June 25, 2021

The Westfield Democrats have today called on local Republican candidates to reject a “push poll” that was widely circulated throughout the Town this week, which disseminated misleading information to voters about Mayor Brindle under the guise of a legitimate poll.

 According to the American Association for Public Opinion Research, a push poll is not a poll at all, but rather a form of negative campaigning that is disguised as a political poll. “Push polls” are actually political telemarketing, disguised as research that aims to persuade large numbers of voters and affect election outcomes, rather than measure opinions.

 “The Westfield Democrats will continue to talk about the issues that matter to Westfield’s residents; focus on the progress we’ve made in moving the Town forward like never before; and clearly communicate all of the good things we seek to accomplish in the years to come. What we will not do is engage in the type of Trumpian, unscrupulous campaign tactics that the Westfield Republicans have apparently now resorted to,” said Rupa Motwani, Chairperson of the Westfield Democratic Committee. “I would expect a slate of candidates who claim that ‘root(ing) out divisive politics from local government’ is central to their campaign would be quick to denounce this ‘poll’ and the Republican operatives who are behind it.”  

According to Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle, “Our Westfield Together team will focus on the issues, and we will campaign like the friends and neighbors we are, with a positive and inclusive vision for our community. We expect our friends, neighbors, and former colleagues to hold themselves to higher standards.”