Around New England
Barney Frank Backs Richard Neal Over Alex Morse
August 21, 2020
Barney Frank was one of the first openly homosexual members of the United States Congress, but he is backing a straight man in Massachusetts’s First Congressional District in 2020.
Frank, 80, whose district from 1991 to 2013 included his official residence in Newton, wants Democrats in western Massachusetts to re-elect U.S. Representative Richard Neal to another term over his primary challenger, Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse.
Morse, who is openly homosexual, is fending off allegations that he pursued sexual hookups with college students as a public official and lecturer at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He has drawn support from some homosexuality-affirming observers who see prejudice behind the accusations against him.
In a statement to MassLive, Frank said that Neal is a “great asset for progressive accomplishments.”
“He has been a strong enthusiastic supporter of every step in our fight for his entire Congressional career,” Frank said. “I believe my obligation to defend allies against unfair accusations is as strong, for both ethical and practical reasons, as my duty to counter-attack the bigots.”
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