Longtime state Senator Susan Fargo, who sponsored legislation to ban smoking in the workplace, announced today that she will not run for re-election.
Fargo, who is currently serving her 8th term representing the Third Middlesex district, had said in November that she planned to run again. But today she said she has decided she would prefer to go out at “the top of my game,” and her change of heart will leave her seat up for grabs in the state election this fall. -By Brock Parker, Town Correspondent Boston.com
I volunteered For Senate candidate Susan Fargo 18 years ago, in a very exciting campaign. Susan was elected and spent the last 16 years working hard for progressive issues. Senator Fargo stood strong against casinos, an early supporter of marriage equality, sponsored the ban on work place smoking, an amendment providing tuition for the children of fallen soldiers. Susan filed a bill to repeal the sales tax increase and was a voice that could be counted on for a variety of reforms – ethics, health care… Senator Fargo will be missed.
Mike Barret, a former State Senator from Lexington has announced several months ago. He sounds like a remarkable candidate and commited progressive. It is likely that the next few weeks will see other announcements – possibly some State Reps? Hopefully, a strong progressive voice will fill the seat.
The 3rd Middlsex District covers Bedford, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Lexington (precincts 3, 8, and 9), Lincoln, Sudbury, Waltham, and Weston.
It will be very interesting to see who runs. What names are people hearing?
Officially filed Dem: Michael Barrett (Lexington)
Also in: Mara Dolan (Concord)
For the Reds:
In: Greg Howes (Concord) former Dem & Independent(?)
Maybe: Sandi Martinez (2010 loser and teapartier)
Anyone else?
She’s lost three times already, hasn’t she figured out that the people of the 3rd Middlesex don’t like her brand of (many adjectives) conservatism.
From the Concord Patch:
Joe Mullin
Alex Buck
would be a strong candidate. One of those rarities, a successful businessman and staunch progressive. It would be amusing to see him or any other run against Sandi Martinez.
Here is what the Surreality based community is saying about this race.