Endorsements

In the Democratic primary, candidates for change

It is a strange moment in state politics. The policy agenda has moved to fundamental long-term questions: How best to educate the next generation? How to assure quality health care for all? How to deal with economic dislocation? Yet running through the electorate is a strong streak of resignation, as if there were no choice but more of the same.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Voters hold in their hands the power to make an immediate, noticeable change in the priorities and approach of their government. For the September 15 Democratic primary, the Phoenix endorses a slate of candidates who would deliver. It is no accident that we endorse women in the three highest-profile races -- Patricia McGovern for governor, Lois Pines for attorney general, and Marjorie Clapprood for the historic Eighth District seat in the US Congress. In each of these races, it is a woman who best understands the needs of the people -- and the possibilities of these offices to meet them. Never in our state's history has there been such an opportunity for women to assume so many positions of the front rank. Let's hope it marks a turning point.

We believe these are the voices of the future:

Governor

After 12 years of Republican rule, this could well be the year the Democrats win back the state's highest office. We hope it is also the year that Massachusetts will elect its first female governor: Patricia McGovern. At the moment, McGovern may look like a long shot. But there should be more to politics than poll results.

McGovern can boast of an impressive background. As the chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, she helped rein in a runaway state budget. She was also the creative force behind an ambitious and innovative universal health-insurance plan that would have extended coverage to all the state's citizens. She has shown that she knows how to get things done.

McGovern has also distinguished herself as the most dynamic thinker in the race. She has put forward a detailed program on worker retraining -- a decidedly unflashy topic that would nevertheless address one of the central problems the next governor will face. She supports dramatic new school construction -- and she has a plan to fund it. She has a plan to expand health care coverage to an additional 385,000 people.

McGovern's background -- she grew up in, and then represented, ethnically diverse Lawrence -- gives her a strong sense for urban issues and for the aspirations of immigrants who hope to become citizens.

Leadership, of course, is a difficult quality to define. But we believe McGovern, once in office, would be best able to inspire others to join her cause. She is feisty and determined, but flexible in her approach. She is principled, but creative in her thinking. McGovern would be a new kind of governor.

Lieutenant governor

The race for lieutenant governor has received scant attention. But the job is important: should something happen to the governor, this is the person who would be handed the reins.

There are two strong candidates. Dorothy Kelly Gay is a person of impressive character. She brings to government a rich life experience: an immigrant who arrived with virtually nothing, she has been a nurse and a force for Somerville schools. She has also helped revitalize the Governor's Council, a body that oversees judicial appointments and on which the lieutenant governor serves.

But we choose state senator Warren Tolman. Tolman is one of the rising stars of the Democratic Party. And there is a reason: he combines a close knowledge of policy (he chairs the Senate Taxation Committee) with a common man's touch. He combines the tools to make a difference in a difficult post with a heartfelt passion. We believe that, if called, he would be ready for the governor's office. And if elected lieutenant governor, Tolman would carve out a meaningful role for himself.

Attorney general

Since the days of Frank Bellotti, the attorney general has enjoyed a mandate to be much more than a kind of "supercop." An attorney general who is resourceful and creative can make a difference in many aspects of life, from health care to auto insurance to the environment. Lois Pines is clearly the candidate who best understands this.

Tom Reilly, her opponent, has failed to go beyond the simple message of being "tough on crime." Indeed, Reilly has carried his tough-on-crime stance too far. His office consistently overprosecutes -- and not only in high-profile cases such as Louise Woodward's. He has compromised justice. Reilly also supports the death penalty, which Pines has quietly opposed. The Phoenix has long opposed the death penalty: it is an irreversible sanction in a system that makes mistakes, and it does not deter crime. Reilly has pledged not to advocate for the death penalty, but we believe the attorney general -- Pines, take note -- should argue strenuously against it.

Pines, by contrast, would do progressives proud. She would be an aggressive consumer advocate who looks beyond common crime to identify ways the general public is victimized. That means going after big polluters, checking the expansion of for-profit health care, and prosecuting a variety of other white-collar and corporate misdeeds.

