Rob O’Leary, the Cape & Islands State Senator and Professor of History at Mass Maritime, is running in the Democratic Primary on Sept. 14 for the open congressional seat vacated by Bill Delahunt.

Rob has been a state senator since 2000, and has been a leader in a number of areas, particularly on issues that affect education and the environment. As chairman of the Senate Education Committee, he played a leading role in getting the 2010 Education Bill passed. This legislation makes Massachusetts eligible to compete for the “Race To The Top” federal funds for education. Over the next few years, this could mean an infusion of $288 million dollars to our local public schools.

Rob also played a leadership role in writing and sponsoring the Oceans Management Act, the first such legislation in the country. It protects the public interest in the development of our coastal waters and has become a model for similar planning at the national level by the Obama administration.

If elected, he will work for the earliest possible withdrawal of our troops from Afghanistan and the redirecting of our resources to reduce the deficit and support the creation of jobs here at home.

Nancy Melia, a resident of Duxbury for 30 years, is Rob’s sister and serves as treasurer of his campaign.

A reception to introduce the candidate to Duxbury voters is planned for Wednesday, Sept. 1, 7-8:30 p.m. at the Winsor House. Cash bar, coffee and dessert. All are welcome.