Rudnick Concedes to Creem in Senate Race

Democrats voted to send Cynthia Creem back to the State Senate for a seventh term today despite the hard-fought campaign of challenger Charles Rudnick.

"I've just been informed that Charles Rudnick is calling Senator Creem to concede," campaign manager Michael Sherry said at about 8:40 p.m. The news was greeted by loud applause at Baker's Best on Lincoln Street in Newton.

Minutes later, Creem's grandchildren, Olivia Sharenow and Jacob and Lily Creem, started jumping up and down. "She's here! She's here!" the trio called to the crowd.

Creem entered the shop at about 8:55 p.m. and was greeted with more applause. "I fell in love with my district again," said Creem, "In the end, this was really about the issues."

Rudnick ran an energetic and engaged race, personally knocking on hundreds of doors and plugging $85,000 of his own money into the campaign. He outspent Creem $135,000 to $83,000, according to campaign filings, and frequently accused the incumbent of avoiding debates with him, though the two appeared together in several debates and candidate nights.

But in the end, nearly every Democratic player in Creem's district, from former Governor Michael Dukakis to Brookline Selectwoman Jesse Mermell, lined up in support of Creem. Meanwhile, Rudnick's criticism of his opponent—particularly that she has been an ineffective legislator prone to lobbyist influence—never took hold with voters.

Though final results are not yet available, an unofficial tally from the Town Clerk's Office shows Creem taking 76 percent of the vote in Brookline. The disctrict also includes Newton and parts of Wellesley.

Despite the losing numbers, Rudnick's campaign had a celebratory tone tonight as more than 40 supporters toasted their glasses to the local challenger.

"Tonight is still a victory party," Rudnick said after conceding to Creem shortly before 9 p.m. at the Union Street Bar in Newton Centre. "It's a victory for all of us who worked to change the status quo."

As he underlined the accomplishments of his campaign, Rudnick's children tumbled around the room, occasionally stopping to give their father a hug.

"The first time I heard Charles speak, I was really inspired," said Newton resident Tova Soyt. "He hit a nerve."

Some supporters are already speculating on Rudnick's next bid for public office. Newton resident Tiffany Lee said it "is only a matter of time before (Rudnick) is elected."