I heard mention of this rule on the radio the other day, but don't
believe I've seen it in the newspaper coverage of the 5th CD race.

According to this document on the Sec of State's site (page 2 of the
doc or page 3 of the PDF file):

http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/guidespecialele.pdf

Anyone who lives in the state can run for any district for US
Representative in Massachusetts. The only rule pertaining to the
specific district is that you need 2000 signatures from registered
voters of the given district. (The rules are different for State
Legislature elections.)

In case anyone's interested, non-party candidates have until Aug 21 to
file nomination papers + signatures. Deadline for party candidates is
passed.

http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elespeif/5congressionalcal.htm

One of the Repub. candidates for the 5th CD does not live in the 5th
CD, which is why I heard of this. Just thought I'd pass this along...

Peace,

Mike

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On 8/17/07, Maddy wrote:

Hey Mike - that's great digging! Means there is much more chance to challenge "the politician". I spoke last night (at the Dem candidate session) to a gal who had been part of the dozen or so at Cappy's Somerville Library hour Tues, where he objected MIGHTILY to the cameras being set up, demanding removal. And then proceeded with the same old recorded messages - "not enough votes", "Dennis' bill is flawed and circumvents correct procedure", "impeachment deflects time and attention from REAL issues" and he is a "politician". I would prefer a "statesman", thanks. So we can probably expect more of the same from him, as he does from us.

I write you separately so as not to clog the D8, but if you think it useful, feel free to include or forward or whatever.... and I am hoping we can come up with something that will blast this stone wall apart. Cheers! Maddy

---

Thanks, glad you find this valuable info as I do. I actually just found a news article that confirms this:

http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/homepage/x1007641770

I'll post the article and your message to our blog.


Peace,

Mike

Town lines no barrier for rep candidates

http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/homepage/x1007641770

By Eric Athas/Daily News correspondent

GHS

Three candidates, including one from Framingham, vying for the seat in the 5th Congressional District do not live in the district.

The candidates - Framingham Republican Tom Tierney, state Rep. James Miceli, and Constitution Party candidate Kevin Thompson of Brockton - are looking to fill the seat left vacant by U.S. Rep. Martin Meehan who recently took a job as chancellor of UMass-Lowell.

There are 10 candidates running for the seat, which represents 29 cities and towns, including Hudson, Maynard, Sudbury, Wayland and Stow.

The fact that Tierney, Miceli and Thompson do not live in the district is unusual said John Portz, a professor in the Political Science Department at Northeastern University.

Portz said unlike a parliamentary system - where it is common for candidates to run for positions outside their residency - it is rare in the United States for outsiders to run in another district. Candidates are required to live in the state in which they are running, but not necessarily the district.

"I think in our country, it would be unusual," said Portz. "It's interesting, though, that the constitution says that person only needs to be in the state to run."

Tierney said his living in Framingham has not come up "in any forum" discussing his candidacy. He said his experience and desire to be a congressman are what the voters are interested in.

Other than some technicalities (Tierney can't vote for himself), Tierney said his residence does not change a thing.

"The logistics of doing it is exactly the same as any regular candidate," said Tierney. "It's quite often when you have an open seat you have people from outside the district."

This is Tierney's fifth go for a seat in Congress. When Tierney, 61, last ran, he said Framingham was located in the 5th Congressional District. Redistricting later moved it to the 7th District, now represented by Democrat Edward Markey.

Miceli resides in Wilmington, but represents Tewksbury, which is in the 5th District. Miceli said his location in Wilmington only means he has had to sacrifice during his time as a representative.

"The fact that my home base is Wilmington, what that means is I'm sacrificing," said Miceli, who referred to the 5th District as "a great district."

Miceli said, for example, if he is working on a project, he will wake up at 3 a.m. and make the drive from Wilmington into Boston or Tewksbury.

"I've spoken with people and I'm getting a great reception," said Miceli. "We've been on a good campaign and we're going out with a bang."

Calls made to Kevin Thompson were not returned.

Niki Tsongas, who is also running for the seat, previously lived out of the district - in Charlestown - but later moved into a condominium in Lowell. Tsongas said the change in location was mostly for personal reasons.

The primary is scheduled for Sept. 4, and the final election is tabbed for Oct. 16. This is the first time since 2001 that there has been an open seat in Massachusetts congressional delegation.

David Paleologos, director of Suffolk University's Political Research Center, told the State House News Service: "Open congressional seats come around once in a lifetime."

He added that state representatives and senators don't often pass up that chance.