Congressman Tierney and challenger Tisei spar weeks before elect - Boston News, Weather, Sports | FOX 25 | MyFoxBoston

(FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) – Despite the scandal surrounding his family, Congressman John Tierney is seeking reelection for his 6th District seat; however, some say it's the one House seat that the Democrats have a possibility of losing in Massachusetts.

As the race between Tierney and his Republican opponent Richard Tisei heats up, so does the campaigning. 

Congressman Tierney addressed a group of seniors in Beverly on Thursday and fired off dire warnings that electing Republicans, including his challenger, will be bad for their health and their pocketbooks.

"You look at the Ryan budget plan, and not only is Medicare at risk, but Medicaid and Social Security are," Tierney said.

It's the latest salvo in a race that is growing increasingly nasty.

Tisei says Tierney's attacks show his desperation. 
       
"You know what it is? It's the typical scare tactics that incumbents use when they're in trouble," Tisei told FOX 25's Sharman Sacchetti.

In an effort to paint Tisei as extreme, Tierney's campaign announced this week that his challenger would be speaking at a Tea Party event; however, Tisei said he never attended the event.

Meantime, Tisei wants an ethics investigation into Tierney for $200,000 his wife received from her brother's illegal gambling business.

Tierney didn't disclose it publicly because he said it was a gift from the family. Unfortunately for Tierney, he has had a tough time putting the scandal behind him, and Tisei knows it.

When asked if he thought he could overcome the family scandal, Tierney replied, "Look. People understand brother-in-laws are something you have no control over...The judge was very clear that I was not involved in any way, shape, or matter, and people know that."

Tierney says he is not worried, and he is confident he will win.

Tisei says Tierney should be worried because he believes people are ready for a change.

Both say they will debate and look forward to it.