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MONEY
Bradley helps Reich
BY SETH GITELL

Former New Jersey senator and presidential candidate Bill Bradley came to Boston yesterday to formally endorse former secretary of labor Robert Reich for Massachusetts governor. It wasn’t a bad play.

Contrary to the whispered snickers from Reich’s Democratic gubernatorial opponents and wise-guy observers, Bradley’s visit to Massachusetts on Reich’s behalf made a lot of sense. While it’s true that Bradley is now remembered as the politician who couldn’t even beat former vice-president Al Gore in 2000, his campaign boasted several strengths. One, in particular, is something Reich needs very badly right now: fundraising skill. Reich finished last month with a little more than $225,000, not enough to run statewide advertising in a contested primary. It’s now forgotten, but both Bradley and Gore raised about the same amount of money in the run-up to Campaign 2000, roughly $27 million — and Bradley remains a strong fundraiser. That much was evident at a crowded Reich fundraiser at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline Tuesday night.

Bradley thanked those present for contributing $500 per person, the maximum annual donation to a candidate permissible under state law, and then issued the following challenge: "Commit between now and July Fourth to raise $2500 so that Bob Reich can get his message out." Bradley has already put his name to a fundraising letter that circulated in Massachusetts. Reich’s handlers are preparing to send out a similar letter nationwide. Mark Longabaugh, who worked for Bradley during Campaign 2000 and is now Reich’s campaign manager, says the former labor secretary’s ability to raise money out of state will be his secret weapon in the unfolding race.

As for the former presidential candidate, Bradley did not reject the notion of making another run for the presidency. In fact, he raised eyebrows by taking time away from the focus on Reich to endorse Mike Fernald, who is running for the Democratic nomination for governor in New Hampshire.

"I’m not even watching [the 2004 field]," said Bradley, adding only, "This is free time. There ought to be a sabbatical for a period." He then turned the subject back to Reich. "Today is about his future and my past. He’s got the heart, courage, and commitment to working people to be an extraordinary leader during tough times."

He’ll also be a great friend to Bradley — if and when Bradley decides he wants to take another stab at the presidency, an effort that begins in New Hampshire.

Issue Date: May 16 - 23, 2002
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