Election 2018: Tedeschi Challenges Keating For MA's 9th District

A South Shore native and former CEO of a Massachusetts-based chain of convenience stores is looking to unseat seven-year congressman Bill Keating. Republican Peter Tedeschi says he's running to represent the 9th Congressional District to "give back to an area that has been so supportive of him and his family for generations."

Keating, a Democrat from Bourne, was elected to Congress in 2010 after serving 11 years as the Norfolk District Attorney. His district includes Barnstable, Falmouth, Martha's Vineyard and Plymouth.

On his campaign website, Keating writes that his legislative priorities are working to create jobs by supporting small businesses and increasing educational opportunities; strengthening middle class families; improving our domestic security; providing the senior population with the resources they need; ensuring veterans receive the benefits they deserve; and protecting the ecosystem.

As a freshman congressman, Keating was asked to serve on three House committees and was chosen for a lead role on one.

During his tenure, Keating says he has created 10,000 new jobs in the district with the redevelopment of the former South Weymouth Naval Air Station into Southfield, spearheaded a focus on perimeter security in airports and introduced legislation requiring pharmaceutical companies to make prescription drugs tamper resistant.

Tedeschi says what sets him apart from Keating is his career as a businessman. On his campaign website, Tedeschi vows to remain bipartisan and limit himself to three terms if elected. He told Patch the biggest challenge facing the district is partisan gridlock in Congress.

"I don't believe either party has a monopoly on good, or bad, ideas," he wrote in an email.

Tedeschi's platform includes building an educated and competitive workforce in the region, investing in infrastructure, reevaluating federal spending and ensuring affordable healthcare. He told Patch if elected, he will vote on legislation "on its merits and its impact on the communities of the 9th District, rather than voting strictly along party lines."