Catholic Democrats Endorses

Warren Tolman for Massachusetts Attorney General

& Broader Vision for AG Role as the 'People's Advocate'

BOSTON, MA - "Today, Catholic Democrats is endorsing Warren Tolman for Attorney General," said Steve Krueger, president of Catholic Democrats.  "The Democratic Party and the people of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are blessed to have two worthy and capable candidates for the office of Attorney General.  We are endorsing Mr. Tolman for several reasons, including his distinguished record of service and leadership to his state and community for almost a quarter of a century.  As a public servant, Mr. Tolman demonstrated both the imagination and faith to envision a better future for the citizens of Massachusetts.  At the same time, he brought both his courage and reason to make those visions a reality, often in the face of daunting challenges that included bucking the establishment in both the private and public sectors, exemplified in his hard fought victory over Big Tobacco and his work on ethics reform.  And as someone who knows how to listen and build consensus, he did so in a way that won people's respect."

"Mr. Tolman's leadership qualities in the Massachusetts General Court foreshadowed his vision for the office of Attorney General (AG).  He has articulated a vision for the role of AG, calling the office the 'People's Advocate.'  Rather than seeing the role of the AG's office as an 'either/or' choice of focus, Mr. Tolman sees the office as a 'both/and' opportunity that will expand the impact of the AG's office beyond the courtroom to best serve the people of this great Commonwealth, including women and children, the elderly and immigrants, working families and the most vulnerable among us, and the environment in which we live.  We believe that his vision, personal attributes, and exemplary record are needed in the AG's office and are good indicators of what he can accomplish as the 'People's Advocate' to serve the common good for the citizens of Massachusetts."

"Mr. Tolman's role as the 'People's Advocate' is illustrated in his proposal to implement hand-gun safety regulations using biometric technology.  The landscape for gun safety reform has been bleak across our nation, in spite of recurring tragedy, because of a lack of political will and the influence of the National Rifle Association (NRA).  Mr. Tolman's proposal for hand-gun safety will not only make our citizens - particularly children and law enforcement officials - safer, but also serve to provide leadership for our nation, when leadership is sorely needed.  He has a proven track record for taking on powerful interests and overcoming great challenges, as he did when he took on Big Tobacco, and we believe that he is uniquely qualified to take on the NRA."

"Here in Massachusetts, we are used to being the first in the nation, and the implementation of Mr. Tolman's gun safety proposal would make Massachusetts the first to implement such regulations.  This distinction would accompany Mr. Tolman's care and actions to protect our physical well being, our constitutional rights, our financial welfare, and our environment.  As an organization whose mission is to advance the Catholic Social Justice Tradition in the public square, we believe that he is the person to best ensure justice and serve the common good as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' next Attorney General."

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