Governor battles highlight statewide races

The battle for the Democratic and Republican nominations for governor highlight the slew of statewide races that Jamaica Plain residents will vote on when they go to the polls for the Sept. 4 primary election.

For the Democratic nomination, Bob Massie is taking on Jay Gonzalez. Massie is an author, activist, and former leader of several nonprofits who has overcome many challenges in life, including a battle with hemophilia, while Gonzalez is an attorney, the former secretary of administration and finance in the Patrick administration, and the former chair of the Massachusetts Board of Early Education and Care. The Gazette asked both candidates to give their pitch to JP voters.

Massie

“In a state as wealthy as Massachusetts, it is wrong that there are people who are saddled with thousands in dollars of debt because they chose to go to college. It’s absurd that people are all too often forced to choose between going to the doctor or paying their rent, and it is dangerous not to act on climate change. As governor, I will not just pay lip service to these issues, but change the structural flaws in our government that have prevented us from moving forward on tuition free college, Medicare for All, and robust climate change reforms. I know that Massachusetts can be a bold, progressive leader, and I’m excited to bring us into the 21st century.”

Gonzalez

“I’m running for governor to fight for all the little guys and take on the big challenges we face. I will work to increase our affordable housing supply, ensure every child has access to affordable, high-quality childcare and preschool, and fix our broken transportation system. As a cabinet secretary for former Gov. Deval Patrick I believe I have the leadership experience to actually make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I am proud to be endorsed by the Democratic Party, Jamaica Plain Progressives, City Councilors Michelle Wu and Matt O’Malley and State Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz. I’m asking for your vote.”

On the Republican side, Gov. Charlie Baker, a former CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care who served in both former Gov. Bill Weld and former Gov. Paul Cellucci administrations, is facing-off against Scott Lively, a pastor who espouses homophobic and fringe views.

Baker

“Lt. Governor Polito and I are grateful for the opportunity to serve communities like Jamaica Plain and Mission Hill across Massachusetts, and remain committed to working with local partners, including Mayor Walsh and his administration, to achieve our shared goals around housing and economic development. Since 2015, we have pursued a bipartisan, results-oriented approach that is moving Massachusetts in the right direction. We look forward to continuing this approach in a second term, investing over $8 billion in the MBTA, expanding on historic support for public schools and supporting a strong economy. We humbly ask for your support and vote.”

Lively

“I am Republican Dr. Scott Lively, constitutional law attorney and pastor.  Our biggest challenge is Public Corruption and I will end it by auditing every government department for waste, fraud and abuse, and prosecute the crooks.  I will end patronage and publish clear ethical standards for the Judges, State Police, DCF, the MBTA and every other dysfunctional agency.  I will use every saved dollar to fix roads and bridges and end opioid addiction, refunding the balance to taxpayers. And I will cut my salary 20 percent on Day 1 to prove I mean business! Please Vote Scott Lively on Sept. 4.”

There is also a competitive race for the Republican nomination for senator with a three candidate race: Geoff Diehl, John Kingston, and Beth Joyce Lindstrom.

Lindstrom

“When Senator Warren first ran for office, she stated she had done three things in her life: teach, write books and ‘throw rocks.’  But to get legislation passed and to solve problems you have to be able to work with others.  And no one wants to work with a rock thrower. I will contrast Senator Warren’s empty failures with my own record of success — as a mom and wife, as the first female Director of the Massachusetts Republican Party, as the state’s Secretary of Consumer Affairs, and as an entrepreneur and a small business owner.”

Diehl

“There is only one candidate in this race that has helped your wallet.  I led the successful effort to repeal automatic gas tax hikes—saving taxpayers $2 billion.  While others talk, I’ve taken action for you by passing the only Massachusetts tax cut in 7 years.  We need a Senator who will put Massachusetts first.  That’s why I have plans to help our veterans, fight the opioid epidemic, and grow jobs and wages.  I’m the only candidate endorsed by law enforcement.  On Sept. 4 I would be honored to have your vote in the Republican Primary.  Vote the real Diehl.”

Kingston did not respond to a request for comment.

Meanwhile, incumbent Bill Galvin is facing a fight for the Democratic nomination for the state Secretary of State with Boston City Councilor Josh Zakim entering the fray.

Galvin

“Overseeing our elections is just one of the 16 responsibilities of the Secretary of State, including getting an accurate census count and historic preservation. I make sure our elections are secure and accurate, and that every candidate complies with the law. My opponent is keeping the door open to dark money, and that is very concerning. Our office also oversees lobbying and financial regulation, and helps choose the head of the Office of Campaign and Political Finance. Being Secretary of State is the greatest job I could ever have asked for. I humbly ask for your vote on Sept. 4.”

Zakim

“I am running to be your next Secretary of State to increase access to government for everyone in Massachusetts. There are several avenues to do that, but the one we’ve focused most heavily on is increasing voting rights.

In my campaign, I have talked every day about a few common-sense steps that we should take that would drastically increases registration and turnout. They are same-day registration, automatic voter registration, no-excuse absentee ballots, weekend voting and expanding early voting. My opponent has had 24 years to support these, but showed no interest until we challenged him. Massachusetts deserves better than that.”

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