|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Shawn Oliver, the New Bedford city councilor who gradually became the sole Republican still running for lieutenant governor, must now forge a relationship with a new running mate.
Mike Minogue, a former medical device company executive, won the Republican primary for governor Tuesday, beating former MBTA leader Brian Shortsleeve, who tapped Oliver as his running mate in March.
Shortsleeve and Oliver pitched themselves as the “only unified ticket in the Republican gubernatorial primary.” But Oliver on Tuesday night spoke about aligning with Minogue as part of the GOP’s larger quest in the general election cycle.
“I’d also like to take a moment to congratulate Mike Minogue in winning the Republican nomination for governor,” Oliver told supporters gathered at the Sheraton Boston Hotel with the Shortsleeve campaign. “But now, with the primary behind us, we must truly unite to continue the mission for Massachusetts and defeat Maura Healey and Kim Driscoll this November because there is so much at stake.”
Shortsleeve, who endorsed Minogue and also called for unity after ripping the party during the primary campaign, told attendees that “nobody in this room should be leaving here disappointed tonight.”
“In fact, we have something pretty damn important to celebrate because my friend and running mate, Shawn Oliver, who has traveled across the commonwealth, worked his tail off, and shown Massachusetts exactly why we need him on Beacon Hill, is going to be the next lieutenant governor,” Shortsleeve said over loud applause.
Minogue in April endorsed Anne Brensley for the lieutenant governor post, but she failed to hit the signature threshold to appear on the ballot after a fraudulent signature-gathering debacle.
Anne Manning Martin, another Republican lieutenant governor hopeful, was also disqualified from the ballot over fraudulent signatures following a complaint lodged by Oliver. Minogue called Oliver’s action “shameful,” prompting Shortsleeve to demand an apology for his running mate.
Oliver, a longtime corrections officer, was born and raised in New Bedford. He was elected to the Ward 3 City Council seat in February 2023. If elected lieutenant governor, Oliver has said he intends to meet with leaders from all 351 municipalities within his first year. He also plans to advocate for the commercial fishing industry.
Brandon Bigelow, a Boston lawyer, called Oliver a “good guy” as he waited for poll results to come in.
“I love the fact that he sort of grew up working as a correctional officer, knows how state government works, has experience… actually representing people in city government,” Bigelow of North Andover said. “I think he balances the ticket nicely. Fantastic candidate.”
The MassGOP in March described Oliver as a “dedicated family man” who brings a “record rooted in community-focused leadership.”
As he celebrated his victory, Oliver lamented that his grandmother passed away several months ago.
“But I know that she is in the room through all of you guys, so thank you very much,” Oliver said. “To think that her first grandson, first-generation American, first in the family born here in the commonwealth of Massachusetts to be the next lieutenant governor for the commonwealth.”
Touting his city government experience, Oliver said he sees firsthand how Beacon Hill policies are “crushing” residents, businesses, veterans, seniors and communities around the state. He said voters want a government that respects their tax dollars.
“This is why we cannot spend the next 63 days looking backwards. And we must look forward because with the Republican primary over, we have one mission, and that’s to take back Massachusetts,” Oliver said. “So I ask every Republican, every Independent and Democrat who feels like our state can do better to stand together. I’m ready to get to work, and I’m asking you to join us.”
It’s a shame, I would always vote for Oliver, but not with Minogue.
Will never support either, Oliver and definitely Minogue. Minogue is a mega donor to the the Clown King in the White House, therefore, he supports everything that has taken place, especially the billions being made by the Clown using POTUS. He can never be our governor. I support Romney, Baker, and Weld, they were real republicans. The GOP today is not the Republican Party of the past who cared and protected our democracy, freedom of speech, rule of law and the Constitution. The party proved this during the Nixon years, they knew he was a crook and stood up to him. Everyone has to vote.
They are not a package deal. You can vote only for Oliver. In fact, the possibility exists that Healy wins and Oliver wins…longshot but the possibility exists. Both on the same ballot.
Of course he should. Good luck Shawn. I’m with you all the way.