For as long as any of us can remember, Western Mass has been an afterthought for too many elected officials who think the state ends with the 617 area code.

But I endorsed Joe Kennedy on the first day of his campaign for U.S. Senate because he does things differently. He shows up. He’s been to Western Mass more times than I can count during this campaign. He takes the time to understand the unique challenges we face but most importantly, the unique resources our region has.

When elected officials make it out here, too often they get up on a soapbox about our problems. Joe Kennedy gets up and talks about our potential.

He’s visited Union Station with me to talk about the future of our East-West Rail. We’ve stopped by Red Rose Pizza to see how our local businesses grow and thrive. He’s held town halls and meet and greets all across the 413, so that our communities can meet him, ask him questions, and hear about what he’ll do as our next U.S. Senator.

I know Joe Kennedy will fight every day to make sure Western Massachusetts has a voice in the Senate. Will you stand with me right now and chip in to Joe’s campaign?

Joe and I both have young kids. We’re both raising our families in Massachusetts, where we grew up. We’re both in this work because we believe in a better, brighter future for our country and Commonwealth.

But we’re not going to get there with the leaders of the past or with leaders who think they can legislate effectively in Washington without showing up at home in Massachusetts.

We need change. That’s why I’m proud to be with Joe.

Eric Lesser