Some see Clinton’s campaign appearance for Barney Frank as sign Mass. Democrat is vulnerable

Rep. Frank denies Clinton stop indicates weakness

BOSTON — More than a few eyebrows went up when former President Bill Clinton committed to make a campaign visit on behalf of U.S. Rep. Barney Frank.

Some Republicans view it as a sign that the Massachusetts Democrat and chairman of the powerful House Financial Services Committee could be vulnerable in November.

Frank bristles at the notion that Clinton’s appearance at a campaign rally in Taunton on Sunday reflects an unusual degree of concern. But he says frequent attacks from the far right have prompted him to campaign harder in recent years.

Frank has represented the 4th district since 1981 and has faced few serious election challenges since then.

Frank’s Republican opponent is Sean Bielat (BEE’-laht), a 35-year-old U.S. Marine Corps Reservist from Brookline.