Longtime Peabody Pol Murtagh Endorses Gravel for State Rep

Dave Gravel's campaign has released a new advertisement in which longtime city councilor Fred Murtagh -- a veritable institution in Peabody politics -- publicly endorses Gravel, saying he's the kind of fighter the city needs on Beacon Hill.

Murtagh finally retired from politics in 2007, stepping down from the City Council after a combined 28 years. Gravel was one of two newcomers to the council, along with Anne Manning-Martin, who filled the vacancies left that year by Murtagh and Judy Selesnick.

In the campaign video, Murtagh, who has spent about 50 years in politics, says Gravel is the kind of representative Peabody people want -- honest, capable, independent, a fighter and fiscally responsible.

He said Gravel, a local business owner, "understands the pluses and minuses of making a dollar."

"We need people in politics who can speak their own minds... He's [Gravel] not going to be pushed around; he's going to fight for Peabody," said Murtagh.

Murtagh also said he's confident Gravel will work closely with Mayor Ted Bettencourt to advocate for important local projects and help bring home money and resources the city needs to tackle those projects.

Gravel had earlier announced he was endorsed by the Mass. Teachers Association.