Jason Lewis, Sam Hammar Play Their Parts In State Senate Forum

MALDEN, MA — Thursday night's forum featuring an underdog progressive and an established progressive vying for the Fifth Middlesex District state senate Democratic primary went about as one would expect. State Sen. Jason Lewis held steady throughout and leaned on his track record, while challenger Sam Hammar tried to separate herself where she could and made several references to a need to "recorrect history."

The forum, expertly moderated by Guillermo Samuel Hamlin and hosted by Malden Access TV, was held at the Malden Senior Community Center. Marcia Manong of the Mass Senior Action Council, Nathan Lamb of the Malden Observer, and Gladys Rivera Rogers of the Malden Democratic Civic Committee each asked four questions that were answered by each of the candidates.

With few major idealogical differences to separate the two Democrats, Hammar played to her strengths. Her voice is that of a working woman and mother who is targeting working families struggling through a perfect storm of financial pitfalls: Student debt, child and senior care, and cost of housing. While Lewis may sympathize with certain issues, she said, he lacks personal experience with them.

Hammar said Lewis has done an "fine job for the system that we have," even adding that she has voted for him and may have donated $20 once upon a time. "The question is, is that system the system that you want?"

Lewis meanwhile acted like an incumbent secure in his accomplishments who knew he could keep up with some of Hammar's strongest points and convictions.

"I think the main difference is I'm someone who has a proven track record of actually getting it done," Lewis said. "Talking about these issues ... is one thing, but actually moving these policies through is another thing altogether."

When Hammar would bring up working families, he would bring up the historic minimum wage improved family and medical leave bill and the legislature passed this summer. Lewis again promised the first bill he would revive in January if re-elected would be the so-called millionaire's tax.

We love reporting hyperlocal happenings for you, but this story is just one reporter's take. Please educate yourself on every race you'll be voting for. Get started at State Sen. Jason Lewis' website and Sam Hammar's website. Watch the forum on MATV here.

Hammar went at Lewis when the opportunity presented itself, but the incumbent rarely acknowledged his opponent's jabs. The one exception was when Hammar went hard at one of the core issues of her campaign - child care - painting Lewis as out of touch with the realities she had to weather in paying $2,800 per month for her twins' pre-kindergarten. Lewis said it was an "unfair criticism and attack" and that he had lived through putting two girls through early education - and now has college on the horizon.

When Lewis noted that it wasn't easy to pass some legislation, Hammar noted how quickly the legislature pushed pay raises for themselves through.

Other than a couple political rousing, the two conducted an amicable debate.

You can watch each candidate's closing argument below:

If you looked hard enough, you could spot some other differences. When Lewis acknowledged legalized marijuana is upon us and cautioned we must tread carefully, Hammar took the opportunity to embrace the potential benefits of pot as an alternative to prescription medication and as an economic development boost. It was the only question in which she spilled beyond the three-minute limit, a limit Lewis fully exhausted or went beyond several times.

Another tangible split came during the first question of the night. When asked where they stand on ballot questions, both candidates agreed on voting Yes for Questions 2 and 3, which relate to capping political spending and protecting transgender rights, respectively.

On Question 1, which asks voters to decide on whether hospitals should have nurse-to-patient ratios. Lewis, while acknowledging it was the "most difficult" question for him, said he would vote No, as it could put financial pressure on community hospitals.

Hammar was in support of Question 1, saying, "we can cut costs in other parts of our hospitals." She said she would rather see more human resources around her and her loved ones in times of need.

Lewis said he respected and appreciated Hammar's challenge in the primary, noting that democracy is at its best when there are competitive elections.

The primary election is Tuesday, Sept. 4.

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Photo, video by Mike Carraggi