William J. Hudak Jr. A Fiscal Conservative Running for Congress

 

The was the website for William J. Hudak Jr., a fiscal conservative running for Congress from the Massachusetts 6th District.
The content below is from the site's 2010 archived pages. 

UPDATE: The Boxford, Mass., resident unsuccessfully challenged incumbent Democrat John Tierney for the state's 6th Congressional District, which encompasses the North Shore and some towns along Route 128 stretching west, in the 2010 election. Hudak had said he would run again in 2012, but then withdrew as state Sen. Richard Tisei, a Republican from Wakefield, Mass., emerged as a strong contender for the nomination in a primary.​ In 2012 Hudak filed for Chapter 7 of the federal bankruptcy code​.

 

Related: Although I was living in Philly at the time William J. Hudak Jr was challenging John Tierney for the state's 6th Congressional District, I still followed this election. My parents still lived in the Glouster area and were strong supporters of Tierny - liberal Democrats surrounded by more conservative friends. But I noticed that on social media, there were many stories that Hudak had hired a well known SEO agency, TNG/Earthling, to help promote him via Google search. Their CEO Bob Sakayama was using artificial intelligence to optimize his presence and many thought this was going to be a game changer. You can read Bob's post about his Google observations here. On election night I was following the returns, but it was getting late. I was just about to close my computer when my cell phone rang. My parents were quite jublilent, calling to say Tierny won.

 

Open Letters

To all Americans and Citizens of the 6th District:

The economic crisis facing America requires fresh solutions by citizens on the front lines, not entrenched politicians who have lost touch with what it feels like to work day after day under the burden of the government’s tax and spend madness.

I am not a politician, but I know the law and business. I owe no allegiance to special interests, only my fellow Americans. I work hard to run my businesses, raise and educate my family, and contribute to the communities where I live. I ask for nothing in return, except the freedom to do so; yet these freedoms are being taken from us by those same people we entrust with our precious votes. I firmly believe that everyone in America owes an obligation to pull his or her own weight, and that there is no free ride at the expense of those who do. I love my country, but am ashamed that I have remained silent for so long while those in Washington have favored re-election over reality.

Our founding fathers would be aghast at what we have wrought. Their revolutionary plan of “checks and balances” has fallen off its axis, as the current one party rule voting as a block demonstrates the arrogance of power without remorse. Our founders intended that its best citizenry run this country, and that there be free and open expression and debate; yet now our citizens feel powerless and afraid to speak out. Worse, they are all too often at each other’s throats, American Versus American, rather than standing United to work together.

Well, I’m not going to take it any more. I STAND UP with the Patriots of colonial Massachusetts to insist that our government truly be held accountable to its people. No matter what lip service is given, it is clear there is no balance now in Washington. Trillion dollar spending bills being passed in days without thought or debate is downright un-American, clear evidence that votes are cast for political expediency, not with the best interests of the country at heart. Promising the sun, the moon and the stars sounds nice, but promises cost money, big money, and the one party rule now has their hands in your pockets.

You deserve someone who will READ the bills, FIGHT for you, and hit the brakes when the train veers off track. I will not back down from a fight fearful I might lose the next election because I am not in this fight for me, but for my family, my friends, and the constituents I am offering to serve. I believe strongly in term limits, and frankly love my life in the private sector. My decision to run for this office will cost me more than you can ever know, but I owe it to you and my children and my children’s children yet unborn.

Unlike those who think they are “entitled” to remain in office for a lifetime, fearful of what they will find on the other side, I will be thrilled to return once the job is done. That prospect motivates me all the more to do the job right the first time, if you would only give me the opportunity. Together, we can show all of America that Massachusetts is once again proud to lead this country toward the liberties we fought so hard to insure over 200 years ago.

It is time to wake up America, and Restore the Balance for America’s future. I would be proud to serve you, and ask for your support.

 

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FOR DEMOCRATS AND INDEPENDENTS

To all Citizens Registered Democratic or Independent:

My candidacy is not about politics; it's about what's right and uniquely American.

I believe strongly in the equal right of every American to be unique and special in his or her own way. No American has the right to tell any other American how to live his or her life, or who he or she has to be, or what he or she has to think. Our rights end where our neighbor’s nose begins, and we owe each other unquestioning mutual respect. The right of each and every citizen to be truly FREE to guide his or her own destiny is unshakable and fundamental to my philosophy of life, being a central force driving everything I do, say, and feel.

As an attorney practicing civil rights, I have fought hard to protect consumers and end discrimination and unfairness in the workplace, and believe in the democratic philosophy of inclusion of all people in our society. I was raised a democrat; virtually my entire extended family continues to be registered and vote that party line. I was engaged in action even as a youth with recycling, green projects, and concern about the earth long before it became fashionable or rose to the importance it has to our future now.

