In Second Election Day Face Off, Rogers, Stanton Make Final Appeal to Voters

For local voters, the race for Mass. House Representative for the 12th Norfolk District is a familiar one, as incumbent Democrat Rep. John Rogers faces off with Republican challenger James Stanton for the second time.

In 2010, Rogers won his 10th term in office by a margin of 52 percent to 48 percent. Rogers swept all nine Norwood districts in that election. Stanton vowed to run again in this current election almost immediately following his 2010 defeat.

On Monday, Rogers said that a vote for him is a vote "for you, your family, and our community," in an open letter to local voters. He cited several items from this year in office, including the securing $10 million in local aid, reforming the EBT Card system to prevent welfare fraud and abuse and securing passage of the Norwood Theatre bill.

"As it my honor to represent the hard-working families of Norwood, I have been working hard to make our beloved town an even better place for you and your family," Rogers said.

A statement Monday evening from Stanton said, "It has been my honor and privilege to meet so many wonderful people throughout this great district. If you want to restore integrity, accountability and balance here in Norwood and Walpole, I humbly ask for your vote today."

The pair squared off at the Norwood Town Hall in the League of Women Voters' Candidates Forum, answering questions on the economy, immigration and education, among other things.

"I think that Beacon Hill needs to reset its priorities..." Stanton said during the Forum, noting the length of time Rogers has been in office. "Twenty years is too long."

When asked whether they believe in term limits for all elected officials, Stanton said that if elected he would self-limit to six years, or three two-year terms, while Rogers said that the decision belongs to the voters.

"I believe in the power and the intelligence of the voter," Rogers said.