FRAMINGHAM, MA – A debate between candidates vying to be the next State Representative for the 6th Middlesex District was held October 25, 2010.

The debate brought together candidates Jim Pillsbury, (an Independent), Jim Rizoli, (also Independent), and Chris Walsh, a Democrat who beat out current State Rep. Pam Richardson, for the their party’s nomination in the primaries.

The debate, which I could only describe as; “Watching a train wreck that somehow righted itself before pulling into the station“, is actually a testament to local politics, community access tv, and the level of voter interest in this year’s elections.

Three candidates with very differing views and political styles, were for the most part cordial, focused and willing to engage voters in a debate featuring live call-in questions.  Better screening of calls may have helped the format, as callers were able to express views and make comments that were not questions, while other called and asked the same questions twice.

The hour long debate, produced by Framingham Public Access TV, (FPAC-TV), can be viewed below, (its hosted at blip.TV which inserts a 30-second advertisement before viewing).

With all that was said, Jim Pillsbury’s line, “I am definitely not a lawyer, and don’t play one on t.v.“, had to be the best line of any candidate in any race this election season.

A second debate, sponsored by a company that publishes a daily newspaper, (and a weekly “advertising stuffer“), was held at the Framingham Public Library on October 28, 2010. View that debate below, (again, you will have to watch a 30 second blitp.tv commercial before debate start).

The Town of Framingham is divided across two State voting districts and has two State Reps who work for Framingham resident’s interests on Beacon Hill.

One State Rep is for the 6th Middlesex district which consists of Framingham precincts 1 through 7, 9, 13, 14 and 17, and one State Rep who represents the Town of Ashland and the remaining Framingham precincts, (8, 10-12, 15 and 16), which comprise the 7th Middlesex District.

Contested races for both seats will be decided in the November 2, 2010 MA State Election with newcomer, Republican David Mercer competing against incumbent, Democrat Tom Sanicandro for the 7th Middlesex seat.

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