Candidates are beginning to emerge in the contest to succeed former Senator Anthony Galluccio. Attorney Tim Flaherty, who previously challenged Galluccio, appeared at Tito’s during the governor’s Monday morning visit to Chelsea. Also present were candidate Michael Albano and Everett City Councillor Sal DiDomenico, who is running for the senate seat. From the start, Flaherty appears positioned as an early frontrunner, having mobilized his organization swiftly, established strong infrastructure, and demonstrated fundraising capability. When the Coast Guard announced its decision Tuesday to permit Yemen-based LNG tankers into Boston Harbor, Flaherty was quick to issue a forceful, carefully crafted press release condemning the decision. DiDomenico has been actively campaigning throughout the week at events in Everett, Chelsea, Charlestown and Cambridge. Albano, based in Chelsea, is currently assembling his campaign structure. While Albano will likely have access to funding, running for state senate from Chelsea presents challenges within such a large district—a lesson former Chelsea councilor Paul Nowicki learned during his 2007 special election campaign against Galluccio following Sen. Jarrett Barrios’s resignation. Despite finishing second, Nowicki’s showing was unexpectedly strong. His recent endorsement of Flaherty complicates matters for Albano. Charlestown Attorney Dan Hill possesses the political acumen, communication skills, and demeanor of an experienced politician and policymaker, yet lacks financial resources. In this race, money proves nearly indispensable. This competition will move quickly. Six-term Cambridge City Councillor Marjorie Decker has been mentioned, though her campaign has not yet contacted us. While influential in Cambridge, establishing name recognition in Charlestown, Chelsea, Everett and Revere will require significant effort if her campaign doesn’t accelerate. Some observers suggest DiDomenico is employing strategy by encouraging Cambridge lawyer Dennis Benzan to enter the race. Benzan does not currently reside in the district. Should Benzan and Decker draw sufficient votes from other candidates while DiDomenico secures Everett, he could gain a competitive advantage. Flaherty’s strength derives from his behind-the-scenes political operatives and established name recognition. Attorney Richard Lynds directs Flaherty’s campaign. Lynds possesses exceptional skill in voter identification and mobilization, and maintains rigorous standards regarding advertising and messaging. Though still early, the contest’s contours are taking shape. Given the lingering impact of the Scott Brown phenomenon on the political landscape, this race carries particular significance.
The race is on