In a word, we need to respect each other, help each other, and work together as one nation toward the common goals of freedom and justice we all seek. In truth, I am blind when it comes to individual party affiliation, have never been an “active” party member, and can not recognize a republican, democrat, or independent when I meet them on the street. That is not important to me; I accept all people for who they are, and respect their right to engage in the actions they feel are important in their individual lives.

I hold great compassion for all people, but at the same time believe laziness in our society is un-American and is intolerable. Those most worthy of compassion today are the workers, Americans who labor every day for the betterment of their families but just can’t seem to get ahead. It is unconscionable to me that these people not only support their own world, but are then punished by our government and forced to pay for those who will not carry their share of the load.

I am proud of my affiliation with the Republican party because I believe strongly in smaller government, lower taxes, and less spending. Maybe it is my love of history, or this country, that harkens me back to the foundations expressed when this country was born; a fear that government if left unchecked would deprive us of our rights. Despite the warnings of our founders, government has begun to turn on its own people, and that is a direction we must reverse.

Whether you believe in one party or another, or choose to stand independent, I think we can all agree that there must be balance within our Government because there is diversity in our nation. Some may feel President Obama is doing a good job, others may now question their decision. No matter where you stand, you should consider the importance of having all voices heard, and having someone like me who will question, read, and not rubber stamp bills presented for passage to balance the equation. I will make all decisions based on what is right, and have the courage to stand with, or against, my party based on these fundamental concepts. The majority truly owe a responsibility to the minority, as we are all in this fight together as one, UNITED, people.

My opponent, on the other hand, votes only one way:  99.1% of the time with Nancy Pelosi and the Democratic party. His 14 years in office makes clear he has no ability to work together with anyone else.

I say this all with a deep-seeded commitment to represent each and every person in my District with equal and unbiased enthusiasm. I truly welcome support from all sectors of our society, democrats, republicans, and independents alike, and will fight hard, blind to the labels we so unfairly assign to each other.


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BIOGRAPHY

For over 26 years, Bill Hudak has fought for employees in the workplace. Now, he’s ready to take that fight to Washington to create new jobs and force government to tighten its belt and live on a budget, just like our families do.

Bill has been a practicing attorney for over 26 years, founding Hudak Law Offices in 1986, in Saugus, Massachusetts, where it has evolved and remained ever since. He is also an entrepreneur, having owned and operated small businesses since 1997, including a travel business, a real estate construction and development firm, and in 2009 Bill and his wife undertook to start a new vending company as their contribution to help kick start spending and the economy.

Through it all, for the past 24 years, Bill has been an active member of the Saugus business and local community, including notably serving the Saugus Rotary Club where he has served as President and twice nominated Rotarian of the Year for outstanding service to the club and his community.

Bill believes that the politicians in Washington seem more concerned with serving the special interests than they do serving the people. He’s fought for consumers and for workers’ rights and has the experience to take that same fight to Washington. Bill has formed a number of local businesses, and working with veterans coalitions launched non-profit organizations resulting in good jobs for our men & women who served in our armed forces.

As someone who has signed paychecks and created jobs, Bill understands that Washington does not “create” jobs, it can only provide small businesses with the resources to help them grow and expand. Deficit spending, huge tax increases and government bureaucracy will only stifle job creation. Bill believes that by investing in small business, providing tax incentives and a trained workforce, America’s small business will once again be the engine of our economy.

Bill is an outdoorsman with an adventurer’s spirit. He holds a private pilot’s license and an open water scuba diving certification. His other primary activities include community service, golf, softball, hiking and camping, skiing, water sports, and travel.

Bill graduated magna cum laude from Seton Hall University with a double major in history and political science, backgrounds suiting him well for careers in business and the law. Bill continued his education at the Boston College Law School receiving his J.D. degree with honors in 1983. He was a member of the Boston College Law Review, and citations editor.

Bill and his wife, Angela, have been married for 27 years, have two children, William III (“Trey”), age 22, and Joanie, age 19.

 

 

More Background on HudakForCongress.com

HudakForCongress.com served as the online hub for William J. Hudak Jr.'s campaign for the United States House of Representatives. While the site itself is an artifact of the 2010 election cycle, understanding its purpose and the campaign it supported requires looking at the broader context of Massachusetts politics, the issues at play during that period, and the candidate himself, based on information available from independent news sources and political analysis sites.

The Political Landscape of Massachusetts' 6th District in 2010

In 2010, Massachusetts' 6th Congressional District was a battleground. The incumbent, Democrat John Tierney, had held the seat since 1997 but faced increasing scrutiny and challenges. The district itself, encompassing the North Shore and stretching inland, has a mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas, with a diverse electorate that includes working-class families, affluent professionals, and a significant number of independent voters.

