State enate Majority Whip Karen Spilka endorsed Treasurer Steve Grossman’s candidacy for Governor of Massachusetts Thursday, claiming that they share a common vision for the state. Spilka backs Grossman due to his record of leadership and his success in pioneering Small Business Banking Partnership, which focuses on giving loans to business owned by women, minorities, immigrants and veterans.
“Steve’s proven track record of leveling the playing field for hardworking middle-class families speaks for itself,” said Spilka in a statement. “He has revolutionized the Treasury by bringing money back from overseas banks to deposit in local banks and create jobs across the Commonwealth.”
Grossman is grateful for the support, noting that Spilka has served the communities she represents with bold leadership and distinction.
“We share a vision for Massachusetts and for families of the MetroWest region, a crucial driver of economic growth for the state, that promises proven leadership to leave no one behind,” stated Grossman.
Spilka represents the 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk district which includes Ashland, Framingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopkinton, Medway and Natick. In January 2013, she was promoted to Majority Whip by Senate President Therese Murray. Currently, she serves on the Joint Committee on Rules, Senate Committee on Ethics and Rules, and Senate Committee on Steering and Policy.
Grossman, the CEO of Grossman Marketing Group, is the fourth generation in running his family’s company and union shop. He was elected treasurer in 2010. So far, his website stated, he has worked on reforming hiring practices throughout the Treasury, published the state checkbook online for more transparency and has sent major contracts into competitive bidding in order to save taxpayers money.
In the Western New England University Polling Institute in October 2013, Martha Coakley was leading the gubernatorial race with 52 percent of those polls in favor of her candidacy. Republican candidate Charlie Baker garnered 26 percent while Grossman took 22 percent. Coakley is the most well-known, with 6 percent of the pollers of not knowing of her at that time. Baker, though, was unknown by 31 percent and Grossman, 42 percent .
Interestingly enough, when pollers were asked to vote between Grossman or Baker they opined 43 percent in favor of the former and 30 percent in favor of the latter, indicating that Coakley may be taking away some votes from Grossman.
(Image courtesy of Havel’s House of History)
