Petruccelli: It’s a race to the finish

By John Lynds

For the Transcript

With less than a week to go until Election Day in Winthrop, Senator Anthony Petruccelli is leaving nothing to chance and said he would campaign hard until the final finish.

Up against West End Republican Frank Addivinola who is trying to ride on the wave of anti-incumbency that has recently swept the nation, Petruccelli is optimistic he will emerge victorious Tuesday, November 2.

“Election Day is a week away and I’m encouraged and upbeat by the response we’ve received in the district,” said Petruccelli who with volunteers held signs on Saturday in Winthrop, East Boston and Revere. “I think that our message of having a strong record and effectively leadership through common sense has resonated throughout the entire district.”

Saturday’s sign holdings, which drew dozens of supporters, is indicative of Petruccelli not taking anything for granted. Although the young senator is up against a political unknown, he still campaigning like there’s a chance for Addivinola to win in one of the most Democratic districts in the state.

For Petruccelli’s campaigning hasn’t been easy and usually last from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. It’s a delicate tightrope act of balancing fatherhood with campaigning while continuing his duties as a State Senator on Beacon Hill.

All the work, all the hours, all the joys and frustration that go a long with a campaign come down to one thing-winning.

“I think issues like stopping the toll increase were so important to people here and other issues like continuing the Logan Airport Health Study are the types of work voters can expect more of. I’m confident, judging from the reception I get in each neighborhood that I have been able to do the job the voters have charged me with and I have gained balanced support throughout the district.”

Petruccelli said he has scheduled events up until and ending the week before the Tuesday election.

“You have to be out there every day to deliver your message… day in and day out I’ve been delivering my message in person to the voters in the district,” said Petruccelli.

As for the long days Petruccelli said it hasn’t been too bad. At his side at many political events Petruccelli had been blessed to have his wife, Alessandra, daughter Alexa and son, Anthony.

“I’m usually up with my daughter at 6 or 7 a.m. and try to pop in at home before she goes to sleep,” said Petruccelli, “but with the weather being so nice and so many outdoor events on the weekends we’ve been able to bring Alexa and Anthony along with us.”