Danielle Gregoire's Campaign Takes a Turn for the Worse

BOSTON -- More than one Danielle Gregoire supporter must have been surprised to open the opinion section of the MetroWest Daily News to read that the paper had endorsed Steven Levy for State Representative. Those familiar with the paper know only a few rare Republicans get the endorsement of the local paper. Ms. Gregoire has had a very friendly relationship with the newspaper and this could not have come at a worse time for her campaign as they enter the final days before the election.

This endorsement is a wonderful boost for Mr. Levy's campaign. The paper that saw such hope in Ms. Gregoire in previous endorsements, has finally decided in writing their decision not to endorse her, "We're not convinced she can grow enough in the job to provide the leadership and representation the 4th Middlesex District needs." That had to hurt on a personal and professional level. It cannot be helping her move independent voters to come out and vote for her on Tuesday.

Their words for Mr. Levy were far more encouraging. While readers might have been shocked at their rebuke of Ms. Gregoire, their grudging respect for Mr. Levy was even more surprising. Since when does the MetroWest Daily News have an issue with too many lawyers in the State House? They also gave him credit for his experience as a City Councilor. Unlike Tom Hill, they demonstrated respect for being able to work across the aisle to focus on the good of the City instead of the best interests of party.

The MetroWest Daily News does not elect candidates. People have won and lost without their endorsements. However, it is never a good sign to lose endorsements you have always earned. This is a bad sign for the Gregoire campaign that political immaturity, failure to focus on the issues, and a lack of results are being cited as reasons she is not qualified to return for a second term. This criticism is coming from a paper that leans to supporting Democratic candidates.

The endorsement from the MetroWest Daily News identified an important weakness of Ms. Gregoire's term. The State Representative has failed to identify issues that need her attention and focused on issues that voters do not want her wasting valuable tax dollars pursuing. One sad but funny example is the incident reported in the MetroWest Daily News of Ms. Gregoire trying to get colleagues to sign a petition against the American Girl Doll Company about a doll she did not like. She constantly discusses how hard she has to work. However, last fall she was spending valuable legislative time worried about a doll when most voters were worried about jobs, taxes, local aid, and education for their children. The top issue on voters' minds when they elected Ms. Gregoire was not how she would attack doll companies on their behalf. Nothing has indicated she understood voters' real concerns.

Steven Levy has connected with voters on the issues that do concern them. He realizes doll companies are not the main threat to the district's residents. More government holidays are also not the central need of local residents. As the Metrowest Daily noted we do need someone who understands accounting and economics. As a City Councilor, he has worked on tough budgets and made the decisions for the best interest of the City, not his party. He has solid ideas for reform and with demonstrated abilities to work with people focused on solutions, not rhetoric, there is hope he can make a difference as a State Representative. Voters have a choice to make on Tuesday regarding representation at the state level. Ms. Gregoire has tried and failed. She would like a chance to grow on the job. Mr. Levy has demonstrated an ability to make positive economic changes even in a challenging economy. Positive changes at the state level will make moving our local budgeting efforts forward as well. Tuesday's outcome will have an effect on our local progress for at least the next two years. Consider it carefully.

Elizabeth Banks, "Word on the Street", MetroWest Daily News

"Endorsements Choices for House" ,MetroWest Daily News