Congressman Bill Keating made a stop in Wareham on Saturday and urged his fellow democrats to get out the vote in what he says is a very important election.

"We have to get everyone else to understand and" encourage others to vote, Keating told the crowd gathered at a Democratic Town Committee breakfast held at Lindsey's Family Restaurant. "A lot is at stake for our country right now."

Keating is the representative of the newly-formed 9th district of Massachusetts, which includes the Cape and Islands in addition to towns in the Plymouth and Bristol counties. His term expires this year and he is seeking re-election.

Keating shared a story about a man he met while visiting troops in Afghanistan. The man, an Afghani, was giving information to U.S. troops in an effort to help them, Keating explained.

When Keating asked the man why he was risking his life to help the U.S., the man responded: "I want my son to be able to go to school," to grow up safely, to be able to get a job and have a life, Keating explained.

Noting that the U.S. is "apples and oranges" in comparison to Afghanistan, Keating said that this country is fighting its own battles for the "basics."

"These things are getting closed off in our own country," he said. "We're not supporting public education. ... That's a disgrace."

In reference to Social Security, Keating said: "We're fighting to defend the greatest anti-poverty legislation in this country, maybe in the world," adding that some in Congress are exploring raising the age for receiving Social Security benefits.

As for healthcare, he said, "we're finally in the right direction."

But he wants to continue his work.

"I have a chance in Congress to make sure we're doing those 'right' things," Keating said. "I really, truly think it's just a privilege to be here, to fight the fight."

Keating urged the crowd to "think of the man [in Afghanistan] who risked his life for the basics," before adding: "Don't discount your own ability on the ground" to get out the vote.

John R. Buckley, who is seeking re-election to his Plymouth County Register of Deeds post, also spoke at the event, as well as Greg Hanley, who is running for Plymouth County Commissioner.