Eggs, bacon and Ogonowski U.S. Senate hopeful works the diners yesterday

09th April 2008

Eggs, bacon and Ogonowski U.S. Senate hopeful works the diners yesterday

By Crystal Bozek
Staff Writer

LAWRENCE — It was perfect timing as Republican U.S. Senate hopeful Jim Ogonowski made his way to the counter at Carleen's Coffee Shop.

Walter Putnam, a Vietnam veteran from North Andover, was getting worked up over politics as he watched the news on a small television set propped up on a nearby shelf.

Ogonowski got an earful.

"I'm somewhat opinionated," Putnam said, taking a break from his breakfast. "Right now, we have too many free-loaders in Washington. They do nothing. I want someone with substance ... You've got to stand up for what's right. That's the way it should be."

The Dracut hay farmer and Air Force veteran got face time with dozens of people like Putnam yesterday, the second day of his "People Before Politics Tour," which brings him to 36 diners across the state in six days in his campaign against long-time senator and former presidential candidate John Kerry.

"I like to shut up and listen to others for a bit ... People are really concerned about the economy, their jobs, the high cost of fuel and food," Ogonowski said, enjoying a cup of coffee at the South Broadway spot. "The value of our dollar is decreasing. They want people to listen."

Ogonowski, 50, was narrowly defeated by Democrat Niki Tsongas last year in the race for a 5th District Congressional seat, a contest in which many critics predicted the outspent political novice would be pummelled at the polls. He lost by 6 percentage points.

Before the election, most people knew him as the brother of John Ogonowski, who piloted the American Airlines plane hijacked by terrorists and flown into the World Trade Center on Sept. 11. Now people are recognizing him as an up-and-coming politician, he said.

He's hoping his message of fixing a broken Washington will propel him to victory his second time around as he faces off against a political behemoth.

And his secret weapon is getting out to places like Carleen's.

"Everyone eats breakfast. You get a diverse crowd here," Ogonowski said. "When was the last time you've seen Kerry around since 2004? I mean, it's an election year, you may see him now ... You may see him in Massachusetts if you own a mansion on the Cape."

Ogonowski says Kerry only pays attention to the people of Massachusetts in election years.

"He is Washington, D.C., " he said.

Before he can take on Kerry, Ogonowski must first defeat Republican Jeffrey Beatty of Harwich in the September primary. Kerry will take on Gloucester Democrat Edward O'Reilly in the primary. Ogonowski never mentioned Beatty when talking to voters, however, keeping all his jabs focused on the four-term incumbent.

"In 24 years, what has Kerry done for us?" Ogonowski asked a group of diners.

The reply came from someone on the other end of the counter: "Nothing."

Tom Lencki of Lawrence said he was impressed with Ogonowski's sincerity after sitting with him for a five-minute chat over eggs, bacon and toast.

"Even though I told him I was a Democrat he said he wouldn't hold it against me." Lencki said afterward. "He's very genuine. I had heard of him on TV. I felt sympathy for him over his brother."

Jim Cunneen of Methuen talked to Ogonowski about the economy and health care costs. He said he's approaching the age where he's not old enough for Medicare, but old enough to retire.

He said he will vote for Ogonowski in September's primary.

"We really hope he wins," Cunneen said. "I think it's time for a change, someone who cares. (Ogonowski) came here today. I don't think I'd see John Kerry at a place like Carleen's."