Olver camp: We expect 3 debates with Bech

John Olver's campaign said this week that the congressman is busy campaigning through Massachusetts' 1st Congressional District and is preparing for three debates with Republican challenger Nathan Bech.

U.S. Rep. John Olver (D-Amherst)In a statement submitted to PolitickerMA.com, Debra Guachione, Olver's campaign manager, said the campaign is "busy getting organized for the upcoming election" and finalizing a debate schedule with Bech.

"We are in the process of scheduling debates with our general election opponent, Nathan Bech," Guachione said. "We anticipate participating in three debates in various regions and in a variety of debate settings so that voters from throughout the 1st District will have an opportunity to hear the differences between both candidates and make a choice in November."

Guachione also said that Olver is making as many public appearances "as time permits" and highlighted Olver's recent appearances at a town forum in Adams, the Johnny Appleseed Festival in Leominster, a parade in Franklin County, the North Adams Fall Foliage Parade and a Democratic Victory Rally.   

As a nine-term incumbent, Guachione said the Amherst Democrat is relying on his well-established grassroots organization. Volunteers, she said, are helping organize city wards, Democratic committees and neighborhoods as well as distribute lawn signs and other campaign material.

Guachione also said that Olver is particularly focused on addressing the current financial crisis. She said that "the next Congress will need to focus on a multi-faceted approach to getting our broken economy back on track."

"A key component," she added, "will be a complete overhaul of our financial regulatory system to the same practices that caused this crisis will not reoccur."

Olver is also working to help U.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-Boston) win re-election as well as U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) win the presidency, Guachione said.

"The congressman believes that this fall's elections are among the most important elections in our nation's history," Guachione said.