In less than 48 hours, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will elect its next U.S. Senator.
On one side is Democrat Ed Markey. On the other is Republican Gabriel Gomez.
Gomez, who according to Saturday night's WNEU poll trails Markey by 8 points, stopped to talk to residents from across Hampden County on Sunday.
The businessman entered Sal's Bakery to a round of applause late in the morning. Gomez told CBS 3 that he is familiar with the issues residents face in the Pioneer Valley.
"Each part of the state has the same concerns," said Gomez. "I want to make sure we address the concerns of Western Massachusetts. We need to get manufacturing here. We need to get the economy moving and more jobs back here as well."
Gomez outlined his plan to get the economy moving, saying it involved repealing the medical device tax and revising the corporate tax code, which is something he says both he and President Barack Obama agree on.
The former Navy SEAL used a sports analogy to characterize his race against Markey. He said he is not worried about the Washington D.C. all-star team the congressman has brought in to campaign for him.
"My team is the people of Massachusetts," Gomez stated. "I am out there with Gov. (William) Weld, Sen. Scott Brown, tonight I am going to meet with Mike Milbury from the Bruins. I have got my team of patriots of Massachusetts and that is what is resonating with the people of Massachusetts. They do not want to see people from D.C., because D.D. is what is wrong."
Gomez has a long list of what he believes he can accomplish should he win on Tuesday. He is quick to point out that his opponent has spent nearly four decades in Congress.
"I think 37 years is more than enough time and he has failed his mission," said Gomez. "I have always succeeded in every mission I have ever had. I will succeed in my mission. If they do not like it, they can vote me out in 17 months."
CBS 3 Springfield is ready for Tuesday's special election.
We will have complete coverage in the First Five Minutes at 11.
We will also have real-time election results once the polls close on CBS3Springfield.com and the all new CBS 3 Springfield mobile app.
Copyright 2013 WSHM (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
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