Southbridge: Last Democratic Bastion In Southern Worcester County

Ken O’Brien

From President to State Representative, Southbridge stood virtually alone in its support of Democratic candidates in election 2012 in southern Worcester County.

While President Obama did carry a few towns within this geographic Gulag, Southbridge stood alone, a blue oasis in a desert of red, in its support for Senator-elect Elizabeth Warren and Democratic candidate for State Representative Kathleen Walker. 

This is interesting, especially in light of the fact that I have received photographs from a colleague that illustrate subterfuge even by those who are purported Democratic stalwarts.

Specifically, I refer to the fact that at least two members of the Southbridge Democratic Town Committee, who have held elective public office, sported signs on their property supporting Republican candidates. One displayed signs supporting Romney and Brown, while another prominently held sway with a Durant sign.

I find this particularly troubling, because I resigned from the Democratic Town Committee over its refusal to allow members to support candidates not enrolled as Democrats in non-partisan town elections.

The Republican town committee allows such activities. However, the Southbridge Democratic Town Committee’s bylaws specifically prohibit members from actively supporting any non-Democratic candidates in any election.

It will be interesting to see how the town committee addresses this matter. After all, I have the photos to support my claims.

(Source: The Boston Globe)