Republican Brian O’Malley Kicks Off Campaign for 15th Worcester District
Saturday, July 07, 2012
“Massachusetts is not just broke, it’s broken,” O’Malley said.
O’Malley, who calls himself a “working class Republican,” is launching his campaign for state representative for 15th Worcester District on Monday. His Democratic opponent is yet to be determined but O’Malley said that his strategy will be the same regardless of his Democratic challenger.
O’Malley criticized the Democratic establishment on Beacon Hill, accusing lawmakers of neglecting the state’s infrastructure, diverting local aid funds, and passing regulations that drive businesses away from Massachusetts.
“There is so much wrong with the state,” he said, adding that it will “never change” unless there is a shakeup on Beacon Hill.
Challenging Road Ahead
Despite not having a primary battle, O’Malley’s path to the State House is still a challenging one.
The 15th Worcester District is in strongly Democratic territory, and O’Malley is operating on a tight budget, admitting that he does not have a campaign manager. Republican State Committee woman Bonnie Johnson said that the race is an uphill battle for a Republican but that O’Malley represents a “unique choice.”
“He needs to get his message out that there is a choice,” she said. Noting voter frustration with government waste, Johnson said that the Republican agenda of less government, fewer taxes, and spending cuts is one that has appeal.
This message is one that O’Malley is working to get out among voters who are skeptical of the Republican brand, particularly with Mitt Romney as the party’s standard-bearer. O’Malley is quick to distinguish himself from the former governor and Republican nominee, saying, “I have about as much in common with Mitt Romney as I do with Kim Kardashian.”
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
O’Malley, a Belmont Street resident and appliance salesman at Sears, said that his conservatism does not prevent him from understanding the hardships people face. His biography recounts homelessness, unemployment, and struggles to receive government aid. He has also witnessed the shuttering of local businesses, leaving a dearth of jobs.
“I consistently hear, ‘Jobs, jobs, jobs,’” O’Malley said about his conversations with voters. Citing the CSX Transportation expansion as a positive development, he said that there is a need for jobs for individuals who are not highly specialized or skilled. One way of doing this, he believes, is to turn Worcester into a distribution center by better utilizing sites such as Worcester Airport.
Apart from his economic agenda, O’Malley touts his social conservatism, and called himself a “very pro-life Catholic.” He said his pro-life stance distinguishes him from the Democrats and that he is not afraid of offending people with his views.
O’Malley said that he will continue to work throughout the summer to spread his message and connect with voters while watching the Democratic primary unfold.
His campaign kicks off at Nuovo Restaurant, 92 Shrewsbury Street, beginning at 7 pm.
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