CONTACT: Cyndi Roy
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Grassroots focus turns out new Democrats, young voters, and minorities CHARLESTOWN —Energized by an emphasis on a return to the grassroots, an estimated 35,000 people participated in Democratic Party caucuses around the state Saturday.
Longtime Democrats joined thousands of first-time caucus-goers at town halls, schools, and libraries to elect delegates to the state Party's nominating convention in June.
Young Democrats and minorities made their strongest showing ever at today's caucuses, a result of Democrats' efforts to build the Party.
“It's a great day for Massachusetts ,” Democratic Party Chairman Philip W. Johnston said. “Today marks the first step on the road back to the Governor's Office for the Massachusetts Democratic Party. Thousands of Democrats took part in caucuses around the state and they will continue to work hard to bring about positive, progressive change in this state.”
Reports from Deval Patrick and Tom Reilly's gubernatorial campaigns indicated that both candidates would likely secure the 15 percent of convention delegates necessary to appear on the September primary ballot.
Democratic activists across Massachusetts are working hard statewide, campaigning on a local level that will help elect a Democratic governor this November for the first time in 20 years.
“I have no doubt our eventual nominee will defeat Kerry Healey, who represents the worst elements of right wing special interests and Republican politics,” Johnston said.
About 5,300 delegates will attend the Massachusetts Democratic Party's nominating convention June 2 and 3 in Worcester . Delegates will choose the Party's nominees for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Auditor, and Attorney General |