The national political climate in 2010 was highly charged. The country was still recovering from the 2008 financial crisis, and the Tea Party movement was gaining momentum, fueled by concerns about government spending, the national debt, and the Affordable Care Act (often referred to as Obamacare). This environment created opportunities for Republican candidates to challenge Democratic incumbents, even in traditionally Democratic states like Massachusetts.

William J. Hudak Jr.: The Candidate

William J. "Bill" Hudak Jr. entered the race as a Republican challenger. News reports from the time portray him as a fiscal conservative with a background in law and business. He positioned himself as an outsider, someone who understood the challenges faced by everyday Americans and who would bring a fresh perspective to Washington.

Hudak's platform focused on fiscal responsibility, smaller government, and lower taxes. He criticized Tierney for supporting what he characterized as excessive government spending and for being too closely aligned with the Democratic leadership in Congress. Hudak emphasized his experience as a businessman and attorney, arguing that he had the skills and knowledge to help create jobs and get the economy back on track.

The Campaign

The 2010 campaign between Tierney and Hudak was closely watched and generated significant media coverage. News outlets highlighted the contrasts between the two candidates, both in terms of their political ideologies and their backgrounds. Tierney, the long-time incumbent, emphasized his experience and his ability to deliver for the district. Hudak, the challenger, argued that it was time for a change and that he would be a more effective advocate for the district's interests.

Several factors shaped the dynamics of the race:

  • The Economy: With the economy still struggling, voters were deeply concerned about jobs, housing, and their financial security. Hudak sought to capitalize on this anxiety by arguing that Tierney's policies had failed to address these concerns.

  • Healthcare: The Affordable Care Act was a major point of contention. Hudak opposed the law, arguing that it would lead to higher costs and reduced access to care. Tierney defended the law, arguing that it was necessary to ensure that all Americans had access to affordable health insurance.

  • National Politics: The national political climate played a significant role in the race. The Tea Party movement energized Republican voters and contributed to a wave of anti-incumbent sentiment. Hudak sought to align himself with this movement, while Tierney attempted to distance himself from the unpopular policies of the Obama administration.

Media Coverage and Endorsements

The Hudak campaign received coverage from local and regional news outlets, including newspapers, television stations, and radio stations. The coverage generally focused on the candidate's policy positions, his background, and his campaign events.

It's important to note that Hudak's campaign also faced some challenges in terms of media coverage. As a challenger running against a long-time incumbent, he had to work hard to get his message out and to gain the attention of voters.

The Outcome

Ultimately, John Tierney won the 2010 election, defeating William Hudak. While Hudak ran a competitive campaign, he was unable to overcome Tierney's incumbency advantage and the Democratic lean of the district.

Subsequent Developments

News reports indicate that Hudak considered running again in 2012 but ultimately withdrew from the race when State Senator Richard Tisei emerged as a strong Republican contender. Subsequent reports also indicate that Hudak filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2012.

Analyzing the HudakForCongress.com Website (Without Using It)

  • Candidate Information: The site included a biography of William Hudak, detailing his background, education, and experience.

  • Policy Positions: The site outlined Hudak's stance on key issues, such as the economy, healthcare, and government spending.

  • News and Events: The site featured a news section with press releases, media coverage, and updates on campaign events.

  • Contact and Donations: The site provided information on how to contact the campaign and how to make donations.

  • Volunteer Opportunities: The site included a section for volunteers to sign up and get involved in the campaign.

  • Social Media Integration: The site linked to Hudak's social media accounts, such as Facebook and Twitter, to facilitate online engagement.

The Significance of Campaign Websites

Campaign websites like HudakForCongress.com have become essential tools for political candidates. They allow candidates to communicate directly with voters, disseminate information about their platforms, and raise money for their campaigns. In the digital age, a strong online presence is crucial for any candidate seeking to win an election.

The Broader Context of Massachusetts Politics

The 2010 election in Massachusetts' 6th Congressional District was part of a larger trend of increased political polarization and partisan competition. Massachusetts, once a Republican stronghold, has become overwhelmingly Democratic in recent decades. However, the state still has a significant number of independent voters, and Republican candidates can be competitive, especially in certain districts or in years when the national political climate favors the GOP.

 

HudakForCongress.com represented an effort to unseat a long-term incumbent in a challenging political environment. While the campaign was ultimately unsuccessful, it provides a valuable case study in the dynamics of congressional elections and the role of online campaigning. The site itself, though now an archive, serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of political communication and the importance of digital strategies in modern elections.

 


HudakForCongress.com