Two State Reps Back Republican Buckley In Crowded Race

TEWKSBURY, MA -- With the primary four weeks from today, candidates in the crowded race for the 19th Middlesex District seat in the state House of Representatives, which represents Tewksbury and Wilmington, are scrambling to publicize key endorsements. Erin Buckley, a member of the Tewksbury Finance Committee and one of two Republicans in the race, recently received backing from two men she hopes to soon call colleagues.

"I've known Erin for several years through her work as Rep. [Will] Crocker's (R-2nd Barnstable) legislative aide," said Kevin Kuros (R-8th Worcester). "She understands the way Beacon Hill works, is great at constituent services, knows many of the key players, and would be a great addition to our caucus."

Crocker, Buckley's former boss, also added his formal backing.

"Having Erin as my Legislative Aide helped my office serve the 2nd Barnstable with the focus and care I campaigned on," Crocker said. "Electing Erin Buckley as the State Representative for the 19th Middlesex would be the best choice the communities of Tewksbury and Wilmington could possibly make. Her experience is unmatched and her dedication second-to-none. I look forward to serving with Erin on Beacon Hill."

Primaries in the race are on September 4, with the Democratic and Republican winners meeting independent Patricia Meuse of Tewksbury on the ballot in November's general election.

Prior to the April 21 death of Rep. James Miceli (D-Wilmington), the only candidate running was Tewksbury Republican Pina Prinzivalli. In addition to Meuse, who sits on the Shawsheen Tech School Committee, here are the candidates running. Click on a link to read Patch's candidate profile. If a candidate's name does not include a link, they have not responded to Patch's request for information to compile the profiles:

Republicans

• Pina Prinzivalli (R-Tewksbury)
• Tewksbury Finance Committee member Erin Buckley (R-Tewksbury)

Democrats

• Wilmington Democratic Town Committee Chair Erika Johnson (D-Wilmington)
• Tewksbury Selectman Mark Kratman (D-Tewksbury)
• Wilmington Selectman Michael McCoy (D-Wilmington)
• Former Wilmington Selectwoman & School Committee member Judy O'Connell (D-Wilmington)
• Jim Miceli's Chief of Staff Dave Robertson (D-Tewksbury)

Are you running to represent Tewksbury and Wilmington in the state legislature? Contact Dave Copeland at dave.copeland@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Patch.

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Patch file photo submitted by Erin Buckley.

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