Flanagan looks ahead after win in state primary

Keeps rep obligations in mind

By Owen Boss

LEOMINSTER — Although Rep. Jennifer Flanagan, D-Leominster, has been named the winner of the Democratic primary for the Worcester and Middlesex state Senate seat, she said she is still focused on fulfilling her obligations to the city. The Senate seat, which was occupied by longtime incumbent Robert Antonioni, D- Leominster, represents 11 towns and cities across the region, including Fitchburg, Leominster, Gardner, Bolton, Lancaster, Lunenburg, Sterling, Westminster, Ashby, Townsend and two precincts in Clinton. While she claimed victory in the Democratic primary, Ms. Flanagan has not yet officially won the state Senate seat and will appear on the November ballot without any Republican opposition. Ms. Flanagan, who said she got little sleep Tuesday night after celebrating her victory over opponent Brian Knuuttila, attributed her success to the hard work of volunteers and her campaign staff. “My campaign was only successful because of the grassroots organization we had in place,” said Ms. Flanagan. “My campaign manager did a great job organizing the field operations and we had all of our volunteers doing their part. We had so many people phone banking and knocking on doors all the way up until 7:30 last night.” Now that the campaign is over, Ms. Flanagan said currently she is focused on continued voter outreach and fulfilling her responsibilities as a state representative. “I still have a legislative office that I still have in operation,” said Ms. Flanagan. “We still have to work between now and November because my name is going to be on the ballot. I am going to continue to get in touch with people across the district and try to talk to as many voters as I can between now and then.” One of the key factors in her win Tuesday was a landslide victory in her home city of Leominster, where she totaled 4,250 to Mr. Knuuttila’s 1,336. “I think part of our win in Leominster was that the city was really excited for my candidacy,” said Ms. Flanagan. “I am very fortunate to have the people I represent really give me that extra push to be the next state senator.” Ms. Flanagan said she appreciated the strong campaign her opponent put together, and said that at the end of the day both candidates were able to recognize what really mattered to residents across the district. “I just think this was a positive race and my opponent had a very strong campaign and I appreciated the dialogue that went back and forth and let people know that we believe in the same issues,” said Ms. Flanagan. “Even though we were limited to the same questions at the debates, I think people were able to get a sense of where we both stood.” Recognizing that there is still a lot of preparation and work to be done before she is officially named the next state senator in November, Ms. Flanagan said she is excited to start. “My dedication to this district is so strong that I can’t wait to begin,” said Ms. Flanagan. oboss@thegardnernews.com

Appeared on Page 1 on 9/18/2008 (Vol. 206 No. 221)