Blue Mass Group

Reality-based commentary on politics.

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    • Is that the same Flaherty who ran for Middlesex DA back in 1998, when Coakley ran?

        • Most recently, he was running for Barrios’ Senate seat, when Barrios was running for DA.

      • As far as I know, yes. I haven’t seen a news report to that effect but my understanding is that it is the same person. I was told that the Flaherty running is Speaker Flaherty’s son, and I am pretty sure it was the same person who ran against Coakley. Could be more than one son, but I am pretty sure its the same person.

      • I distinctly recall the Chelsea City Council President made a post here mulling about entering the race, she would be a significant candidate because Galluccio carried Chelsea last election (against Barrios in 02) and she would be the only woman in the race. Perhaps she reconsidered?

        • The last I heard Roseann Bongiovanni, Chelsea City Council Prez, had decided not to run http://www.chelseare…. I wonder if she will endorse anyone, or maybe stay out of it altogether and try to help someone across the creek in the 1st Suffolk House Race . . .?

  2. What a) addresses for email and b) websites are there?… for the
    candidates for the massachusetts middlesex suffolk and essex
    senatorial district
    1. william mcneil  email?… website?…
    2. jeff ross  email?… website?…
    3. elizabeth lafavre  email?… website?…
    4. anthony galluccio  email?… website?…
    5. laurie leyshon  email?… website?…
    6. brian smith  email?… website?…
    7. paul nowicki  email?… website?…
    8. tim flaherty  email?… website?…

    • That means its Goochs to loose, hes ran this race before and narrowly lost, he knows where he lost and where he can win, it seems that Jeff Ross even if he might get some BMGers aboard by repeating the untrue sentiment that the Gooch is not a progressive is a no name who cant go anywhere, presumably the Capuano staffer will stay out since the Gooch and Capuano are political allies, and that leaves Flaherty who would have to run pretty hard considering how far from the epicenter of the district he is.

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      Galluccios site http://www.galluccio.org, I might add he is doing a lot of myspace and facebook networking to get a lot of the youth vote so the organization is fairly impressive.

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      Also I googled around looking for Jeff Ross and Flaherty’s websites and could not find them, although Jeff has a business site http://www.rosslaw.com

      • Jeff Ross’ election website is ross4senate.org
        I personally really like the website. Last time I checked Galluccio’s website was not running, there was basically a front page with links, but nothing within those links. Ross’ website has community links, links to his stance on all of the issues, press releases as well as photos of him in action.
        I completely disagree with your statement that Jeff Ross is a no name. He is no stranger to the state house, having worked on bills with several senators. His background is impressive; he worked for Diane Fienstein, served on the Civil Rights Commission with Deval Patrick, and has been actively involved with many progressive grass roots organizations.

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        I am unaware that Flaherty has a website.

      • When Galluccio was first elected to Cambridge City Council, the Harvard Crimson said, “Although he is a Democrat, many of Galluccio’s ideas are socially conservative.” [http://www.thecrimso…] Ok, so maybe he’s learned to talk the talk (who hasn’t in Cambridge?)  But will he walk the walk?  Another paper has said that over the years the progressives have learned to live with Gallucio, but is that what we really want?  Ross has been a human rights attorney and has fought on the frontlines of gay rights and other social issues on the state legislative level for years.  Seems like he’ll be the legislator to actually push the progressive agenda along, not just vote the right way when it’s politically convenient.

        • The practice of progressive politics is a lot different from its rhetoric.

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          Before the Goodrich decision, OutSomerville had a mild candidate’s night prior to Jarrett’s first run at the Senate. The younger members were hyped about marriage, and made it the major part of the discussion with both Jarrett & Galluccio.

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          Jarrett virtually dismissed them with “it won’t happen; it’s a divisive issue; don’t run on losing themes; shut up and take it.”

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          Galluccio said, “get what you can get this year, and go back next year and get some more.”

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          They loved Galluccio but could NOT endorse him over a gay hotshot.

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          In response, Jarrett lowered the boom calling them everything from reactionaries to sell outs. Of course, then came Goodrich. Then came Jarrett’s marriage and children. Then came his commitment.

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          Meanwhile Galluccio has kept in touch. He’s offered help when issues need a mediator. He’s delivered and he’s remained engaged.

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          With these alternatives, fuck Ross.

          • Wait, let me get this straight (pun, I realize), you’re saying “fuck Ross” because the last openly gay candidate wasn’t as willing to take a stand on the issue as the Galluch. That reflects on the relative merits of Barrios vs. Galluccio, what does it have to do with Ross?

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            I admit I had no idea who this Ross guy was either, but look at his web site (ross4senate.com. He’s been a background player in a lot of policy stuff. And look at his “issues” pages (e.g. health care, immigration). At least on the internet, he doesn’t seem afraid to take a stand. Compare that will Galluccio’s page, aside from a lot of pictures of him talking to happy, photogenic people of all races and ages, it has absolutely no content.

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            You were (justifiably) annoyed by Barrios’s “don’t run on losing themes” stand. At least at this point, Galluccio’s strategy seems to be “don’t run on ANY themes and hope name recognition carries the day.”

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            As for “I won’t vote for him because I haven’t heard of him,” dedicating one’s life to self-promotion hardly seems like a virtue – even for a politician.  I honestly haven’t made up my mind who I’m voting for yet, and I’m sure you comment wasn’t completely serious, but “fuck Ross” seems a little harsh. Give the guy a chance!

            •  
              Here is Tim Flaherty’s bio.  He is definitely getting traction in Cambridge and Charlestown based on two events I have seen him at recently.  Several influential Boston and Cambridge politicians from the district were at his fundraiser last night.  I won’t use their names since they may not be openly endorsing anyone but it shows they think he has a real chance in the race.

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              Bio:

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              A former Norfolk County Assistant District Attorney, Flaherty, 42, is formally announcing his candidacy today. The expansive district includes parts of Cambridge and Boston (Charlestown and Allston/Brighton), Chelsea, Everett, and portions of Revere (Ward 6), Saugus, and Somerville.

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              Flaherty, a life long resident of Cambridge with strong ties to the community and its traditions, attended Cambridge Public Schools before graduating from BC High, Boston College and Boston College Law School. He remains a active member of the Boston College community by serving as an adjunct professor of law in the Carroll School of Management. His wife Suzanne is a special needs teacher in the Newton Public School system.

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              The grandson of a union bus driver ? Flaherty says he has had the good fortune to have benefited from a high quality education and the guidance of personal mentors who took an interest in his development. The son of former Speaker of the House, Charlie Flaherty, Timothy was raised in a household defined by public service. ?My upbringing taught me that good government is competent government that understands the needs of all its citizens and works hard every day to give them what they deserve ? opportunity for a better life.?

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              After graduating from Law School, he chose to serve as in the Norfolk County District Attorney?s office as an Assistant District Attorney under now-Congressman William Delahunt. Flaherty rose rapidly through the ranks, becoming one of the youngest ADAs to prosecute major felonies including homicide cases. During his tenure Flaherty served as Chief of the Narcotics Unit, Chief of the Career Criminals Unit and member of the Homicide Team. Since 1999, Flaherty has built a successful private law practice where he has developed and enjoys a strong reputation for honesty, integrity and skill.

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              Up until today, there has been much speculation about Flaherty?s candidacy for the State Senate. To this he empathically responds, ?I?m all in?. This week, Flaherty will open his campaign headquarters in Charlestown and has scheduled a major kickoff fundraiser event in Boston for July 31.

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