Edward Niemczura: On an Island

Republican House candidate Edward Niemczura said today he plans on putting up to $30,000 or $35,000 of his own money into his campaign, but expects to get nothing from the state Republican Party.

Niemczura said he approached the party for some help, but after he got on the ballot was told there was nothing available.

"They told me, we really don't have any money for you. They are scared to death Kerry Healey isn't going to win the governor's race," Niemczura said.

Niemczura said he asked for some help with phone banking and sign holding, and was told no. He said he'll take a check from the state party if he gets it, but "you'll have to wake me up with smelling salts" if he gets one.

The state party has a balance of $379,000, according to the latest report from the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance.

Niemczura has already put in $20,000 to his campaign, including $5,000 just yesterday. He said he's divorced, no kids, his house is paid off, and he makes six figures as a technical sales rep. He said he figures he spends $20,000 to $25,000 a year on travel, but instead of going on trips to London, Paris of Chile this year, he's hitting the campaign trail.

He said he might spend as much as $30,000 to $35,000 of his own money, but also said he might clean out some stocks. "How crazy do I want to get," he said.

He said he's gotten a few donations from friends in his industry, but hasn't pushed hard for fundraising. He said one Fitchburg minister said he'd support Niemczura's campaign, but only if Niemczura was an "anti-gay" candidate. Niemczura said he took a pass.

So, Niemczura is going it alone. A state party that can't muster enough members in either branch of the Legislature is leaving a guy running for an open seat with no help. Not even a couple of people to hold a sign on a Saturday morning. Niemczura may not win this race, but he's making the commitment through his time and his pocketbook. Too bad for him the party is leaving him out to dry. His $30,000 is going to buy him some attention, but he's got a lot of work to do and little help from Boston to do it.