Attorney General Martha Coakley brought her run for governor to the Twin Cities Saturday morning, promising she will be a governor for the whole state if elected, not just Greater Boston.
Coakley spent time greeting residents and local leaders as she visited both cities’ Democratic caucuses, along with other elected officials and candidates for a variety of state offices.
Coakley said she knows know very well the economics in this part of the state are very similar to Berkshire County, where she grew up, pointing to the older manufacturing base she hopes to use to spur economic development.
“One of the reasons I’m running is, as the economy turns around, I think it should turn around for everybody, not just those at the top,” she said.
Coakley said it is crucial to develop regional economic- and workforce-development plans, and she hopes to work with local elected leaders and educational institutions to spur job creation. She said it’s important to ensure children have good schools to attend, with early prekindergarten, longer and more structured school days and services for kids who need help.
Coakley said she is a believer in both good physical and mental health care. She believes in supporting greater access to behavioral and mental health care, as well as battling the stigma that is often related to seeking such assistance. Coakley pointed to her own younger brother, Edward, who suffered mental illness and depression without treatment and committed suicide 18 years ago.
“Whether it’s kids or returning veterans, it’s really important that we reduce that stigma,” she said.
New Fitchburg Democratic City Committee Chairwoman Linda Byrne said she’s a big supporter of Coakley, and has been for many years. She called her bright, genuine and dedicated, and said she brings a different perspective as a woman.
Heather Mahan, 34, of Leominster, said she and her husband, Mike, who is on the Democratic State Committee, are supporting state Treasurer Steve Grossman in his run for governor, but she feels Coakley is also a great candidate.
Besides Coakley, other candidates visiting the caucuses included state Sen. Barry Finegold, an Andover Democrat running for state treasurer, and Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. and Worcester County Register of Probate Stephen Abraham, who are both seeking re-election to their posts.
Also in attendance was state Rep. Hank Naughton, D-Clinton, who had entered the race for attorney general but recently bowed out, citing family and military responsibilities. He is now seeking re-election to the House of Representatives for an 11th term.
Finegold touted his work with Coakley to hold utility companies accountable, and his private- and public-sector experience. He said he has worked hard for everything he’s had in his life, and will fight for the middle class and greater financial literacy to prevent more foreclosures and bankruptcy.
Early touted his strong relationships with local police departments, success in resolving long-unresolved crimes and extensive work with local children to try to prevent them from getting into crime in the first place.
“I would much rather prevent a crime than solve a crime,” he said.
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