Rep. Sciortino Endorses Coakley for Senate

The following is an announcement from State Representative Carl Sciortino (D-Medford, Somerville):

State Representative Carl Sciortino of Somerville is among the eighty-eight state legislators from across Massachusetts to have endorsed Attorney General Martha Coakley in the Democratic primary for United States Senate, including seventy-two State Representatives and sixteen State Senators. Martha Coakley enjoys the support of half of all Democratic state legislators.

Martha Coakley has worked closely with the Legislature to craft legislation that has made an impact on the lives of Massachusetts residents. She helped put in place stronger protections against identity theft and child sexual assault. She collaborated with the Legislature in the passage of the recent ethics reform legislation and provided her office’s legal expertise to the Legislature to pass the Health Care Cost Containment bill and the Green Communities Act.

“I am a strong supporter of Martha Coakley’s candidacy,” said Representative Sciortino of Somerville. “She has the experience and thoughtfulness we need representing us in the U.S. Senate, and her leadership on progressive values will make us proud.”

“I am honored to have the support of hard-working and committed public servants from all across our great Commonwealth,” said Martha Coakley. “In Washington D.C., I will fight for all the Commonwealth’s families, to make health care more affordable, to expand economic opportunity, and to keep our communities safe for everyone from our children to our senior citizens. I look forward to working with the Legislature, and with Representative Sciortino specifically, to achieve these goals.”

Coakley became Massachusetts’ first female Attorney General in January 2007. Since then she has established herself as a leader on a variety of issues affecting Massachusetts residents, including addressing the foreclosure crisis that has plagued families in Massachusetts. As part of her Cyber Crime Initiative, Coakley revolutionized the tools available to prosecutors in fighting crime in the 21st century, ensuring that Massachusetts is on the cutting edge of public safety.

Coakley, 56, was raised in North Adams. She is a graduate of Williams College in Williamstown, MA, where she was a member of the first class admitted to the college that included female students. She received her law degree from Boston University School of Law in 1979. Coakley resides in Medford with her husband, Thomas F. O’Connor, a retired police Deputy Superintendent.

Editor’s Note: State Representatives Paul Donato (D-Medford, Malden) and Sean Garballey (D-Arlington, Medford) and Medford Mayor Michael McGlynn have also endorsed Coakley.

In a statement provided to YourArlington.com, Rep. Garballey wrote:

“I’m proud to endorse Martha Coakley for U.S. Senate because she has proven herself to be a thoughtful, effective, progressive leader. As a Medford resident, she knows firsthand what concerns families in our communities.”

“As Attorney General, she has been an advocate for everyone from children to senior citizens, and she has provided steadfast scrutiny against companies that would exploit workers or abuse taxpayer dollars. She will make Massachusetts proud in the U.S. Senate.”