Dr. Peter Smulowitz, a political newcomer who ran as a progressive outsider and spent months knocking on doors across the district, pulled off a stunning upset victory over 21-year incumbent State Representative Lida Harkins yesterday in Massachusetts’ Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex Senate district, the former seat of U.S. Senator Scott Brown.
http://www.wickedlocal.com/nee…
This is the first time in recent Massachusetts history that a State Representative has been defeated by a lower office holder in a State Senate primary.
With just four weeks until the May 11th general election, Smulowitz now faces off against Republican State Rep Richard Ross, an outspoken moderate in the party and a protege of Scott Brown. It will be an uphill climb in this conservative-leaning district, but Dr. Smulowitz has already proven that he can beat the odds.
Both state parties will probably become heavily involved in this race in the coming days, not just because of the symbolic importance of winning this seat, but also because this is one of the few genuinely competitive districts in Massachusetts.
Let’s all rally behind Dr. Peter and see if we can take back Scott Brown’s The People’s State Senate seat!
You can donate for volunteer here at Peter’s campaign site:
“leans Republican”. Ross is an officeholder (and as you say – ratger popular and moderate), district is at least somewhat Republican-leaning too, Smulowitz win in primary was very narrow – about 50.5% – 49.5%, and he must have (after close primary)less COH then Ross and little time to get back Harkins supporters.
Stil – it will be interesting race May 11. Smulowitz’s supporters are clearly energized by primary win…