Quotes from Michael Capuano

I don't think the people run to the polls and vote simply on the basis of identity. Yes, it is a factor, of course we all know that. It's also ethnicity, gender, and gender identity. People do take those factors into account.

I always think the Democratic Party is and should be a broad tent that welcomes people from all political issues.

Democrats should be welcoming to anyone who shares our general values.

I don't try to be something I'm not, I don't try to pretend that I'm something I'm not, I don't try to present myself as something I'm not.

I will not deny health care to any single American.

Look, I am as pro-choice as anybody.

I have been disappointed with the way the majority of my colleagues have approached war and peace over the entire time I've been in Congress.

I don't believe in open borders, I don't think that would work. I think economically they're a disaster. Therefore there's nothing wrong with strong borders.

Ted Kennedy was a fighter, and I think the people of Massachusetts want and deserve a fighter.

Ted Kennedy was a giant - no doubt about it.

When you start new programs there's always things you can't anticipate.

I tell people in Washington that I'm not the most progressive person in my district and they are shocked.

I am truly grateful to have the support of Governor Patrick, a progressive champion and a leader on issues that truly impact the lives of our constituents.

I think during a campaign it's perfectly OK to do what you need to do. But then the idea, I would argue is for former presidents to fall in line and do the best they can to support the current president, whoever that might be.

Ted Kennedy was not terribly effective when he first became a senator.

Look, when you're in the public life you have to understand, the press - good bad or indifferent - is going to chase you on occasion. When they do, you give them an opportunity to do their job and then you generally get the respect that they'll move out of your way but not always.

The whole purpose of me seeking public office is to make the world a better place. When I put my name on the ballot, I obviously think that I'm the best candidate to do that.

If you don't know anybody who is out of work, who needs housing, if you've never taken a call at 2 o'clock in the morning from a neighbor who is running out of heating fuel in the middle of February, then you don't know what you do in a tough situation. To me, that's the measure of whether you should be in public office.

Anybody who puts himself on a ballot has to have a big ego, we have to have it.

Ayanna Pressley and I would probably vote the exact same way on pretty much every vote we'd have on the floor of the House.

For me foreign policy is critically important.

I always wanted to win or lose based on who I am.

I don't believe in purity tests.

The one thing about America is you have the freedom to think what you want and do what you want without the government interfering.