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January 28, 2010

What can Brown do for them?: Local Republicans hope for coattails

Republicans for state office take message from Brown victory

By Bethany Bray

Andover this November may help answer the hottest question in state politics: Will Scott Brown's victory over Democrat Martha Coakley for U.S. Senate have a statewide impact on Massachusetts policies?

Two Republican Andover residents are taking on incumbent Andover Democrats State Sen. Susan Tucker and State Rep. Barbara L'Italien.

Lawyer Peter Cotch, who is running against L'Italien, and CPA Jamison Tomasek, who is challenging Tucker, declared their candidacy months before Brown's victory. But both agree the once-unlikely Brown victory can only help what would have been, in prior years, a David vs. Goliath endeavor for Mass. Republicans.

"In 2006 and 2008 the tide was running against us, and in 2010, it's running in our direction," said Tomasek. "What Scott Brown has done, he has energized people and made them realize they can win. Other than the governor's race in 2004, Republicans have felt like they can't win."

In Andover, Brown took 58 percent of the vote in the Jan. 19 special election. Polls were busy and traffic backed up as 64 percent of Andover's registered voters turned out to vote for a successor to the late Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy.

"It signals the reawakening of the traditional, Northeast Republican identity. That can only be good for the Republican party as a whole, as well as everyone who believes in a vital two-party system," said Cotch. "Overall, it was the independent-minded voter that made the difference for Scott Brown. I believe he's demonstrated that having the 'R' at the end of your name isn't necessarily a pejorative."

"The increased political activity is healthy for the community. That Brown race brought some new energy into the party, and that's healthy," said Tucker. "I know what voters are looking for, and they want accountability, transparency and a more efficient government ... I have a proud record of protecting voter's pocketbooks, and there is much more to do."

Tucker is facing her first challenger since she beat Republican Deborah Jones in a 2004 landslide. This week, both Tucker and L'Italien said they intend to run for re-election.

"I have been challenged every single session, and I expect a race every time. Contrary to public opinion, I've always been challenged and am able to make the case of why I'm doing a good job. I welcome the competition," said L'Italien. "The take-away from last week's election is that people are very concerned about jobs, and health care affordability - bread and butter issues."

Tomasek, director of internal audit for Courier Corp. in Chelmsford, began working on his campaign last summer when he discerned a general discontent among voters.

"The first thing that drove me to run is in going to the polls the last few times, I haven't had anyone to vote for - having to leave my ballot blank because there's no Republican to vote for. I think people need a choice, and I could be that choice," he said.

Unenrolled voters - registered voters that aren't designated as either Republican or Democrat - made the difference in the Brown election, and will in his campaign as well, said Tomasek. "The unenrolled really have had no say. They're either voting for the main party or leaving their ballot blank. Now, they realize they can make a difference against the machine," he said. "People felt motivated enough that they could make a difference. I need not just Republican votes, but unenrolled, to win."

"The Brown campaign strategy, as well as its execution, will serve as a template for all office-seekers," agreed Cotch. "What was so delightful about his campaign is he resisted the temptation to go negative ... It's going to focus attention on all sitting incumbents, particularly those in leadership."

Regionally, Sam Meas of Haverhill and Jon Golnik of Carlisle are two Republicans running to unseat Democratic 5th District U.S. Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, who represents Andover.

Tucker was first elected as senator for the 2nd Essex and Middlesex district, which includes Andover, Lawrence, Dracut and Tewksbury, in 1999. She serves as chairwoman of the Joint Committee on Housing and vice-chairwoman of the Joint Committee on Telecommunication, Utilities and Energy. Tucker also served in the Massachusetts House from 1982 to 1992.

L'Italien was first elected to represent the 18th Essex District, which includes parts of Andover, Boxford, Georgetown, Haverhill, Methuen and North Andover, in 2003. She serves as the vice-chairwoman of the House Committee on Ways and Means.

This week, the office of campaign finance had no record of anyone organizing to challenge Barry Finegold, Andover's other state representative, said Brad Balzer, deputy director.

The election will be November 2010. Candidates must register by June 1 to be eligible for the state primary.

Campaign war chests

Here are the year-end totals for 2009 for Andover candidates for state office

SENATE

Jamison Tomasek, Republican for state senator (2nd Essex and Middlesex district): $2,050.01

Sue Tucker, Democratic incumbent state senator (2nd Essex and Middlesex district): $110,838.10

HOUSE

Barry Finegold, Democratic incumbent state representative (17th Essex district): $93,148.63

Barbara L'Italien, Democratic incumbent state representative (18th Essex district): $24,121.51

Peter Cotch, Republican for state representative (18th Essex district): no report filed in 2009

Source: State office of campaign finance, www.mass.gov/ocpf/

Meet Jamison Tomasek

Republican challenger to State Sen. Sue Tucker

Lives on Magnolia Avenue

CPA, head of internal audit for Currier Corp.

Wife Bethe, daughter (age 15) and two sons (4 and 2)

Lived in Andover seven years; in Merrimack Valley for 25

Web site: www.jamison2010.com

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What can Brown do for them?: Local Republicans hope for coattails
by By Bethany Bray , , Thu Jan 28, 2010, 04:58 AM EST
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