Political bits and pieces from rambles around the Merrimack Valley, Middlesex County and beyond ~

“Sticks, stones, rocks and bolders” are being hurled around NH in the US Senate race even as across-the-border locals turned out in Dracut to financially support GOP Scott Brown vs incumbent N. H. Senator – Democrat Jean Shaheen…  Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera embraced Steve Grossman for Governor literally and figuratively yesterday at the LDCC breakfast, on Facebook and Twitter noting that he would be good for Lawrence…..  Many political observers see Barbara L’Italien as the hardest working candidate in the Valley – she has personally canvassed and knocked on thousands of doors in Andover, Dracut, Lawrence and Tewksbury while attending events from festivals to ribbon cuttings while visiting businesses, NPOs, senior centers, fireworks and, of course, Market Baskets…. The federal regulation lines continue to blur with Super PACS such as Forward Massachusetts pushing the envelope with a not-so-arms-length campaign connection as it pumps $$$ for his election run against Congressman John Tierney…  Firefighter unions are a campaign gold mine for candidates – their support means boots on the ground, money…  State Rep Diane DiZoglio who carried their water in the House is reaping rewards now as she is strongly challenged by N. Andover’s Phil DiColegero – BTW, Phil won the straw poll at the LDCC breakfast yesterday…  Rumor has it that Middlesex DA challenger Democrat Mike Sullivan is raring and ready to announce former Republican Gov Bill Weld’s support… is that a sufficient off-set to Governor Patrick’s strong endorsement of incubent DA Marion Ryan? That race is “hot” but even “hotter” is the AG’s race… Maura Healey vs Warren Tolman… Healey and Tolman are very visible and very active in the Merrimack Valley – both have dedicated supporters…  just yesterday, Healey was seen at Lowell’s Owl Diner with Rep Dave Nangle while Tolman was in Lawrence being embraced by Rep Marcos Devers… the Casino Bill continues to be a big issue here in the Valley… even though community folks brought defeat to the SLOTs in North Tewksbury, the candidates’ stances still resonate locally… State Senator /Treasurer candidate Barry Finegold was always against casinos; Gov candidate Don Berwick has the support of many anti-casino activists like Tom Larkin; Maura Healey and Lt Gov candidate Mike Lake are also opposed to casino while GOPer Charlie Baker would – if the casinos are defeated at the ballot – “find a way” for a Springfield gambling operation… Merrimack Valley women voters in the September 9th Primary are expected to be a influential force for candidates… what do you think?

State Treasurer candidate senator Barry Finegold having breakfast at Lowell Owl Diner today with his kids – Ava, Ella and Max

Candidate for State Senate 2EM Barbara L’Italien and State Rep candidate Phil Decologero

Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera embraces Steve Grossman for Governor…