Editor's Note: This is a weekly series focusing on the 2010 campaign for Beacon Hill and Capitol Hill. The primary is Sept. 14. The general election is Nov. 2.
Democrat Debbie Silberstein, who is running for retiring state Sen. Susan Tucker's 2nd Essex and Middlesex District seat, is launching what she says is a "grassroots push" for support tomorrow with an event at LaRosa's restaurant in downtown Andover.
The event will kick off her "16 for Silberstein" program, at which volunteers will each recruit 16 new supporters from across the district, or donate $16 to the campaign. Events are planned for Lawrence, Dracut, and Tewksbury as well.
"This is a truly grassroots campaign." said Silberstein, a former Andover School Committee chairwoman. "I am the only candidate in this race who is not linked to the Beacon Hill culture of the past, and that's why I am running a different kind of campaign. This is a campaign about the future — and solving problems. Instead of taking hundreds of thousands of dollars from political insiders and special interests, my campaign is based on people who care about our community talking to others and spreading our message."
Silberstein also picked up two more endorsements last week, when NASW-MA PACE, the political arm of the National Association of Social Workers Massachusetts Chapter, and by Oiste?, the state's largest Latino political organization.
Finegold making the rounds
State Rep. Barry Finegold, D-Andover, who is also running for the 2nd Essex and Middlesex state senate seat, has now knocked on more than 1,500 doors in the district, according to his campaign.
The pedometer he wears when he walks now reads 130,000 steps, which equals about 65 miles. Finegold's campaign staff says he's continuing to knock on as many doors as possible to connect with voters all over the district.
Last weekend, he focused on Dracut following a campaign rally at Coyle's Tavern earlier in the week.
Young Democrats make endorsements
The Young Democrats of Massachusetts announced two endorsements last week.
In the 9th Congressional District, the group chose to endorse Mac D'Alessandro in the Democratic primary. The organization said D'Alessandro's platform "speaks to the needs and concerns of young people," and as a Congressman, he would focus on creating good-paying jobs, keeping families at risk of foreclosure in their homes, and making sure all people have access to a quality education.
D'Alessandro is running against incumbent Congressman Stephen Lynch in the primary.
The Young Democrats of Massachusetts also announced that it is endorsing Democrat Steve Grossman in the state treasurer's race. The endorsement should come as no huge surprise, as Grossman is the group's founder. Tim Cahill, the current state treasurer, is running for governor as an independent.
Connaughton wants review of auditor's office
In response to a report last week that outgoing state Auditor A. Joseph DeNucci has awarded a 5 percent raise to his staff, retroactive to July 1, Republican state auditor candidate Mary Z. Connaughton issued a press release reaffirming her call for a "top-to-bottom review" of staffing and compensation for all auditor office personnel.
"An across the board salary increase at this point in time, when so many people are hurting economically, further erodes the public's trust." Connaughton said. "As I have said, long before this issue came to light, part of my transition plan will include a thorough review of all staff qualifications and compensation. I will consider an employees' experience and credentials before making compensation decisions. Not only will the recent raises be challenged, but base salaries as well."
