Local Democrats Participate in State Convention

Above, the Democrat convention at the DCU Center in Worcester (image courtesy of Jeff Roy)

SHNS + Local Reporting by Franklin Observer

Bay State Democrats endorsed Maura Healey for another four years in the corner office, as she strives to become just the second Democrat to be reelected governor here in the last 40 years.

In a speech Friday night to the delegates who gathered at Worcester's DCU Center the evening before Saturday's Democratic Party convention main event, the governor said she will be "focused on lowering costs, making life easier, and standing up to Donald Trump" while she argued that the two Republicans vying to challenge her in November "stand with Donald Trump’s agenda that is raising costs and cutting healthcare, sending ICE agents into our communities, and banning abortion across the country," her campaign said.

Franklin Democrats in attendance appeared buoyed by the messages. State Rep. Jeff Roy wrote, "The energy at this year's Massachusetts State Democratic Convention was absolutely electric, drawing a capacity crowd filled with inspiring speeches and incredible camaraderie. In these difficult and divisive times, it was truly powerful to be part of an event focused so deeply on unity and shared purpose. Leaving the convention, I feel profoundly re-energized by our collective strength and ready to move forward together."

Similarly, Franklin's Maxwell Morrongiello wrote, "The convention highlighted the importance of people taking action on the issues they care about. One of my favorite lines from the convention was "don't agonize, organize!" I think this rings true regardless of your stripes. It's important to be civicly engaged and make a difference."  Morrongiello also noted that his comments reflect his own views, not those of the Democrat Town Committee or the Town Council, on which he serves.

Paul Yorkis of Medway, also noted a consistent theme of criticism of Donald Trump. "While the party nomination for the United States Senate was contested between current Senator Ed Markey and Congressman Seth Moulton, the supporters for both candidates were respectful of one another during the entire convention," Yorkis added.

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"I want you to know that I see you. My focus is on you and your life, and I’ll work every day to make it better. And as your governor, I’ll always have your back," Healey said, according to the campaign. "This election is about who you stand for, who you stand with, and who you stand against. Mike Minogue and Brian Shortsleeve stand with Donald Trump. I stand with you."

Minogue, who earned the endorsement of the Republican Party convention in Worcester last month, and Shortsleeve have said Healey would rather make this election about Trump than about state-level issues like high energy costs, a lack of housing and largely stagnant job growth.

"As much as we will hear about President Trump, the truth is businesses and people are not fleeing to North Carolina, Florida, Texas and New Hampshire because of Trump. He’s president there too. They are leaving because of Maura Healey," Shortsleeve's campaign said.

When asked how he would respond to Healey leveling a Trump-centric attack at him, Minogue earlier this year told the Howie Carr Show: "I'm not running for senator. She should go run for senator if she's so concerned about that. I'm running for governor because I am Massachusetts Mike. I'm focused on things that apply to our citizens, our entrepreneurs in business. That's what I'm obsessed with."

Kim Driscoll was similarly endorsed for another four-year term as lieutenant governor, and she used her time addressing the convention hall to highlight steps she said have helped to lower the cost of housing, healthcare and more. The campaign said the duo is running for reelection "because there is a lot more to do to make life more affordable, create opportunities for all, and stand up to the damage Donald Trump is doing every single day."

"Since day one, Maura and I have focused on one thing: making Massachusetts more affordable, more competitive, and more compassionate," Driscoll said, according to the campaign. "Not by papering over problems, not by kicking challenges down the road, but by making smart investments and tackling issues head on."

A top Republican Party official knocked the timing of Healey's convention speech.

"Hiding from the voters with an 8:30 p.m. Friday night speech is laughable, especially for an incumbent Governor," said Haley Jones, executive director of the Massachusetts Republican Party.

Healey and Driscoll faced no competition for the party's convention endorsement and face no challenger in the September primary. They will face the winners of the Republican primaries in the Nov. 3 general election.