Blue Mass Group

Reality-based commentary on politics.

What’s happening in the 3rd Suffolk race to fill DiMasi’s former seat?

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Aaron Michlewitz is off and running, and garnering support in the South End and Bay Village. Michlewitz was constituent services director for DiMasi and is highly regarded for his progressive pedigree.

DeLeo is likely to schedule the election for early spring. What other news is out there already?

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  1. I received a courtesy call from Lucy Rivera, a bright, dynamic lawyer and member of Suffolk Lawyers for Justice, that she is meeting people in the 3rd Suffolk House district to ready herself for the sprint once the election schedule is announced.  Lucy is a member of the Democratic State Committee, a first generation immigrant, former staffer to both Senate President Birmingham and Congressman Capuano, articulate and passionate about progressive issues.  She received a prestigious public interest leadership award from the Boston Bar Association as one of the “next generation of civic leaders.”  She is very impressive and it’ll be good to have a fresh face and a real choice in the Democratic primary.  

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    p>Interestingly, she lists Sam Yoon as a friend on her Facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/people…

    • …she was very active a few years back in Massachusetts Democratic Future (Young Dems. of MA); in fact, if I remember correctly she served one year as vice-chair.

  2. I heard whisperings that Susan Passoni was considering a run. She ran for Boston City Council a few years ago and I remember her coming across as a really strong candidate and good progressive. If she does run, she’ll get a lot of South End support and would probably be able to siphon off other liberal-leaning support in Beacon Hill. Could be strong if she goes for it…

    • I’ve heard very good things about her, and people whose political judgement I respect and trust worked/volunteered on her campaign.  I’d love it if she ran for this house seat.

  3. Another North Ender, Stephen Passacantilli, is also sniffing around to assess support.  With two North Enders in the primary, other neighborhoods would definitely be in play.

  4. Aaron Michlewitz opened his North End Headquarters today at 110 Endicott Street. I meet Aaron and some of his campaign workers. He is very well informed, articulate, and I think he’s just what the district needs.  

  5. On his Facebook page, he’s friends with Carl Sciortino and a number of gay activists in the district. As a special election, this race will be low turn-out. Organization will be the decisive factor, and Aaron is a known quantity in the various neighborhood associations and with LGBT advocacy groups.

  6. Lucy Rivera favors equality and also has strong connections to MassEquality and others, so I suspect both candidates will have to earn support from the LGBT community depending on their positions on other issues as well.  A tad too soon to say this is locked up for DiMasi’s guy, don’t you think?

    • When Mass= has two non-incumbent pro-equality candidates competing they typically demure. The Mass G/L Political Caucus, which has a vast email list, is more likely to speak up, and several leading members are friends with Aaron. Bay Windows and the Stonewall Democratic Club are also worth watching. I predict LGBT voters will turn out disproportionately because of the high level of community organization at present. A lot of us wish we could take the good parts of Sal’s record, including his save of marriage equality, without the parts that led to his resignation.  

  7. She’s a long-time progressive activist and would have to be taken seriously as a candidate. No idea if she’s interested, but it is certainly food for thought. She could appeal to a wide range of voters.

  8. Here’s the email I received earlier today from Susan Passoni, announcing her candidacy.

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    p>

    Dear Friend,

    I am writing to let you know that I have decided to run for the Third Suffolk seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives that was recently vacated by former Speaker Sal DiMasi.

    I have given this considerable thought and my decision is a result of my continued desire and passion to help affect change in the areas that are of greatest interest to me and are critical to the future of Massachusetts: education, affordable housing and economic growth.   These are of course all related; as a Commonwealth we cannot possibly have economic expansion without industry; we can not attract industry without a growing, well educated population, and we can not keep smart and talented residents, college graduates and professionals if there is no affordable housing.

    More important, it is about going back to the basics and understanding the money flows in and out of the State’s coffers.  For 20 years, I worked with major corporations on financing strategies and strategic opportunities.  I analyzed and advised these companies on opportunities to build revenues and cut costs.  There is no better time for our state than now to have a person with a strong financial background and skill set in the legislature.

    For the past seven years, I have channeled my strengths into the non-profit sector.  I have worked with several pubic school-related organizations on budget and fundraising challenges.  I have advised on grant awards to public schools and related programs in Boston and Lowell.  I am working with a group of neighbors on the design of and to secure funding for the restoration and renovation of a public park in the South End.   I am the President of the Ellis South End Neighborhood Association and have actively engaged other neighborhood organizations and associations to work hand in hand in the best interest of the community.  I have also co-hosted several fundraisers for local organizations.  It is my commitment and dedication to my community that has propelled me to seek public service once again.  

    I am very appreciative and grateful for your support during my campaign in 2007 and am asking for your support again.  The Special Primary Election will be on Tuesday, May 19 and the Special Election is on Tuesday, June 16th.

    Time is of the essence and we need to get our campaign off the ground as soon as possible.  If you are interested in volunteering your time please let me know at your earliest convenience.  Moreover, if you would like to make a contribution we would greatly appreciate your help since every dollar will make a difference (please see the attached sheet for more information).

    Your support is critical to winning this seat and I cannot do this without you.  I hope that you will join me in my race for the State Rep seat.

    Sincerely,

    Susan

  9. From South End News

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    p>South Enders vie to succeed DiMasi

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    p>Political newcomer Ryan Higginson of Tremont Street and Chandler Street resident and civic activist Susan Passoni, who has waged two unsuccessful bids for the District 2 City Council seat, have both announced campaigns to succeed Sal DiMasi, the North End Democrat and former House speaker who resigned from the seat he held for 30 years last month.

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    p>”The community building aspect of [the council] is really what inspired me to move on to this next level,” said Higginson … Most of them are not really getting involved in their neighborhoods,” said the candidate, a former North End resident who has lived in the South End for a little over two years.

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    p>Higginson said his priorities as a legislator would be economic development and environmental issues, which he pointed out are now intertwined as the city looks to stimulate the economy with building projects, thus presenting an opportunity to incorporate green technology into new developments.

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