Ross Recognizes Needham Community after State Senate Win

Tarah Donahue, Massachusetts Republican Party Communications Director and manager for Rep. Richard Ross's campaign during the race between the Republican and Democrat Peter Smulowitz, came out of the back room at Lake Pearl Luciano's in Wrentham to a crowded, noisy lounge.

Her report: Peter Smulowitz had called to concede at 8:44 p.m.

Unofficial numbers minutes before had put Ross 5,456 votes ahead without Sherborn's final figures. "It looks very strong for Rep. Ross," Donahue said.

A few minutes later, that assessment had obviously been made at the Smulowitz campaign in Needham. "Dr. Smulowitz wished Richard well and said he looked forward to working with him as his next senator," Donahue said.

In Wellesley, Town Clerk Kathy Nagle reported that Smulowitz had won the town, 733 to 585. But it wasn't enough to tip the night to the Needham doctor.

Donahue reported unofficial totals for Ross with 61.7 percent of the vote at 15,921 and Smulowitz with 38.3 percent at 9,888.

Official figures won't be available from the elections division of Secretary of State William Galvin's office for about 10 days.upporters moved gradually and with an air of excitement from the lounge and into the adjoining ballroom. Ross followed a short time later, to cheers and applause, hugging people, shaking hands and giving thumbs-up with a smile.

After he approached the podium set up in the ballroom, Ross took a few minutes to address the Democratic primary, which he said treated his friend Rep. Lida Harkins harshly.

"She was the victim of some campaign tactics that really didn't treat her fairly," Ross said. Voters, he said rejected those actions, as evidenced by his campaign's win in Needham, Smulowitz's home turf.

"I thank, particularly the town of Needham, for giving me their support," Ross said.

"I am so grateful to this entire district for pulling together the way they have to elect me today," Ross said, "The opportunities that come along once in a lifetime continue to roll."

Ross said it was funny, considering earlier in the race, when several people were thinking that there was more to the contest besides the economy and jobs, when, "Really, we're all concerned about jobs and the economy. A lot of people didn't get that."

Ross said he was nervous during the day. "You would be very foolish not to understand that you could lose," Ross said.

Ross said his next step would be to "Get to work," learning about and listening to his new constituents.

As people stood in line to shake his hand and offer congratulations, a cell phone was placed into the hands of Ross and he quickly learned that U.S. Senator Scott Brown was on the other line.

"Hey Scott, how are ya?" Ross said. "Two Senators from Wrentham! Thank you. This is going to be fun, Scott."