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Remarks of Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray

Democratic State Convention

June 7, 2008

Lowell, Massachusetts.

(NOTE: Party chairman John Walsh introduced Tim at the convention, telling the delegates that it was Tim’s 40^th birthday. Walsh then led the crowd in singing Happy Birthday as Tim took the stage.)

Thank you. Does this mean I get a birthday wish? Actually I have three wishes today.

First—I wish that before the summer is over, we’ll see Ted Kennedy back on the senate floor. We need you Ted—Godspeed !

Next—I wish we all take a moment to remember and honor Shane Duffy, a hero and a son of Massachusetts, killed in Iraq this week.

Finally— I wish that come November, we are united in one voice, in one cause, and we take back the White House for the good of the American people.

We need to come together, and you know why. You know, because you’re here. Because you’re Democrats. Because you don’t walk away from a fight, you do something about it. You take action.

You are the heart and soul of our party, and when there is a clear mission ahead, when we all see a common goal, then we come together and fight for the things that make us Democrats. When we do that, nothing can get in our way.

United we will prevail, and prevail we must, because it matters. It matters for the security of our seniors, for the education of our children, for the protection of our environment, and it matters for the safety of our courageous men and women in uniform.

It matters for all people who want the chance to succeed, who want the freedom to live as they wish, to marry who they wish. It matters for those who believe that the fruits of freedom that make America great need to be shared with all who come to our table.

Just look at the difference Democratic leadership has meant right here in Massachusetts. Two years ago in Worcester—your overwhelming support launched a new team onto the Commonwealth’s stage. After 16 years of Republican no-show leadership in Massachusetts, you said it was time for a change. Now look at what’s going on.

I travel to every corner of this state, and from Boston to Pittsfield, from Fitchburg to Fall River, people see the change that’s happened in state government

First, they actually see their governor and lieutenant governor working in their communities. And they see: Roads and bridges getting fixed, school funding being restored, affordable housing being built, seaports being expanded, state parks being cared for, brownfields being transformed into housing and job opportunities, and a new growing industry for Massachusetts in alternative and renewable energy.

They see more police in their neighborhoods, broadband coming to rural areas, jobs growing in the life sciences, and high-tech manufacturing. And they’ll see corporations paying their fair share in taxes, just like you and I do.

So when people ask if we’re making a difference, I say, ask the 340,000 people with health insurance today, who didn’t have it before. Ask the 15,000 people working this year at newly created jobs. Ask the teenagers in Boston and Worcester and Springfield and Pittsfield and Fall River and Lowell and Lawrence and Brockton, who will have summer jobs this year, then ask their parents how important that is!

Ask the teachers in Salem who avoided mid-year layoffs because we acted swiftly in their support, and then ask the students and their families what that means for their future. Ask the commuters on the Framingham Worcester line who now have wi-fi on the train, then ask riders across the state if they’re looking forward to getting wi-fi soon.

Ask our veterans who have new access to the administration and new hope for better services. Ask the people working in the trenches to end homelessness, domestic violence and substance abuse.. . .ask them about the engagement of this administration and the demand for action

None of this happens by accident. It happens because of you. Because you said this Commonwealth could do better, then you came together to elect new leadership that shares your values.

We believe, as Democrats, that all people must have the opportunity to succeed and to live in dignity. We believe, as Democrats, that government should build up our society, not tear it down.

It’s my honor to serve as your lieutenant governor, to make sure our party’s ideals get put into practice, so that in our common interest, our Commonwealth thrives.

In that work, I’m fortunate to have a seat at the executive table with a man of uncommon talents. A leader who is focused on the goal and committed to progress. A leader, who by his own example inspires others to greatness. A person who works tirelessly to lift up our communities, and who demands that every child in Massachusetts has the chance to transform their life, just like he did.

Ladies and gentleman-- fellow Democrats, It is my great pleasure, and high honor, to introduce to you, the governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. . .Deval Patrick

—end—