Candidate Parties Like its 1835

With guest appearances from Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Colonel and Mrs. John Barrett, everyone at the fundraiser knew it was a special occasion. 

In celebration of K. C. Winslow's Independent run for State Representative and Concord's 375th anniversary, a large turnout of approximately 100 of Winslow's supporters came to the home of Susan Reynolds on Saturday night, Sept. 18.

Winslow is facing Democrat Cory Atkins, the incumbent, at the polls on Nov. 2. There is no Republican in the race.

With supporters coming from the towns of Concord, Acton, Carlisle and Chelmsford comprising the 14th Middlesex District, Winslow will be on the ballot.

Party-goer Kimberly Connors-Hughes of Acton believes that, "no one should run unopposed." Atkins has held the office of State Representative since 1999. Other guests who asked not to be identified, lauded Winslow's political campaign.

"She's a winner even if she doesn't win. There is something to be said for innocence and not being afraid to try. I respect her for running against an unopposed candidate," said one man.

With only 30 percent of House and Senate politicians having opponents, Winslow knew she had to act.

"You can't just sit back. You have to do something about it," she said.

Running for State Representative as an Independent, "she'll make a difference," said Mary Ann Forrester of Walpole.  Walpole and Winslow attended Scott Brown's Worcester rally and "the energy and enthusiasm of Scott Brown's Worcester rally had an impact," said Walpole.

Attracting supporters from both parties as well as Independents, Pat Hackner, the chair for the Concord Republican Town Committee, was in attendance at the Winslow gathering. 

Sandi Martinez, of Chelmsford, the recent winner of the Republican primary for the State Senate's Third Middlesex District, believes that K. C. will be a "fantastic legislator."

Mark Ridick, of Concord, came to hear what she had to say. 

"I'm very interested to see what platform she'll run on.  It takes a lot of hard work," said Ridick.

There is "no Independent in the State House or the Senate. Independent thinkers deserve independent leadership in the State House representing the people," said Winslow.

Jim Canti, a Concord resident and family friend of Winslow's, noted that, "she has great integrity and people want to give back to her."

Living in three different neighborhoods in Concord over the years, the Winslow's have developed a strong social network. Winslow is a realtor. With three boys aged 13, 17 and 19, many families were at the party who knew K.C. through both school and sports. Winslow's family has participated in ice hockey and lacrosse.

One of her son's friends summed it up.  "She's a great mom," he said.