority party that sets the agenda... To have the right speaker is absolutely critical. ... This year we'll see what the situation is when the time comes," he said.

Read up:

Rep. Mike Capuano Endorsed By Civil Rights Legend

Op-Ed: In Support of Rep. Capuano

Ayanna Pressley To Challenge Rep. Capuano In 2018

Rep. Capuano Could Face Challenger In 2018: Report

Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley Wants To Dismantle ICE

Maura Healey Endorses Ayanna Pressley For Congress Over

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Photos courtesy Michael Capuano and Ayanna Pressley