By Lucas Willard
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-1003328.mp3
Pittsfield, MA – " "
Andrea Nuciforo Jr. spoke to a crowd at the former Mazzeo's restaurant in Pittsfield after Wednesday's bus tour of Massachusetts' newly drawn First Congressional District. Nuciforo made what he called the formal announcement of his campaign to grab the democratic nomination for the open seat in House of Representatives.
Nuciforo served as State Senator for the Berkshire, Hampton, and Franklin district from 1997 to 2007. Currently he serves as the Register of Deeds' for the Berkshire Middle District, in Pittsfield.
Nuciforo's bus tour took along supporters, friends and family to five stops in the new district's territory - including stops in Congressman Richard Neal's former voting district. Nuciforo faces the challenge of introducing himself to a new electorate.
Nuciforo says that his grass-roots kickoff throughout Western Mass is the best way to introduce himself to new voters.
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The tour traveled through Holyoke, Southbridge, Easthampton, and Charlemont before ending in Pittsfield.
To the crowd, Nuciforo criticized incumbent politicians in Washington, pushing his newcomer status as an important quality. He also brought up a populist message against big money in elections and in Washington.
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Afterwards, Nuciforo explained his support for setting term limits for Congressional leadership.
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Campaign Manager Crystal Shoup said that Nuciforo's run will be highlighted by a website and social networking campaign on sites like Facebook and Twitter. She said Nuciforo will connect with younger Americans who are facing difficulties in the economic downturn.
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Dan Witkowski is a young supporter that rode in the bus with about 30 others to spread the candidate's message.
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Nuciforo faces a tough run against the popular Richard Neal, the former mayor of Springfield who has served in Congress since the mid 80's. Nuciforo will also be running against Alford writer and activist Bill Shein, who is running a campaign based on small donations only, and is well known in Berkshire County.