The big election to fill the remainder of Senator Ted Kennedy's term is this Tuesday. Polls have shown the Republicans with a strong shot of taking this Senate seat. Representing the Democrats is the State's Attorney General Martha Coakley. In December, her campaign (as well as the other three Democrats in the primary) answered questions posed by APAP-Boston's Michelle Wu. For your convenience, we are reprinting Martha Coakley's answers. If you are Massachusetts, make sure to get out the vote and spread the word. If you'd like to help, please email Michelle at <michelle at apaforprogress.org>

ATTORNEY GENERAL MARTHA COAKLEY

1. What do you believe is the most pressing issue facing immigrants in the United States, and how will you address this as Senator?

Immigrants, like all Americans, have been hit hard by the current economic crisis. In Washington, I will continue to hold the perpetrators of the financial crisis accountable, while also fighting for federal policies that will grow the economy and create jobs. We need targeted investments in growth industries like green energy and Workforce Development programs, as well as tax incentives for businesses to hire new workers. We also must ensure that there continues to be a strong safety net available to those who have been hit hardest, which means extending unemployment assistance, health insurance benefits, food stamps, and housing assistance.

2. The Cape Wind Project has been a controversial issue in Massachusetts.  Senator Kennedy fought against this project and Senator Kirk appears to be continuing Kennedy’s legacy on the issue.  Where do you stand on Cape Wind, and are there any renewable energy projects that you believe are worthy of federal funds?

I support Cape Wind. I believe that our nation’s prosperity and security depends on developing renewable energy. If we are not dependent on oil, our environment and our economy will improve.  I think businesses that develop renewable energy are good candidates for federal funds, as long as our goal is to create jobs.

3. What role do you believe the federal government should play in advancing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights?

I believe the federal government should prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. I support equal marriage rights, and will fight to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and to end Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.

4. What are your priorities for education in Massachusetts?

I am committed to providing quality, well-funded, public education. In Washington, I will fight to improve teacher compensation, fund programs that connect students to innovative technologies and industries, and implement education reform that fosters and rewards innovation. We need to tailor public schools to the needs of students, who have different backgrounds, language abilities, and learning styles.

5. Given your life experiences, priorities, and goals, how will you be an effective advocate in the U.S. Senate for the Asian Pacific American community? 

I have spent 25 years in public service, fighting for the people of the Commonwealth, and I have a deep appreciation for and pride in the diversity of this state. I have fought against discrimination based on race and ethnicity in housing, health care, veterans services, education, and financial services. In the Senate, I will remain committed to fighting against discrimination and I will focus with care on the diverse needs of the people of this state, including of course those in the Asian Pacific American community, who bring so much to the richness of the Commonwealth.

6. How will you follow in Senator Ted Kennedy’s footsteps as a true progressive?

I share Senator Kennedy’s commitment to health care reform, civil liberties, progressive economic policies, peace and diplomacy, green energy, and reproductive choice.  Senator Kennedy was a true progressive Senator because over 47 years, he fought for policies that lifted people up. He also provided stellar constituent services, so people in the Commonwealth knew they had someone fighting for them, and that is something I plan on emulating in the Senate.