MARBLEHEAD — The winners in yesterday's primary election for state representative have one thing in common — both Lori Ehrlich, the Democrat, and John Blaisdell, the Republican, have lived in all three communities of the 8th district, Marblehead, Swampscott and Lynn.
That seemed to help as both were propelled to impressive wins over opponents — Swampscott lawyer Cesar Archilla, the Democrat, and former FBI agent Tanya DeGenova, the Republican.
Ehrlich won every Marblehead precinct, both Lynn precincts and half of Swampscott's six precincts. With more than 6,000 votes, she more than doubled her opponent's totals.
"It's quite a compliment and very exciting," she said, fresh from celebrating at Sweeney's Retreat in Marblehead. "At its root, this campaign was hard work. Teamwork. And a deep understanding of the issues that affect our area."
A co-founder of the environmental group HealthLink and the Wenham Watershed Association, Ehrlich indicated that those efforts were remembered and helped push her to a convincing victory. In addition, she's worked closely with state officials, including Democrats and Republicans. "Voters approve of the combination of my business background (she's a CPA), my education and my grass-roots advocacy."
In the days to come, she said, the campaign will reach out to draw in Archilla's voters.
The Democratic numbers — more than 9,000 votes — more than doubled the Republican totals. Nevertheless, a triumphant Blaisdell, gathered with supporters at Abbot Hall, was not deterred, explaining that a hot presidential race had drained away people who would otherwise support him.
"I just have a hunch. Most of my friends are Democrats." They simply weren't able to vote for him. "I'm confident they'll be there in the general election."
A former Marblehead police officer and Vietnam combat veteran, Blaisdell earned more than 2,700 votes, more than twice the number gained by his opponent. "The people who know me in this community know that I work hard," he said. He will offer a candidacy stressing fiscal conservatism.
"Where we can save a dollar is the No. 1 priority," he said. At the same time, he hopes to win more state aid for the district. "Local communities are having a hard time financially." It's not a contradiction, he added, because the state has more than $2 million in a rainy day fund.
It's raining now, said Blaisdell, who also opposes Gov. Deval Patrick's plan to give in-state college tuition to illegal immigrants. "I think it's a very bad idea in general and certainly a bad idea for him to think he can do it alone."
Ehrlich campaign consultant Tom Mills predicted an intense four weeks until the special election on March 4 to replace Rep. Doug Petersen, D-Marblehead, who left to become the state commissioner of agriculture.
"Lori is going to be knocking on every door in the district," Mills said.
Meanwhile, a third candidate will be running, independent Mark Barry, who also awaited the vote totals at Abbot Hall, last night. "I want to see who I'll be running against," he said. "We've got a Democratic governor and Democratic Legislature that doesn't seem to be able to get anything done."
People might be ready for something different, Barry said. "Someone who owes no favors."
