By Alan Burke
SWAMPSCOTT — Just call him bad-times Charlie.
"I think in some ways it's more important for people to participate in public life in tough times than when things are good," Charles Baker, 52, said yesterday. "We're going to need every good idea we can find."
The current head of Harvard-Pilgrim Health Care announced his candidacy for governor last week. He won't discuss specifics of his campaign, however, until ties with his employer are severed in the next few days.
"The campaign will probably not officially open its doors until the 29th (of July)," he said.
A well-regarded administrator for two former Republican governors, Bill Weld and Paul Cellucci, Baker has served in elective office only once, as a Swampscott selectman. He considered, but ultimately rejected, a run for governor four years ago.
His children, ages 12, 15 and 18, "are more prepared for it this time," he said. "They were pretty much 'no' votes the last time. This time they're neutral." As for wife Lauren, "she's up for it," he said.
Baker's first challenge will be winning the Republican nomination. Christy Mihos, who ran unsuccessfully as an independent in 2006, has returned to the GOP fold and announced his intention to compete.
In a general election, Baker could face State Treasurer Tim Cahill, who is flirting with his own run as an independent, having severed his allegiance to the Democratic Party. Finally, current Gov. Deval Patrick says he will seek re-election, despite a substantial drop in his poll numbers.
The election, meanwhile, is more than a year away in November 2010.
"I feel invigorated," Baker said of his decision. Previously, he'd said he was hesitant about getting into the fray because he enjoyed his job at Harvard-Pilgrim, nor is he independently wealthy.
"I don't think I changed my mind," he said yesterday. "I evolved. ... I've been thinking about this a very long time."
As the economy soured, Baker came to believe, "It's going to be a tough road for businesses, for homeowners, for state government. For everybody. ... If there were ever a time where it made sense to get in the race, it would be a time like this."
Further, he was hearing the same message from others, including a friend who approached him in a parking lot at Vinnin Square and urged, "This is not an audition. This is real life. What are you waiting for?"
Baker believes his service as a selectman gives him a unique perspective on the impact of state government from top to bottom. "I learned a lot about municipal government. ... I feel I know a lot more than when I was in state government," he said.
While acknowledging that political life can be a trial for families, he seemed optimistic that his children will adjust.
"This is just not something that they have experience with." He warned them, "Don't believe the good things they say about me. And don't believe the bad things. Believe the things you know about me."
