There have been numerous debates, several rallies, and endless discussions about the upcoming Primary Election – particularly on the Democratic side – but this coming Tuesday, Sept. 4, the talk ends and the voting begins.
Perhaps the most prominent and far-reaching race on the Democratic ballot is between the five district attorney candidates. For the first time in more than a decade, after the retirement of DA Dan Conley, the DA’s seat is open, and the entirety of Suffolk County will be choosing the winning candidate in the Primary.
Evandro Carvalho, Linda Champion, Greg Henning, Shannon McAuliffe and Rachael Rollins are all newcomers to Suffolk County politics and have had to forge paths in areas outside their typical spheres of influence. Most have had management experience and some have worked in the prosecutor’s office. Carvalho is a sitting state representative from Dorchester.
He has received the endorsement of Charlestown’s only elected official, State Rep. Dan Ryan.
On Tuesday night, the DA’s race came to Charlestown as all five candidates made their last appeal to the Town’s voters at the Ward 2 Democratic Committee’s meet and greet.
Each candidate for DA gave their platform and answered questions.
Missy Sikorski of the Ward 2 Dems said the Committee wasn’t endorsing any candidate, but they hoped to have the forum to encourage participation at the polls.
“The Charlestown Democratic Ward Committee is focused on getting Charlestown residents more involved through these informal, conversational gatherings, providing an opportunity for our neighbors to speak with candidates and make informed decisions at the polls,” she said. “Be sure to follow the committee on Facebook and Twitter (@CharlestownDems) for upcoming get-togethers and announcements.”
- A race that has been lively in Charlestown is that of Congressman Michael Capuano against Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley – both of whom are running for Congress on the Democratic ticket.
Both have visited the Town with some frequency, but Capuano has been the more visible candidate here.
He boasts the support of elected officials like State Rep. Dan Ryan and State Sen. Sal DiDomenico, but more than a few have been swayed by the arguments of Pressley, who has been polished and professional throughout the race.
The scales seem to tip towards Capuano in Charlestown right now, but it’s a big district that stretches all the way down through Boston and to Randolph on the South Shore. How that works out is anyone’s guess.
- A less heralded race in Charlestown, but one that will be on the ballot and has been contentious, is the contest between Boston City Councilor Josh Zakim and long time Secretary of State Bill Galvin.
Galvin has been a stalwart in the State House for many years, and has been very critical of Zakim.
Zakim has returned the favor.
A debate two weeks ago between the two had some very big fireworks shot off from both candidates.
Zakim has had some strong endorsements statewide, which has turned some heads, but Galvin also has the experience of years in the seat.
It will be one to watch Tuesday night.