Politics & Government

Jules Levine Announces Bid for Barney Frank's Seat

Brookline local and Boston University Law professor announced his candidacy for the 4th Congressional Seat.

With , competition is beginning for his seat, and a BU Law professor and civic activist from Brookline is among those throwing their hat into the race: Julius "Jules" Levine. 

Levine issued a press release earlier today, announcing his intent to run for the Democratic nomination. The release included a number of statements from people like Barney Frank himself and members of the Occupy Boston movement. In the release, he also vows "to protect Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare so that income inequality does not crush the most vulnerable among us."

 is currently in the race, and Brookline Selectwoman Jesse Mermell has been listed as a potential candidate by some sources as well--although she has yet to make an announcement.

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On the Republican side, Brookline School Committee and Town Meeting member Elizabeth Childs announced her candidacy earlier this year. Childs made an appearance at a Newton Republican City Committee meeting earlier this month.

Newly released congressional maps have added Attleboro to one of the towns represented in the 4th district.

Find out what's happening in Attleborowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Below is the full press release: 

Jules Levine, a longtime faculty member at Boston University School of Law, Brookline resident and civic activist, has announced his candidacy for the Democratic Nomination for Congress from the 4th Congressional District. He is running to succeed Barney Frank, who is not seeking re-election.

Congressman Frank has said of Professor Levine, “Jules Levine is a good friend whose thoughtful advice and strong support have meant a great deal to me.”

Levine addressed Occupy Boston at its encampment in Dewey Square and has been participating in two of its Working Groups, particularly on removing the influence of money from politics.

Levine explained, “This is a natural extension of my efforts for the ballot question creating the Massachusetts ‘Clean Elections’ Law, which the Legislature regrettably repealed in 2003. Public financing of election campaigns can lead to enactment of many of the laudable reforms sought by Occupy Boston, for it should result in lawmakers who are responsive to the 99%, rather than exclusively to the 1%.”

Laura Bloise, a member of Occupy Boston, describes Levine’s role in the movement: “His legal background and experience with the ‘clean elections’ campaign in the ‘90’s have made him an invaluable mentor. I am excited about his candidacy because people like Jules, who have demonstrated their ability and willingness to listen to us, are the kind of representatives we need to elect to effect change from within.”

Levine added, “ Income inequity in our society has become indefensible. The middle class and working people, whether unionized or not, deserve a realistic chance to attain the American Dream. Economic unfairness by the 1% and the onslaught against collective bargaining must stop. I will do all in my power to protect Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare so that income inequality does not crush the most vulnerable among us.”

Levine says that he looks forward to the campaign and serving the best interests of the people of the 4th Congressional District.


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