Danielle Gregoire Already Beginning the Blame Game

BOSTON -- As Governor Patrick prepared to campaign for Jamie Eldridge and Jim McGovern in Marlborough, Ms. Greogoire was cited in the MetroWest Daily News complaining, "She has received more support from Southborough's Democratic Town Committee than the one in her hometown of Marlborough." She went on to make a political slap against her hometown Democratic committee implying they have been neither cooperative nor competent by stating, "The Southborough Democratic Town Committee has been hugely helpful, with volunteers and fundraising. They're very organized."

It is clear Ms. Gregoire has no intention of taking any responsibility for her own mistakes as a State Representative that have caused this to be such a challenging campaign for her. She had no complaints about the Democratic committee in their previous efforts to put her into office when she ran for Ward Councilor. Even when defeated by a local Republican they still took a chance on her in a year where Democrats were riding a wave of political support with Obama's high popularity ratings and Bush's negative effect on Republican candidates to help her win in 2008. Once she won the seat, it was her job to convince the district that she earned the right to keep it. Her unwillingness to discuss and defend her record is a clear indication she has no understanding of why the voters are not happy and what she should have been doing differently.

Recent mailings have also indicated a challenge in communicating with voters. One attack mailing had disjointed quotes from various local politicians that were supposed to demonstrate her opponent was uninformed and incompetent. Even for residents who are familiar with local politics the quotes made no sense. While many politicians use the tactic of twisting opponents or their supporters' words to indicate candidates support positions they do not, Ms. Gregoire's quotes instead sounded like notes someone had gathered and never edited prior to publishing them on a political mailer. The quotes never made a connection to the arguments she was trying to put forth about her opponent.

Instead of attacking the local Democratic committee, Ms. Gregoire should look to her own record and review her campaign mailings to see why even her own party is keeping distance from her at this point. Reflection is a chance for growth and learning.

Steven Levy has run a positive campaign. Unlike Ms. Gregoire, he has discussed his record and been willing to discuss specific issues like the CPA. This was an issue that Ms. Gregoire first claimed she would not address in the campaign and then attacked Mr. Levy about when she had the opportunity to ask him questions. He has discussed his ideas for pension reform. However, he has been honest enough to state he is willing to learn more as a State Representative. His experience as a City Councilor has taught him he does not have all the answers to legislative issues working from the outside. Ms. Gregoire has had two years to get involved on the issue of pension reform. Instead, her main issues have been attacking doll manufacturers and creating a state holiday. Voters can respect honesty from a politician and Steven Levy has demonstrated that in his proposals. Along with pension reform, voters can expect him to get involved with the issues that concern them and become educated on the legislation and how to work with others to improve that legislation for this district. Danielle Gregoire has mocked this approach and voters should not be surprised. Ms. Gregoiore had demonstrated her philosophy of being a representative; if it is too hard, why bother trying? Stick with the simple issues that do not require too much effort.

Voters have a chance to send Steven Levy to represent this district on the issues that concern them, or they can return Danielle Gregoire, a warrior to fight against the evil doll companies, back to Boston. The district votes Tuesday.

Paul Crocetti, "Patrick to Visit Marlborough as Election Nears" ,MetroWest Daily News