UPDATED: Bipartisan Softball Game Saturday

Democrats and Republicans have agreed to put down the signs of their candidates and pick up the bats over their national pastime.

Saturday, Sept. 15 at 3 p.m., immediately following the Ashland Day festivities, the Ashland Democratic Town Committee and the Ashland Republican Town Committee will take to the fields behind the Ashland Fish and Game Club for a softball game.

State Rep. Tom Sannicandro, whose district includes all of Ashland and six precincts in Framingham, is being challenged this year by former chair of the Ashland Selectmen Jon Fetherston. Both live in Ashland, but the winner will represent one-third of Framingham. and Sannicandro will both play in the game, as will Sen. Karen Spilka, a Democrat whose district includes Framingham and Ashland.

Setting aside partisan issues, representatives of the two political parties will engage in a friendly competition consisting of seven innings followed by an informal gathering at the Ashland Fish & Game Club.

“This is an opportunity to show the residents of Ashland that members of opposing political parties can play and have fun together,” said Terry Hendrix,
chair of the Ashland Republican Town Committee.

“Our goal in organizing this event is to raise awareness of our committees, while
simultaneously enjoying the company of our more conservative neighbors,” said Brett Walker, chair of the Ashland Democratic Town Committee. “A core value of the Democratic Party is universal respect for all people and this game is a reflection of that.”

“We must realize the Democrat, Republican, Green Rainbow, etc. party member is our neighbor or friend, not our enemy,” said Hendrix.

The public is invited to the free event.