THANK YOU 8th Essex!

In whatever way you were involved in the democratic process today, I thank you.  This is your victory!

A few links and excerpts:

Ehrlich re-elected, town sides with Obama (Marblehead Reporter by Kris Olson) 

But even as Ehrlich celebrated her own win with supporters as Uno Chicago Grill in Swampscott, her thoughts wandered to the more historic victory unfolding as the country elected its first African-American president, Barack Obama.

“Not only am I proud to be your state rep, but I am honored to be part of the next great chapter in American history,” Ehrlich said.

Obama, Ehrlich cruise to victory in Swampscott by George Derringer

(personal note: I love this headline!)

Ehrlich defeats Blaisdell (Lynn Item, by Debra Glidden)

In Marblehead, Ehrlich received 7,368 votes and Blaisdell garnered 4,332. Blaisdell fared better in Marblehead than he did in Swampscott, where he lost by a much larger margin. In Swampscott, Ehrlich received 5,135 votes to 1, 975 for Blaisdell. In Lynn, Ehrlich received 1,546 and 399 votes were cast for Blaisdell.

State Representative candidates comment on election results  (Swampscott Report, by Kris Olson)

Welcoming those gathered to “our fourth and final 2008 victory party,” Ehrlich briefly recounted the journey that began early in the year when she declared her intention to seek the seat being vacated by Doug Petersen.

After being elected in March, Ehrlich said, “I had just seven months to prove to you that you made the right choice in sending me to Beacon Hill. I met with constituents, formed alliances and delivered the results I promised.

“Running alongside this national race has certainly presented some challenges. This presidential election was one of the most exciting and historic in our lifetimes — it also brought out the best and worst in people. No matter which candidate our nation chooses, important firsts will be part of it. And what a humbling experience to share today’s ballot with such esteemed public servants.”

She said she was proud of her campaign and the hundreds of volunteers who helped, singling out five in particular: campaign manager and Lynn coordinator Bob Tucker, Marblehead coordinator Marcia Sweeney, Swampscott coordinator Margaret Somer, field director Ryan Adams and communications director Tom Mills.

“Please be sure not to call any of them before noon tomorrow — none of us has slept very much in a very long time,” she said.

She also thanked her family, noting with pride that her younger daughter Jamie had waged a successful campaign to become the secretary of the seventh-grade class at Marblehead Veterans Middle School, while older daughter Casey had a dozen friends helping “hold signs, wave, smile and do cartwheels” at the polls.

“Today, the voters affirmed my suspicions that they want to be represented by someone who is compassionate, competent and worthy of their trust,” she said. “From the tip of Naugus Head to the shores of the Lynn Reservation, I will continue to bring your concerns to the State House and represent you with the same pride and vigor I have for the past eight months.”

“Not only am I proud to be your state representative, but I am honored to be part of the next great chapter in American history,” she added.

Election Results: 

City/town		John Blaisdell	Lori Ehrlich
Lynn		399	1,546
Marblehead		4,332	7,368
Swampscott		1,975	5,135
Total		6,706	14,049

 

Most Legislators returned to office by John Laidler, Boston Globe

Ehrlich defeated Marblehead Republican John Blaisdell by 14,049 votes to 6,706 in their second electoral meeting this year. Last March, Ehrlich defeated Blaisdell and one other candidate in a special election for the seat.

"I'm humbled and honored to have been selected by the district," Ehrlich said. "After four elections in one year (two primary and two general election contests), I'm looking forward to focusing on a full term."

She said she plans to continue work on several initiatives she began this year, including "a small-business stimulus package, a municipal relief package, and some public health items . . . all with the overarching goal of dealing with the impact that the downturn in the economy is having on our district and on small businesses in general."

Why did you vote? an audio visual collage by Wicked Local.

Quips & Quotes Salem News

" My family has endured not only the public spotlight, but every variety of frozen dinner known to man. "

Lori Ehrlich, D-Marblehead, celebrating the end of her second election campaign within a year. She was chosen to replace former 8th Essex state Rep. Doug Petersen last winter and won her first full term Tuesday night.

 Two years after 'rock bottom', floor keeps falling for Mass GOP by Kyle Cheney, State House News Service

In the few races Republicans did challenge incumbents, most were decimated by two-to-one margins or more. The 8th Essex District, including Swampscott and Marblehead plus a couple of precincts in Lynn, had one of those races with Democrat Lori Ehrlich beating Republican John Blaisdell 68-32 percent.