by Ann
Rostow
Gay.com / PlanetOut.com Network
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According to the Boston Globe, the decision was made after conversations with the presumptive GOP gubernatorial nominee Mitt Romney. Guerriero, also a Republican, was hoping that Romney would tap him as a running mate, or alternatively, tap no one and run on his own. But although Romney had indicated that he would not interfere in the race for the number two job, the Globe reported that he has been working behind the scenes to pick a running mate.
Yesterday, as Guerriero closed down his campaign, GOP state chairwoman Kerry Murphy Healey announced her candidacy for lieutenant governor, with what the Globe called Romney's "tacit support."
In another twist, former legislator Donna Fournier Cuomo also entered the race, apparently unaware of Romney's machinations. "If he decides that he is going to choose someone, which is what he said he wasn't going to do," Cuomo told the Globe, "then obviously that's going to be a whole different ball game."
For the last decade or so, gubernatorial candidates in the state have thrown their weight behind a particular candidate for lieutenant governor, even though the two offices are elected separately, and there is no formal ticket. Nonetheless, since the practice began, the winning governor's designated running mate has also won.
In this election, Romney's backing is critical. On March 19, Acting Governor Jane Swift withdrew from the governor's race when it appeared the well-known, popular and wealthy 55-year-old Romney would announce his candidacy. He is running unopposed for the GOP nomination.
Since Swift had selected Guerriero, the 34-year-old former mayor of Melrose, as her running mate, Guerriero found himself on his own after she bowed out. Facing the deep pockets of better-known businessman James Rappaport, Guerriero's only chance was to win Romney's support, or perhaps to stage a come-from-behind victory should Romney stay out of the lieutenant governor's campaign.
According to the Globe, sources said Romney has been casting around for a running mate who would bring diversity to the ticket, and he may endorse the 41-year-old Healey as early as today. In order to run for the GOP nomination in September, candidates must pass muster before the state convention this Saturday, which explains the last-minute positioning.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund's executive director, Brian Bond, said that Guerriero "came up through the ranks, ran well and stepped aside with class. He has made history, but he is not history."
Bond called Guerriero's withdrawal "a setback" for increasing the voice of Massachusetts gay voters, but he mentioned four other gay or lesbian candidates still on the campaign battlefield, including state Sen. Cheryl Jacques (running for re-election), state Rep. Jarrett Barrios (running for Senate), state Rep. Elizabeth Malia (running for re-election) and Rick Musiol (running for the House for the first time). There is also Rep. Barney Frank, who represents Massachusetts as one of the few openly gay men and women in the U.S. Congress.
Posted April 3, 2002