Waters’ Refreshing ‘Blue Dog’ Message [OPINION]

Allen Waters is a 63-year-old African American "Blue Dog" Democrat who is looking to challenge entrenched, progressive liberal Sen. Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts) in next year's primary election. I want to hear more.

In a state that's accustomed to little more than the same old tired liberal mantra from its elected officials, Waters is a welcome breath of fresh air. I have often said if you've got to throw Democrats at us, at least give us different Democrats. Waters must have heard my plea because he is as different from any Democrat I have heard from in a long, long time.

To begin with, Waters bills himself as a "moderate" with "mainstream American values." He tells me he is "not a socialist" and he is a supporter of "free enterprise, individual liberty, and personal responsibility." Waters is a foe of illegal immigration and of sanctuary cities and is a supporter of law enforcement and the Second Amendment. He is also pro-Israel.

Where has he been hiding?

Waters also supports a FAIR TAX which would abolish the income tax and the IRS in favor of a national sales tax.

Waters says, "Blacks in Massachusetts have been faithfully voting in the majority for Democrats for well over 50 years, yet blacks and Latinos are still at the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder. I call it 'Black Bottom.'" He tells me "liberal policies have helped to weaken families" and says traditional Massachusetts Democrats have been "pandering to minorities for votes."

Waters says he can and he will work with the Trump Administration if elected and blasts incumbent Senators Markey and Elizabeth Warren for not doing so.

Waters says he is testing the, er, waters to see if there is support for his policies. If he receives the encouragement from Massachusetts voters who he believes are searching for something other than socialists to lead the Democrat party, he will formally launch a campaign.

Give him a look-see and then call me with your thoughts. I am impressed so far.

Web: watersforsenate.com

Twitter: @watersforsenate

Facebook: @allenwatersforsenate

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.