ATHOL — Tuesday’s state primary election saw Democratic candidate William LaRose significantly lead Independent incumbent Rep. Susannah Whipps for the 2nd Franklin District seat.
Across the Franklin County towns of New Salem, Orange, Erving, Gill, Wendell and Warwick, LaRose received 1,918 votes to Whipps’ 79. The results from across the Worcester County towns of Athol, Royalston, Phillipston and Petersham were: LaRose, 1,826, and Whipps, 133. These voting tallies don’t include results from the 2nd Franklin District towns of Belchertown and Templeton.
As an Independent candidate, Whipps drew votes from those who voted on both the Democratic and Republican ballots. The two candidates will face off again in the general election on Nov. 3.
“It is my great honor to accept the Democratic nomination for state representative in the 2nd Franklin District,” LaRose said in a press release after the election. “Five months ago, we started this campaign in the midst of a global pandemic. Since those early days in April, virtually every challenge imaginable has been thrown in our way, whether being activated with the National Guard for several weeks to assist with COVID-19 efforts or figuring out how to run a nontraditional campaign in this new world.”
Despite these challenges, LaRose said his campaign was bolstered by tremendous momentum. He said the “outstanding” primary results are a testament to the strength of his campaign’s message, and steadfast support across the region. With Nov. 3 approaching fast, he said his attention is now focused on the general election.
“Looking past the Democrat or Independent or Republican labels, I ask that you look at each candidate’s policies and vision and legislative priorities,” LaRose said. “It is long overdue we have a leader who sets a clear vision, and then tirelessly works to make that a reality.”
According to his press release, LaRose wants to create a Massachusetts Service Corps to put young people to work in their own communities and develop the next generation of leaders. He wants to expand and improve vocational education opportunities in local schools to give students a viable alternative to four-year college. He wants strategic economic development tailored to address unique rural needs and to create an Office of Rural Policy.
Additionally, he aims to bring affordable broadband to every corner of the district to give every resident access to 21st-century opportunities.
“And I want to be a leader who fights for transparency and accountability on Beacon Hill, so you know exactly how your representatives are voting,” LaRose said. “It’s time for the next generation of leadership in Massachusetts.”
To learn more about LaRose’s campaign, visit willlarose.com or contact the campaign at wlarose124@gmail.com.
Whipps is seeking reelection for a fourth term as state representative. Being an Independent candidate, Whipps wasn’t on a party ballot for the primary, and will move on to the general election. She said she is feeling confident as Nov. 3 approaches.
“It’s going to be a different campaign season, of course,” Whipps said Wednesday.
While she is not going door-knocking or shaking hands at public events, Whipps said she has been busy amid the COVID-19 pandemic. She said, like many of her colleagues, her days have been focused on taking calls from constituents who are in need of assistance.
“How can we better assist people during this difficult time?” Whipps asked. “For many, it’s their first time experiencing unemployment or food insecurity.”
Normally, the House of Representatives closes its session for the year on July 31. However, this year’s session is extended until the end of the calendar year, in part because “things don’t move as quickly right now,” Whipps said.
Since taking office in 2015, Whipps said she has been an independent voice for the people of this region. Although first elected as a Republican in 2017, Whipps changed her voter registration to unenrolled. She noted that roughly 60 percent of the district are unenrolled voters, and said she wanted to see if it was possible to “be a public servant and not be political.”
“And it’s worked,” Whipps said. “People over politics.”
She is currently the only Independent lawmaker in either chamber of the state Legislature. Whipps said she has continued to develop professional relationships with colleagues from both sides of the aisle during her time in office.
“We’ve got two ears and one mouth, so I guess we’re supposed to listen twice as much as we talk,” she said. “I’ve been honored. This is the greatest job I’ve ever had.”
This session, Whipps sat on four committees: the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery; the Joint Committee on Judiciary; the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development; and the Joint Committee on Revenue. She has also been assigned to a special task force on preventing child sexual abuse since 2015.
Zack DeLuca can be reached at zdeluca@recorder.com or 413-930-4579.