Reilly for Governor

With more experience than the rest of the ballot combined, and a message that is both appealing to voters and politically smart for the general election, Save Fitchburg endorses Tom Reilly in next week’s Democratic gubernatorial primary.

The last four years have proven the CEO-as-governor doesn’t necessarily work. Beyond his frequent trips and faulty politics, Mitt Romney’s administration was marked by secrecy and a distinct lack of knowledge of state government and its politics. It’s clear that the office needs someone who understands government and how to get things done.

No one running for governor has more political and policy experience than Reilly. Not only has he proven to be an effective district attorney and attorney general, he has also proven to be a capable official who makes the right choice despite his personal feelings. While opponents point to his support of gay marriage and question his decision to approve a ballot question on the matter, Reilly’s correct legal decision was not tainted by politics (not allowing the question on the ballot would protected gay marriage).

Lost in the maze of the campaign has been the Democratic Party’s chief goal: Winning in November. Republican Kerry Healy has outlined in her ads her two main attack points this fall: No liberal or tax supporter in the corner office. Reilly is the only Democrat who immediately takes away those arguments. He is the only Democratic candidate to call for the immediate rollback of the income tax to 5 percent, and he laid out a moderate, down-the-center philosophy, far away from the left politics of his rivals.

Certainly, Reilly has had his share of missteps. He has said politics are not his strong suit. At the end of the day, we’re electing a governor, not a candidate. Whether as a district attorney holding a firm line to try Eddie O’Brien as an adult or as attorney general making correct decisions, Reilly has proven to be a thoughtful leader.

Chris Gabrieli talks endlessly of some “results,” but offers nothing in terms of ideas or plans. Deval Patrick speaks well of the “politics of hope,” but those politics don’t cure the high cost of living or bring new business to the state. Reilly understands the issues and feelings of the state better any of the millionaires in this race. His moderate politics, his head-to-head matchup potential against Healy and his experience make him the best bet for Democrats this fall.