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March 29, 2007
The Power of Sheriff DiPaola
Candidates who underestimate Sheriff Jim DiPaola's field network and reach into the Fifth Congressional District do so at their own risk.
More than 20 cities and towns in the Fifth District are in the sheriff's prime elective territory, Middelesex County.
He's run for office twice in the county, winning by sizable margins. He served three terms at a state representative. the guy knows how to run a campaign.
In fact, DiPaola, in an hourlong interview at The Sun on Wednesday, said he's got 500 campaign commanders in the field right now, spreading the word in the 5th district.
DiPaola lives in Malden, which is outside the district, yet he serves 80 percent of the Fifth as sheriff. so he does have connections with public safety officials and local government officials.
When asked if he was planning to move into the district, DiPaola said he was. But he quickly added:
"I think the ideas in my head should be more important than where my head rests on a pillow."
Touche, Big Jim.
Still, DiPaola knows he has to overcome the carpetbagger image. Niki Tsongas, who's been living in Charlestown, recently leased a condo in Lowell. State Rep. Jim Miceli, D-Wilmington, also lives outside the district.
The sheriff says he's got a track record of serving the district and that's what his campaign is all about. "I've professionalized the work force at the Billerica House of Corrections and the Middlesex Jail. I've given inmates the chance to learn skills that will make them productive citizens once they serve their debt to society. I've made efficiencies. As a state rep, I've filed legislation that helped not only my district but the entire state. I'm a competitor. And if I go to Washington, people know that I'll be fighting for their interests because I've battled all my life."
DiPaola might sound like Rocky Balboa, and in a way he's lived the dream. Born into an immigrant family, he's worked hard tobecome a cop, then a city councilor and then a state rep. All along the line, people gave him few chances of getting elected. But he did.
The message is simple, he says. "I tell people I'll work hard and I'll do my best. When I see something that's wrong, I want to change it. That gives me great satisfaction in life."
DiPaola has the support from labor groups and believes he can win broad appeal during the campaign.
Time will tell. But in a low-turnout race, where only 15 percent of voters are expected to go to the polls, DiPaola's regular base of support in 20 Fifth District towns is a solid starting point that no other candidate can boast of.
Posted by JimC at March 29, 2007 4:37 PM
Comments
You know, I think I respect the fact that he acknowldeges that he doesn't live in the district but has served it for years more than the fact that other candidates are renting out apartments to pretend that they are residents.
Posted by: Shawn at March 30, 2007 1:59 PM
Seems the dreaded "I want to spend more time with my family" political syndrome hit the Sheriff. I wonder why.
Posted by: Dr. No at April 11, 2007 2:13 PM
He must not have liked that apartment in Lowell.
Posted by: Donkeys Rule at April 14, 2007 2:07 PM
