Joins Growing List of “Democrats for Brown”
BOSTON - Today, Rita Mercier, the former Democratic mayor of Lowell and current city councilor, joined the growing list of “Democrats for Brown” supporting Scott Brown’s re-election. With Mercier on board, Brown now has the support of the former Democratic mayors of the four largest cities in Massachusetts: Boston, Worcester, Springfield and Lowell.
Speaking today at the Lowell Senior Center, Mercier delivered a heartfelt endorsement of Brown, saying in part:
“Well, I’m very honored and privileged to be here today to offer my support to you, and hope that all those people that support me and believe in me and trust in me know that I’m telling them from my heart what I feel. That the best qualified person would be you. It’s not that you haven’t proved that to me, you have proved that to me in the time that you served in the unexpired term by former United States Senator, Ted Kennedy. I am a lifelong Democrat, I’m telling you that. I’m very proud to be a Democrat, but I think in this day and age we have to observe the person and say, ‘Do we want to stay with party lines or do we want to go and do what’s best for our city?’ My city of Lowell that I love so much, that I’ve served for seventeen years, I want to put in the best possible person. And having observed you for over two and a half years, I find that you are that person with integrity, you cross party lines, you know that if someone is a Democrat and they have a good idea, you will support that, and I tremendously respect that.”
Click HERE for audio of Mercier’s speech
“I am proud to receive the endorsement of another respected Democratic leader,” said Senator Brown. “Rita Mercier has been a dedicated public servant for Lowell for many years, and knows that the problems we face require bipartisan solutions. A good idea is a good idea, regardless of whether there is an R or a D after it. I am deeply honored Rita would cross the aisle to support my campaign, and I will continue to work with anyone of good will to get things done for the people we represent.”
Last week, the Brown campaign launched its “Democrats For Brown” coalition featuring prominent Democratic leaders throughout Massachusetts, as well as nearly 500 grassroots Democratic supporters throughout the state.
In 2004, Mercier was awarded the “Distinguished Democrat” award by the Greater Lowell area Democrats in 2004, and was a ”longtime supporter” of Senator Ted Kennedy.
Mercier Was Given A “Distinguished Democrat” Award By The Greater Lowell Area Democrats In 2004. ”Besides her Salvation Army honor, Mercier started last week in grand fashion by receiving one of three 2004 Annual Distinguished Democrat Awards from the Greater Lowell Area Democrats. During its Sunday breakfast meeting at Lenzi’s in Dracut, Mercier was described as a ‘tireless community activist.’” (Christopher Scott and Paul Sullivan, “Racy Roast Not Big Hit With Army Captains,” Lowell Sun, 11/7/04)
Mercier Was A “Longtime Supporter” Of Senator Ted Kennedy. ”WBZ’s Jack Williams, Sen. John Kerry, and Rep. Martin Meehan will be the featured speakers for the tribute to Sen. Edward Kennedy tomorrow at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium during a noon birthday luncheon. They will join Mayor Rita Mercier, a longtime Kennedy supporter, and City Manager John Cox.” (Christopher Scott and Paul Sullivan, “Ted’s Party Not Just For Dems Only,” Lowell Sun, 2/23/02)
Mercier Got Her Start In Politics As A Volunteer For John F. Kennedy’s Presidential Campaign. “Mercier’s first brush with politics came when she volunteered locally on John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign.” (Christopher Scott, “Rita Mercier Fights For The City’s Average Joe,” Lowell Sun, 10/4/03)
Mercier Supported Martha Coakley In 2010, Attending A Rally For Her Days Before The Special Election. “Ellen Malcolm, founder of Emily’s List, an organization that promotes the election of pro-choice, Democratic women, had some kind words for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Scott Brown last night in Lowell. … Martha Coakley arrived at the downtown watering hole amid a sea of 6-foot signs touting her name. The crowd included City Council members Edward ‘Bud’ Caulfield, Rita Mercier, Bill Martin, Kevin Broderick and Mayor James Milinazzo.“ (Robert Mills, “Lowell Welcomes Coakley As Campaign Nears Close,” Lowell Sun, 1/17/10)
In 2007, Mercier Backed Niki Tsongas’ Bid For Congress. ”Democrat Niki Tsongas last night got a major boost from her home city with just days to go before the Sept. 4 primary. City Councilors Rita Mercier and Edward “Bud” Caulfield endorsed Tsongas at Caffe Paradiso at a party Tsongas threw for her supporters and staff. Mercier, who has topped the ticket in five city elections and is a former mayor, could bring considerable support for Tsongas with her in the 5th District’s largest city. Caulfield has also been a popular councilor and is a former mayor.”(“Mercier, Caulfield back Tsongas,” Lowell Sun, 8/30/07)
