For Immediate Release: Contact: Rich Bielecki
July 16, 2010 617-773-4JFK

Keenan challenges Tobin to series of debates

QUINCY – Candidate for Massachusetts State Senate John F. Keenan has challenged his
opponent in the Democratic primary, Arthur “Stephen” Tobin, to a series of debates to be held in each of the five communities that make up the Norfolk and Plymouth District Senate seat.

“With all the challenges facing the Commonwealth in the coming years, voters have an
important decision to make this fall,” Keenan wrote in a letter delivered to Tobin’s campaign
office today. “Therefore I request that you join me in participating in a free and open debate in each of the five communities that make up the Norfolk and Plymouth District between now and the September primary.”

Under Keenan’s plan, open and free debates would be held in Abington, Braintree, Holbrook,
Quincy and Rockland. Braintree Community Access Media has already invited the two
candidates to participate in a televised debate on a date to be determined in August. Keenan has accepted the invitation.

“Ever since the days of Lincoln and Douglas, the voters have benefited from hearing from
candidates directly, in an unfiltered and direct manner,” Keenan wrote. “By bringing our cases directly to the voters, we can provide them with the knowledge they need to make an informed decision.”

Keenan is a Councilor-At-Large on the Quincy City Council. He is running for the state senate seat being vacated by Michael W. Morrissey of Quincy.