DiNatale Endorses AG Coakley for U.S. Senate Seat (09/15/09)
Posted 2009-09-17 18:46:25
Fitchburg mayor, two state reps, support Coakley
By Brandon Butler, bbutler@sentinelandenterprise.com
Posted: 09/15/2009 06:32:37 AM EDT
FITCHBURG -- Some local officials, including Fitchburg Mayor Lisa Wong, state Rep. Stephen DiNatale, D-Fitchburg, and state Sen. Jennifer Flanagan, D-Leominster, say they're supporting Attorney General Martha Coakley in her bid to be the state's next U.S. senator.
The local officials cited Coakley's aggressive stances against power distribution company Unitil Corp. as part of their reason for endorsing her.
"I think Martha is a strong advocate for the citizens of Massachusetts," Flanagan said. "She's proven that, especially for our area."
Coakley was one of the first candidates to enter the race to fill the seat vacated by the death of Edward M. Kennedy.
Coakley and state Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, are the only two announced candidates. U.S. Reps. Michael Capuano and Steven Lynch are considering runs.
"Attorney General Coakley has been a huge advocate for the city," said Wong. "She's really shown up for local issues."
After December's ice storm, which knocked out power to thousands of area residents, Coakley called for a multimillion-dollar fine against Unitil for its lack of preparation for the storm.
DiNatale said Coakley has also advocated against rate-increase requests the power company has filed during the past few years.
DiNatale said he's not concerned about Coakley's ability to raise money or her lack of federal-government experience. Coakley is a former district attorney.
"Money is always a challenge, but the fact that she's gotten out early will work to her benefit," DiNatale said. "I believe she's going to win."
State Rep. Dennis Rosa, D-Leominster, said he has not yet endorsed a candidate.
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