State treasurer Timothy Cahill announced his candidacy for governor as an independent Wednesday, pledging dedication to economic growth, nonpartisan politics and the interests of the middle class.
Cahill held an eight-minute press conference at the Omni Parker House downtown during which he detailed his platform, politics and campaign promises.
‘I’m running because I believe we need new leadership to make Massachusetts a vibrant place where jobs grow and the economy rebounds, where taxes are cut both to keep the state competitive and to lessen the burden on the middle-class [sic],’ Cahill said, according to campaign press release.
Since leaving the Democratic Party in July and becoming an independent, Cahill has emphasized the advantages of politics that are not tethered to one particular party.
‘I know that neither party has a monopoly on good ideas,’ he said.
Cahill, who lives in Quincy with his wife and four daughters, also stressed his role as a family man.
‘I will always, as Governor, have the interests of the middle class at heart because I go home to a middle class family every evening after work,’ he said. ‘I will work to improve the lives of working families by creating job opportunities and growing our economy.’
Cahill’s spokeswoman Alison Mitchell said the 1981 BU alumnus might come to BU to discuss issues.
‘Treasurer Cahill looks forward to returning to his alma mater to talk with students about the campaign,’ Mitchell said.
Cahill faces Republicans Christy Mihos and Charles Baker as well as incumbent Governor Deval Patrick in the 2010 race.’
Although Mihos had met with staff at the National Republican Senatorial Committee Tuesday, Mihos’ communications director Kevin Sowyrda said the campaign was looking forward to having Cahill as a competitor.
‘ ‘We’re looking forward to being with him on the campaign trail,’ he said. ‘We wish him the best.’
Sowyrda, like several others in the political field, said he believes it will be challenging for Cahill to run as an independent in the current Massachusetts political climate.
‘I think what you’ll find is that in that general election, Massachusetts tends to gravitate toward one party or the other, or for that matter Massachusetts gravitates toward both major parties,’ he said. ‘Massachusetts doesn’t really have a history towards moving in large toward independent candidates.’
But, he said, the Mihos campaign welcomes Cahill to the race, calling the candidates’ relationship ‘nothing but’hellip;cordial.’
‘In an era when no one wants to get involved . . . [Cahill is] stepping up to the plate,’ Sowyrda said.’
Steve Crawford, a spokesman for Patrick, said in an email, ‘The treasurer is one of three serious challengers and we welcome them all to the race. We are confident that when the voters of Massachusetts hear each candidates’ vision for creating jobs and building a bright future for our state, they will choose Governor Patrick.’
Baker’s campaign could not be reached for comment.’
According to the Boston Globe, despite his potential advantage as an independent, Cahill has a ‘huge fund-raising edge’ over his opponents, having already amassed over $2.5 million more than Patrick in campaign funds.’
Cahill will hold a fundraiser in Quincy today to commence his campaign.
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