Politics & Government

VIDEO: Lexington Republican to Challenge Markey

Jeff Semon, a financial consultant looking to wrest the 7th District from Malden Democrat Ed Markey, met with Patch at the Battle Green in Lexington to introduce himself and his platform.

Inexperience is not often considered a strength, but political newcomer Jeff Semon believes the fact that he’s never held office could be an asset in his quest to claim a U.S. Congressional seat in 2012.

A 34-year-old financial consultant from Lexington, Semon has his sights set on U.S. Rep. Ed Markey, (D-MA) who has represented the 7th District since 1976, the year in which his Republican challenger was born.

“I think we can clearly see where career politicians have brought us,” said Semon (pronounced Simone). “It’s time for people who have experience in everyday life, and know what it takes to get through the real world, rather than the world down in D.C. It’s more important now than ever that everyday citizens get involved with our government at state, local and national levels.”

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Semon, who has worked in finance in the Boston area since graduating from UMass-Amherst in 1998, said his white-collar background and common sense approach to fiscal responsibility would serve him well as a United States Congressman.

“I think what qualifies me best is I have a good background in business,” said Semon, who moved to Lexington three years ago. “I know what it takes to get the economy moving. I know that my financial background gives me a good expertise in what could fix this country.”

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Semon met up with Patch earlier this week at the in Lexington to introduce himself and his platform to voters across the district.

Quick Hits

Tea Party, moderate or some other kind of Republican? “I look at it from the perspective that the Republican Party is a Big Tent party. It can welcome people from all political spectrums, fiscal conservatives, social conservatives any type of person who’s just concerned about the future of their country.”

Political Idols: US Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin, who’s “views on fiscal issues are second to none,” US Rep. Allen West, R-Florida, for his service to the country and Newt Gingrich, “for what he did back in the 90s to get us back on a good fiscal track.”

Why this office? “My views on the economy, my views on how to get the economy moving again, my plans for government programs like social security, Medicaid, Medicare are national issues, not state issues. And that’s what we need to focus on right now, because federal government is growing bigger and bigger each day. We need some responsibility back in Washington.”

Self-professed strengths: Business acumen, common sense fiscal responsibility and energy.

Any concerns about redistricting? "Nope. Wherever Lexington winds up, that's where I'll run." 

One-sentence pitch: “If you want common sense to be restored to your government, vote and support me.”

Website: Jeffin2012.com


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