US Senate Candidate Markey Greets Shoppers at Roche Bros in West Roxbury

Democratic US Senate candidate Ed Markey was joined by several local political leaders in a campaign stop at Roche Bros in West Roxbury on Tuesday.

While fielding media questions, the congressman would stop to greet shoppers, "Can I say hello? I'm Congressman Ed Markey."

For many Parkway residents it was the first look at Markey, D-5th, who will face Republican candidate Gabriel Gomez in June 25 special state election to replace John Kerry, now the Secretary of State. Markey was joined at Roche Bros by District 6 Boston City Councilor Matt O'Malley, state Rep. Ed Coppinger, D-West Roxbury, as well as Ed Kelly, president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts. All three men endorsed Markey.

"Ed's what we need in Washington right now," said O'Malley. "He has a proven track record on important issues in Washington."

Coppinger and Kelly had both supported Markey's opponent, US Congressman Stephen Lynch, D-8th, in the Democratic preliminary, but championed Markey's candidacy on Tuesday.

"He's the best man for the job. His experience speaks for itself," said Coppinger. "I'm a Democrat and he's the Democratic nominee."

Kelly said throughout Markey's 37-year political career he has fought for grants that go to fund fire departments across the Commonwealth.

After greeting shopper Maureen Ewing-Owens, of Roslindale, outside of the store, she asked for his help because her mortgage rate is higher than eight percent.

"I will try to help you. It sounds like you have a reasonable case to make," said Markey. He offered to talk to her one-on-one away from supporters and media, as well as to meet with one of his staff members.

While Markey continued to greet shoppers and answer questions, Ewing-Owens met with a staff member of the congressman's. Inside by himself, Markey picked out some chicken wings, and the staffer provided details to Ewing-Owens' mortgage situation. Markey nodded appreciatively, then headed to the counter to pay for his food and lemonade.