Some Defeated Democrats Rally Around Robertson In State Rep Race

TEWKSBURY, MA -- Former Wilmington Selectman and School Committee member Judy O'Connell called Dave Robertson shortly after learning she had lost Tuesday's Democratic primary for the state representative for Wilmington and most of Tewksbury to the 28-year-old Tewksbury resident. Not to be outdone, Wilmington Selectman Michael McCoy showed up at Robertson's victory party at Wamesit Lanes in Tewksbury Tuesday night to congratulate the winner in person.

During last month's debate, only Robertson and McCoy said they would unequivocally support the ultimate winner of the election. At the time, Tewksbury Selectman Mark Kratman and O'Connell said they were focused on their campaigns and not ready to commit to endorsing another candidate. Wilmington Democratic Committee Chair Erika Johnson also said she was focused on her campaign, adding she hoped the winner would meet with the losers to "work to keep the seat blue."

While O'Connell seemingly changed her position in the hours following in the election with her call to Robertson and a Facebook post publicly congratulating him, Kratman and Johnson didn't mention Robertson in messages posted to supporters after the votes were counted.

"Good luck to the 3 remaining candidates. Let’s all work together to make our community better for everyon," Kratman wrote.

Johnson, meanwhile, noted she was the lone progressive Democrat in the race and claimed a small victory for getting 533 votes in what is seen as a traditionally conservative district. "I may have lost but I’m not going anywhere; I will continue to amplify my bold, progressive voice to contribute to the greater good," she said.

Robertson faces Independent Patricia Meuse and Tewksbury Republican Pina Prinzivalli in November's general election. Prinzivalli received 72% of the vote in the Republican primary after her lone opponent, Erin Buckley, dropped out of the race.

"Over the years, the status quo on Beacon Hill has made it increasingly difficult to live, work, and raise a family in Massachusetts," Prinzivalli said in a statement released after Tuesday's primary. "We continue to see the majority party wanting to raise taxes and prioritize illegal immigrants by trying to make Massachusetts a Sanctuary State. We can’t afford to continue on that path. We need a bold Republican voice on Beacon Hill. Someone who isn’t going to be afraid to stand up and say ‘no.'"

More election coverage: How Dave Robertson Won Tuesday's State Rep Primary

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Photo of Michael and Danielle McCoy with David Robertson (center) after Tuesday night's state Democratic primary by Michael McCoy.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).