Islander runs for Kennedy's senate seat

PHOTO BY MARGARET CARROLL-BERGMAN Peter Zschau is running for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by the death of Edward M. Kennedy. Nantucket resident Peter Zschau, 60, is taking his candidacy for the U.S. Senate to the people. This weekend, Zschau, who lives at 28 Friendship Lane, gathered 400 signatures at the Madaket landfill. He needs 10,000 Massachusetts registered voters to sign his nomination papers in order to be on the ballot for the January 2010 special election.

"We were the first to take out nomination papers that were available last Tuesday, when Governor Deval Patrick announced the date of the election," said Zschau. "Most people will sign it. Even some people who disagree with me, some liberal people. Everyone should have a chance to run for office."

Running as an Independent, Zschau plans to set term limits for senators.

"Term limits is my primary platform. Two six-year terms," said Zschau. "It is the first step needed to take back control of our country from the career politicians and lobbyists whose only goal is to advance their influence and control over our government."

Zschau, who is semiretired from running his own insurance agency, moved to the island two years ago, but has been visiting Nantucket for the past 23 years.

"It's a struggle, but we gathered about 100 signatures a day," said Zschau. "I have to explain my position to everyone I meet. I'll have people out in the western part of the state collecting signatures. The papers are due November 24."

Zschau is also seeking to put members of Congress on a pay scale.

"Why are senators with millions of dollars of personal wealth paid the same as those with little or none?" he asked. "I will only keep the income needed to cover my expenses to fulfill the duties of the office and contribute the remainder of my salary to Massachusetts charitable organizations." I