Rep. Keating Facing Primary Challenge from Businessman Bill Cimbrelo

Photo Courtesy of www.billcimbrelo.com

BARNSTABLE – Massachusetts 9^th District Congressman Bill Keating will be facing a primary challenge. Businessman and former environmental chemist Bill Cimbrelo has officially announcing that he is seeking the democratic nomination for the seat.

“I’m not just running against an individual. I’m running against a very broken system that once resembled a democracy, but through campaign finance deregulation now resembles an oligarchy,” Cimbrelo said regarding challenging Keating.

Rep. Bill Keating

“Rep. Keating unfortunately has become one with that corrupt campaign finance system, and I feel that the citizens of the 9^th district deserve a progressive representative who will represent the citizens, not a handful of corporate donors.”

Cimbrelo, a liberal democrat, ran for congress in 2011 as an Independent candidate against Republican incumbent Scott Brown. Since the election, he has focused on growing his home remodeling business and political activism.

“I think that Independent candidates may do well for example in Maine, but state and city politics really dictate a lot of what’s going on,” said Cimbrelo, “The average voter doesn’t pay attention to somebody unless they have a “D” or an “R” next to their name, that’s just the sad reality.”

Businessman Peter Tedeschi

He has pledged to not accept contributions from corporations or lobbyists, who he feels hold control over both political parties.

In a release announcing his candidacy, Cimbrelo notes that he has faced many of the same struggles as those living in the commonwealth’s 9^th congressional district including loss of a spouse to terminal illness, dealing with for-profit insurance companies, and bankruptcy. 

Cimbrelo’s vision for Massachusetts and America includes creating more living wage jobs through expanding renewable energy, supporting legislation to make public colleges and universities tuition free, making reductions to the defense budget, and guaranteeing free healthcare to all.

“I think that Rep. Keating really represents the status quo, and right now we need something, someone, that’s going to really invigorate the base and also really attract independent voters and the Bernie-crats frankly who have really been left behind.”

Representative Keating is seeking his fourth two-year term in congress, Republican convenience store magnate Peter Tedeschi has also announced his intention to seek the seat.