WATERTOWN, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — In a statement Friday morning, Rep. Joe Kennedy III said he is temporarily suspending all activities for his Senate campaign due to coronavirus.
"Effective close of business today, Kennedy for Massachusetts is temporarily suspending all campaign activities, in light of the growing threat of COVID-19," Kennedy for Massachusetts Campaign Manager Nick Clemons wrote in the statement. "We don't believe it is appropriate or wise to continue political activities given the reality that Massachusetts families and communities are facing. Our top priority is ensuring our staff, supporters, community, and the general public are safe."
The suspension is for one week. Kennedy's campaign said they will reassess the suspension by the close of business on Friday, March 20.
Kennedy is challenging Sen. Ed Markey for his seat.
Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C. Friday, Rep. Kennedy called for increased funding to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and for food aid reforms in light of the COVID-19 response, in order to protect vulnerable people during the pandemic.
“In the wealthiest nation on earth, no one should go hungry, not during a public health pandemic, not ever," Kennedy said in a statement. "This Administration has worked tirelessly to restrict access to food assistance programs for millions of families in every corner of this country and that must end today. But more than just ending their harmful policies, they should take proactive measures to ensure no bureaucratic barriers leave anyone, citizen or not, hungry as we fight back against this coronavirus outbreak.”
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