GOP Senate Hopeful Gabriel Gomez Kicks Off Campaign
QUINCY (AP) — Cohasset businessman Gabriel Gomez formally launched his U.S. Senate bid Thursday.
The Republican and former Navy SEAL made the official announcement in Quincy, two weeks after releasing a video saying he was running for the Senate seat vacated by Secretary of State John Kerry.
Gomez, in his first remarks to reporters, said he believes no politicians in Washington should get paid until they resolve the current fiscal stalemate.
"I may not be the most popular guy in D.C. when I say this, but until they figure out what they are going to do on the sequester, I don't think any congressmen or the senators or the president should have a paycheck," he said.
"And that includes Congressmen Markey and Lynch," he added, referring U.S. Reps. Edward Markey and Stephen Lynch, the two Democrats running for the Senate seat.
Gomez, Norfolk state Rep. Daniel Winslow and former U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan all say they've collected enough signatures to get on the April 30 Republican primary ballot.
Gomez also proposed a lifetime ban on lobbying by former members of Congress and term limits for the House and Senate to phase out what he called "career politicians."
Gomez said he supports gay marriage. On abortion, he described himself as "pro-life," but said he does not believe the landmark Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion should be overturned.
"I was raised Catholic and by faith I am pro-life. But this is a very contentious issue, I understand that. I'm not going down to D.C. to change the law," he said.
Former Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey appeared at Gomez's kickoff event. He was scheduled to make appearances later in the day in Shrewsbury and West Springfield.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
