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. 

Durant Received Significant Money From Outside Special Interests

Ken O’Brien

State representative Peter Durant is among a number of freshman House Republicans who have been the beneficiaries of an informal network of political donors that have helped keep the conservative lawmakers competitive as they try to retain the seats they won just two years ago, according to a report by Matt Murphy of the State House News Service

The freshman lawmaker is facing a challenge from Democrat Kathleen Walker of Charlton. 

Durant’s Crocodile Tears

Ken O’Brien

The third in the series of debates between candidates for state representative in the Sixth Worcester District took place last night in Southbridge. The first was held in Charlton and the second in Dudley.

The opponents, incumbent Peter Durant and challenger Kathleen Walker squared off in the McKinnon Council Chambers in Southbridge Town Hall. The debate was sponsored jointly by the Southbridge Democratic and Republican Town Committees. 

Second Walker/Durant State Representative Debate (Video)

Ken O’Brien

The second debate between candidates for state representative in the Sixth Worcester District was held in Dudley on October 15 in Dudley.

Republican incumbent Peter Durant of Spencer faced off against Democratic challenger Kathleen Walker of Charlton.

Meet Kathleen Walker – Candidate For State Representative 6th Worcester District (Videos)

Ken O’Brien

Kathleen Walker (D – Charlton) is running for State Representative in the Sixth Worcester District against 1 ½ term incumbent Peter Durant.

Kathleen Walker is currently serving her 10th year on the Board of Selectmen in Charlton, Massachusetts.

She has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the MASS Municipal Association, Local Government Advisory Commission and an Officer of the MASS Selectman’s Association.

She is running as the Democratic candidate for State Representative of the 6th Worcester District, which includes the towns of Southbridge and Dudley, precincts 1, 2, and 3 in Charlton, and precinct 4 in Spencer.

The following two videos will introduce you to her and explain to you her positions on a variety of issues.

The Petey Shuffle

Ken O’Brien

On Wednesday The O’Zone reported that State Representative Peter Durant had accepted an invitation from challenger Kathleen Walker for a series of debates. According to an update received from Ms. Walker events had been scheduled for Charlton, Dudley and Southbridge.

Later that same day we received a detailed set of rules for the first event in Charlton.

 ON: OCTOBER 9, 2012

Candidates’ Debate

AT: CHARLTON OVERLOOK COMMUNITY

Durant Accepts Walker Debate Invitation

Ken O’Brien

Kathleen Walker

The Patriot Newspaper is reporting that State Representative Peter Durant has accepted Democratic challenger Kathleen Walker’s invitation to debate.

Walker proposed four debates, one in each town in the district.

According to the report, they have agreed to a first debate in Charlton on October 9^th.

UPDATE: The first event will be Q & A planned for Overlook in Charlton on October 9 at 7 pm. A similar event will be held in Dudley on Monday October 15 at 6:30 pm. A debate is planned in Southbridge on Wednesday, the 17th - time uncertain. (Information provided by Kathleen Walker.)

The text of The Patriot report follows: 

Walker Invites You To Kickoff for State Rep. Campaign

Ken O’Brien

Kathleen Walker

Kathleen Walker is holding an event to mark the launch of her campaign for State Representative for the 6^th Worcester District. Walker, a Democrat, has spent over ten years as a Charlton selectman as well as serving on numerous town committees.  

The event will be held tomorrow, June 14, at Fins and Tales Restaurant, 858 Main Street in Southbridge from 5 pm until 8 pm. Hors d’oeuvres will be served.

To confirm plans to attend contact Heather Clements at eclements1@charter.net.

Her campaign website is http://www.electkathleenwalker.com/.