Essex County DA Endorses Rep. Paul Tucker As Successor

SALEM, MA — Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett is pledging his support for State Rep. Paul Tucker (D-Salem) as his successor after 20 years on the job.

The former Salem police chief said he was seeking the Essex DA post this winter when Blodgett said he was not running for re-election.

Middleton criminal law attorney James O'Shea is also running for the open seat.

"A successful and effective district attorney must possess managerial experience and proven administrative skills, have a criminal justice background, knowledge of the law, and be staunchly committed to public safety and victims of crime," Blodgett said in his endorsement provided to Patch. "The next Essex District Attorney must have the requisite skill set and experience to effectively manage a budget of more than $12 million and a staff of more than 170 (employees). Paul Tucker has this experience."

Blodgett called the current 7th Essex District state representative "a relentless advocate and champion for the rights of crime victims."

"He understands that a district attorney is the only voice in the courtroom for victims," Blodgett said.

Tucker, a Salem Police Medal of Honor recipient, is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, the 2010 New England Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar, and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Advanced Narcotics Investigation.

Tucker previously served as Director of the North Shore Drug Task Force and member of the Board of Directors of the New England Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association.

"I am sincerely honored to receive DA Blodgett's endorsement," Tucker said. "For decades, the Essex District Attorney's Office has set the standards for integrity, innovation and effective pursuit of justice. I have had the privilege of being part of the DA's Prosecution Team in over 1,000 cases with DA Blodgett and former DA Kevin Burke. Their strong commitment to holding criminals accountable, securing justice for victims of crime, providing services and drug treatment to non-violent offenders, and engaging the community in crime prevention are unmatched.

"As district attorney, I will uphold those high standards and build upon that unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice. I welcome this opportunity to put my criminal justice background, law enforcement training, and administrative and management experience to work to lead the Essex District Attorney's Office."

Early in-person voting begins on Aug. 27 for the Sept. 6 state primary.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)