retird firefighter Arlington resident Kenny Donnelly has apparently taken out papers to run for the democratic nomination for state senate in the 4th middlesex district, a seat currently held by Arlington's own James Marzilli.
Ken Donnelly joins Arlington selectman Jack Hurd in the usual bid to oust Jim Marzilli (who has by now endured multiple challenges to his incumbency from within the democratic party since 1990...battle tested doesn't begin to describe the guy).
On the surface this is good news for Marzilli, both Donnelly and Hurd will draw heavily from the 30 to 40% of Arlington voters who hate Jim with a passion. Moreover this obliquely points to a split within the eternally anti-Marzilli town hall gang between the nascent Hurd and Donnelly factions. One wonders though with whom state representative Garballey and selectperson Mahon will line up?
I'm guessing Donnelly, he was their man on horseback last fall nothing much has happened since then to change that.
It'll be an interesting primary contest to say the least, three candidates from Arlington on the hustings and we haven't heard from Lexington, Billerica, Burlington and Woburn yet.
Donnelly does have some cashola left over from the special election and no doubt his "volunteers" are tanned rested and ready. On the other hand, he did give Marzilli a rousing endorsement last November after the primary he is gonna have to explain to the democrats of the district just what has changed to send him back onto the streets braying for change.
Hurd has excellent name recognition in Arlington (he comes from an old political family within the local democratic organization) but is congenitally laid back and has never expressed himself on some of the great controversies of the day. If he can raise the money he could be formidable though....hard to see what kind of business he will do in Lexington and beyond.
Frankly I'm a little nonplussed at the ongoing anti-Marzilli jihad in Arlington, after eighteen years you'd think it would abate, but no it flames up worse than ever.
It is also a little odd to note that Donnelly and Hurd both turned down a chance at the open state rep's seat this winter to make this dubious race...thus clearing the way for young Sean Garballey to carry the day.
The regulars and the town hall gang in Arlington make weird decisions that is all I can say.
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