Pines would fight for justice in its broadest sense.

US Congress

Eighth District. Last week, we endorsed Marjorie O'Neill Clapprood. In the crowded field to fill Joe Kennedy's seat, she stands out. She has long been a passionate voice for progressive values. She is not afraid to fight. She is also an experienced legislator. And she is also, of course, a woman. She would make an excellent addition to the Massachusetts delegation.

Sixth District. Incumbent representative John Tierney faces a long-shot opponent in the primary. Tierney is a tenacious, hard-working progressive who has been one of the brightest stars in his freshman class. He deserves his party's nomination.

Middlesex DA

Middlesex County has always produced a bumper crop of high-profile politicians. But the county faces day-to-day challenges as well. Tim Flaherty would be a tough, levelheaded prosecutor for Cambridge and the rest of the county. Yes, he is young, and he will have to prove himself, but it's our bet he will.

Norfolk DA

It is a shame that state senator William Keating is leaving Beacon Hill. He is a talented, innovative, and well-respected legislator. But in the race to be Norfolk County's next district attorney, Jack Corrigan is better suited for the job. Corrigan, unlike Keating, is an experienced prosecutor who knows how the DA's team does its work -- and how it can work better. Under then-DA Bill Delahunt, started Norfolk County's civil rights division. He has promised to bring a range of innovations -- "community prosecuting" as one piece of a more proactive approach -- to the office. Of the candidates running, Corrigan best combines the need for experience, creativity, and, just as important, independence from politics and police.

Massachusetts Senate

The story of state senator Dianne Wilkerson of Roxbury, once a rising star in the Democratic Party, is a sad one. She has been a talented advocate in the past, but her repeated lapses in judgment (including her failure to file taxes) and her sometimes bizarre behavior mean that it is time for a change. Caleb Desrosiers, an energetic attorney from Roxbury, is the most impressive of her opponents. He would give the district the fresh start it needs.

While we don't always agree with Boston city councilor Maureen Feeney, her race with incumbent senator Brian Joyce is about whether the seat (which represents an area that includes Milton, Avon, and parts of Dorchester and Jamaica Plain) will be held by someone whose instincts are urban or suburban. The city needs an advocate, and Feeney understands its people and problems.

Cynthia Creem, a veteran of the Newton Board of Aldermen and the Governor's Council, hopes to represent Brookline, Newton, and part of Wellesley. She is the strongest candidate. Her years as a local activist, combined with the broader vision she gained on the Governor's Council, will serve her district and the Commonwealth well.

Massachusetts House of Representatives

State representative Jim Marzilli is one of the brightest lights on Beacon Hill. He is the leader of the liberal opposition to House Speaker Thomas Finneran. He is also among the most impressive thinkers in the legislature. He faces a tough primary challenge. We urge Arlington voters to grant Marzilli another term.

In Cambridge, one of the liveliest races has been the rematch between incumbent representative Alice Wolf and Cambridge vice mayor Anthony Galluccio. Both candidates have strong progressive records, but Galluccio is the more energetic and savvy of the two, and the more likely to be the strong voice Cambridge needs in the State House. Galluccio is more in touch with the real heart of a diverse, changing district. The Phoenix endorsed Galluccio two years ago in what was a very close race. We recognize Wolf's many years of service in many capacities, but we stand behind Galluccio.

Cambridge's Jarrett Barrios is young and energetic, with a record of community activism in the district that includes Central Square. We endorse him over incumbent Alvin Thompson.

Two years ago, Joshua O'Brien narrowly lost the race to represent parts of Somerville and Medford. A young community activist, he is the clear progressive choice over the incumbent.

Byron Rushing faces two primary challengers for his seat representing the South End, the Fenway, and Lower Roxbury. But Rushing, a champion of gay rights, deserves another term.

Last fall, it was John Slattery of Peabody who cast the deciding vote against the death penalty. In a supercharged political environment, it was an act of courage. We strongly endorse him.

What do you think? Send an e-mail to letters@phx.com.