Chelsea’s annual observance honoring the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. took place at the Chelsea Senior Center on Riley Way this year with an unmistakable political dimension. Two figures—Everett Councilor Sal DiDomenico and former Middlesex Assistant District Attorney Tim Flaherty—worked the room of roughly 150 dignitaries, officials and residents gathered for the traditional event. “I am officially a candidate for the senate seat vacated by Anthony Galluccio,” DiDomenico remarked to the Chelsea Record. As Galluccio’s former chief of staff, the well-regarded councilor indicated he would be launching an intensive push over the coming weeks. He suggested he would enjoy backing from most members of the Everett City Council, no small feat, and planned to build his campaign foundation on that support. Additionally, DiDomenico noted that his family’s long-standing business presence in Cambridge—operating there for the past 50 years—would prove valuable as he campaigned in that city. Both Everett and Cambridge rank among the most significant voting centers in the expansive senate district, though Chelsea too matters greatly to any candidate seeking to become the next senator.
At the senior center, Flaherty introduced himself to numerous local residents as part of his campaign efforts. His previous race against Galluccio had given him substantial name recognition throughout the senate district and locally. That recognition, combined with his early entry into the race, is thought to give him an advantage over DiDomenico and other candidates including Dan Hill, a Charlestown lawyer; Michael Albano, a Chelsea realtor; and Cambridge City Councillor Marjorie Decker. Galluccio had enjoyed considerable popularity in Chelsea. Flaherty has already assembled a campaign team and begun releasing materials, including a recent statement addressing the LNG tanker controversy and the vessels’ unrestricted passage into Boston harbor en route to Everett dockage. Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, Chelsea City Manager Jay Ash, and House Speaker Robert DeLeo are urging anti-terrorism officials to halt the incoming LNG tanker pending federal review of the ship’s crew and ownership.
The contest for Galluccio’s seat will inevitably turn on fundraising capacity. Political analysts estimate that $150,000–$200,000 will be necessary for a comprehensive campaign effort. Early indicators suggest Flaherty has an advantage in money-raising and has assembled the campaign infrastructure needed for such an undertaking. According to the Chelsea Record, DiDomenico stated last week that he would secure the necessary funds for his campaign. Victory will likely depend on dividing or capturing votes in Everett and Cambridge, then winning in Chelsea and Charlestown, with smaller showings in Allston, Brighton, Somerville and Saugus. A small portion of Revere also falls within the district.
How Decker, Albano and Hill factor into the race remains uncertain. What seems clear is that Flaherty and DiDomenico are positioning themselves as the frontrunners for Galluccio’s seat.
