"I'm not moving to Washington," he said. "I'm just getting an apartment."

Capuano also stressed that he will work with his colleagues from Massachusetts and New England to achieve the best results for his district.

"I'm going down as a member of a team," he said.

The candidate also spoke about several issues prominent on the national scene.

Although he said he favors campaign finance reform, Capuano said he opposes the current proposal because it does not limit the spending of a candidate's private resources.

"Philosophically, I agree with the premise. But I'm a very pragmatic guy, he said. "Fundraising stinks, but it's a necessary part of life."

Capuano was quick to add that contributions do not change his policies.

"What money buys is a quick phone call back. Maybe. It doesn't change my mind," he said.

"People write me $3 checks, but that means more to me than some $1,000 contributions. I look for supporters," he added.

Capuano's commitment to his supporters and his ideals stems from his initial entry into politics, he said.

While he said there was no defining moment that shaped his career plans, the Vietnam War and the activism of his generation inspired him. According to Capuano, however, this idealism has faded.

"My generation has been a disappointment to me," he said. "They decided Wall Street was more important. They lied to themselves."

Capuano also commented on the current gubernatorial race, focusing on the feisty Monday night debate between A. Paul Cellucci and L. Scott Harshbarger '54.

"When I debate, I want you to get angry, I want you to lose your cool. When you do, you look like a fool. Unfortunately, that happened to both candidates last night," he said.

Capuano's aggressive, honest style appealed to many in the audience.

"He believes what he believes, to hell with it if it's unpopular or not what he should be doing," said David A. Hopkins '99. "He's calling the shots, and you don't often see that."