Second debate pumps campaign

The second debate between candidates running to fill the empty seat left by Senator Anthony Galluccio’s resignation was held in Cambridge at the Senior Center last week.

Like the forum held in Chelsea two weeks ago, it was well attended with all the candidates addressing the crowd with their platforms and future plans for the sprawling senatorial district they are seeking to represent.

Once again, the primary players in the forum were Attorney Tim Flaherty and Everett Councilor Sal DiDomenico.

Chelsea native Michael Albano continued his ascent to contender status with a performance that matched his best effort in Chelsea two weeks ago.

A full reading of the Cambridge Chronicle’s comment section following the event revealed a wide variety of comments.

“Tim Flaherty sounded the strongest,” wrote one reader.

“”The biggest part of the district is in Everett and city Councilor Sal DiDomenico has a lead there … Galluccio with Sal D did a lot of door to door to get his name known,” wrote another reader.

“Did any Cambridge Democrat talk about smaller government, less taxes and personal responsibility?” wondered another reader.

“Not only is Dennis Benzan the best person for the job, he’s the right person for the job,” wrote yet another reader.

“It is not the strongest crop of candidates I’ve ever seen, but I thank them all for running. Tim Flaherty made the best overall impression at the forum,” another reader wrote.

The campaign is revving up and winding down at the same time.

There are slightly more than three weeks remaining for the senatorial hopefuls running in this special election.

Some polling results that we have received at the Independent reveal a close contest between Flaherty and DiDomenico.

DiDomenico apparently is leading Flaherty in Everett while Flaherty is ahead of DiDomenico in Cambridge, Allston-Brighton, Chelsea and Charlestown.

The Everett vote could be the pillar upon which this election outcome rests.

If DiDomenico can control 70% of the Everett vote, which his handlers are seeking to do, then DiDomenico can lose in most of the other communities by close margins and still come away with a victory.

If Everett’s turnout for DiDomenico totals only 50% or 55%, then Flaherty’s pluralities in Chelsea, Charlestown, Cambridge and Allston-Brighton could mean a victory for him.

In a sad story, candidate Michael Albano’s brother died in a tragic skiing accident last Friday and Albano has stopped campaigning until his brother’s funeral arrangements have been met.

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