Left In Lowell

State Senator Dianne Wilkerson has had a long troubling run of ethics problems while in office. These have been very well documented in many places, not the least of which include the Globe and the Herald.

She narrowly lost the Democratic primary to Sonia Chang-Diaz, but proclaimed herself moving forward with a sticker campaign to keep her seat. She will, of course, not appear on the ballot, an uphill battle no matter what. Now, she’s facing potentially another couple of explosive ethics and tax problems, says the Boston Phoenix. (Via BMG.)

As the only African-American state Senator, and a supposed progressive (though some have questioned this too), it’s unfortunate that Wilkerson has destroyed herself this way. An accidental mistake or two might be forgiven, but her pattern of behavior showcases an attitude of entitlement and rules-don’t-apply-to-me. Her progressive record and minority status does not mean she deserves to be in the Senate.

More and better Democrats, the motto of much of the progressive blogosphere. It’s gratifying that the better Democrat, Chang-Diaz, won the Democratic nomination. Let’s hope we can put the ethics-challenged Wilkerson behind us and get some better governance for Second Suffolk.

Look folks. The economy sucks, you’re working hard, trying to keep your head above water. I know, I am too.

But. This is it, kids. Crunch season.

I put in some time at the BMG NH Canvass last Sunday, and it was very rewarding. I plan on taking some time on Election Day to become a poll worker/phone caller for someone (still unsure who, Obama or otherwise) as well.

So there’s this state Rep candidate who’s been endorsed by this blog (well, by me anyway, I can’t speak for my fellow writers), who is the perfect replacement for the open seat being vacated by Action Rep. Jamie Eldridge (who’s going for state Senate), to whom I made a promise to take a day and work for her in her district. That someone is Jen Benson. That aforementioned promised day will be this Saturday.

Jen is running in a mixed district…while it has been represented by progressive Eldridge for some time, it’s not a guarantee, even in this tough year for Republicans, that a Democrat will take it. And what’s worse, her opponent none other than Kurt Hayes, former “independent” candidate for the MA 5th District US Rep race, who found his inner Republican somehow (their money at least). He is funded by hateful anti-gay forces. (I love how he doesn’t even admit to being a Republican until the very bottom in small text on his website. He might love their money, but he doesn’t seem to want to be associated otherwise.) He’s happy to say he’s gonna deliver lots of local aid to the district but is for rolling back the income tax to 5%. (He does say he’s against Question 1, so at least that’s something…but if the voters pass it, he would support abolishing the income tax entirely, come hell or high water! And it certainly would be hell. Or suicide.)

This is a target open seat for the dwindling state Republican party, and they are pouring in their all. Let’s keep that pathetic shell of a party dwindling, starting in this district. (At least until they figure out they can’t keep running with hate-filled extremist funders and candidates in a state which at a minimum requires a moderate conservative.)

Jen is a really smart, practical progressive. I had the pleasure of interviewing her on WUML (audio here) and also chatted with her afterward. She’s articulate and understands the issues, both of her district, and those we as a state face. I can’t say enough good things about her.

If you’ve been watching the campaign season from the sidelines and feel a little guilty, here’s your chance. I will be going down to her offices to make phone calls on Saturday regardless, but I would love to bring fellow Lowell area activists with me and make a bigger impact. Think of just how much Kurt Hayes made you cringe in the MA-05 election with his pro-war stance, and imagine him taking over Jamie Eldridge’s seat in the legislature. How would you feel then, if you didn’t give it your all now? So email me, let’s carpool! It’ll be fun! (My email is lynne (at) leftinlowell.com, replace the (at) and spaces with a @.)

If you can’t come on Saturday, you should feel a twinge of terrible crushing guilt, which you can alleviate a little by donating to her campaign.