Looks like its Gerry Leone for DA

[bottomofthehill]

Dear friend,

I am writing with news that I would like to share with you personally, because of your support for my work and my candidacy for District Attorney of Middlesex County. After great soul-searching, I have decided to suspend my campaign for D.A. and to seek re-election to the state Senate.

We made great gains in this campaign since launching it last year. I have been humbled by the support we received from the State Police Association and numerous other police and public safety organizations, as well as from mayors, Congressmen, union leaders and colleagues in the legislature. From the very first day, we were successful in articulating a compelling vision for the office, raising money for the campaign, and building a top-notch organization throughout Middlesex County. I have no doubt that we would have been successful on Election Day.

However, the rigors of working more than 100 hours a week on the campaign have imposed major burdens on my young family. At this time in their lives, the children need more time with their parents. And I cherish my time with them. I simply could not justify the sacrifices involved in running for this office, when there is so much that I can continue to accomplish in the Senate.

In the Senate, I have strived to provide leadership on public-safety issues and serve as a voice for people who need a strong advocate. Moving forward, my priorities are cracking down on domestic violence and identity theft,
addressing bullying and violence in schools, and advancing progressive priorities on a variety of other issues.

Of course, I will have to run for re-election in a field with several challengers. I will be going door-to-door throughout my Senate district, asking my constituents for their vote so that I may continue working for them on Beacon Hill. I hope to count on your continued support.

Again, I want you to know how much I appreciate the commitment you have made to me and my career in public service. Thank you.

[Kat45]

1. Huh? What is this? I don't understand what you're posting.

Is this a letter from Barrios?

[TaleWgnDg]

2. Evidently, yes.

"After great soul-searching, I have decided to suspend my campaign for (Middlesex) D.A. and to seek re-election to the state Senate."

http://www.barrios.org/
(as visited Thursday, April 6, 2006, at 4:00 AM EDT)

From state Senator Jarrett T. Barrios' own website.

[TaleWgnDg]

3. From the front page of BosGlobe's 'City & Region' section . . .

Barrios thinking of dropping out of race for DA, Democrat says

by Frank Phillips, Globe Staff, Wednesday, April 5, 2006

State Senator Jarrett T. Barrios is weighing whether to end his campaign to become Middlesex district attorney and instead seek reelection in his Cambridge-based district, a senior Democratic leader confirmed last night.

Barrios, a Democrat, is pondering the decision after meeting with close advisers earlier this week to assess his chances of prevailing against his only rival for the party's nomination, Gerard T. Leone, a former state and federal prosecutor.

The Middlesex district attorney's post is a coveted steppingstone to higher office in Massachusetts. In (Barrios') first bid for office, (Gerald) Leone(, former A.D.A. of Middlesex County and of Suffolk County, and Assistant U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts) has emerged as a strong candidate (with a multi-faceted strong prosecutorial history).

Barrios insisted yesterday that he is remaining in the race.

. . . snip . . .

Since arriving on Beacon Hill in 1999, the Harvard-educated Barrios, 37, has established himself as an ambitious figure and relentless legislator. But some of his critics and admirers questioned his decision to seek the district attorney's office, urging him to either delay seeking higher office this election or seek a statewide position, such as lieutenant governor.

. . . snip . . .

The lure of the Middlesex district attorney's office is strong for those aiming at higher office.

. . . more at . . .

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2006/04/05/barrios_thinking_of_dropping_out_of_race_for_da_democrat_says?mode=PF
(From the front page of BosGlobe's 'City & Region' section, page B-1)

(bold-faced type emphasis added by TaleWgnDg)

____________________

edited to add: Senator Jarrett T. Barrios' withdrawal from the Middlesex District Attorney's race appears on Barrios' own website at: http://www.barrios.org/ (as visited Thursday, April 6, 2006, 4:00 AM EDT)

[TaleWgnDg]

4. Gerald Leone? Leone's a good man . . .

As I stated here in DU/Massachusetts, on Saturday, January 21, 2006, I never could quite figure out WHY Barrios wanted to jump "up the political ladder" so soon, stepping on others feet. After all, Barrios as good as he is -- and Barrios has done an excellent job as a state Senator -- it's premature for him to run for D.A. He's too inexperienced for D.A. Hey, Jarrett stand in line, work your way into D.A., and wait your turn! Here's my January post about Barrios' and Gerald Leone's run for Middlesex County District Attorney:

Gerald Leone? Leone's a good man. Leone has an excellent record as a state and federal prosecutor. Leone has been voted by his peers (other lawyers and prosecutors) as attorney-of-the-year:

"Drawing focus on his extensive qualifications and experience, Democratic Middlesex District Attorney candidate Gerry Leone Jr. addressed members of the Winchester Democratic Town Committee last month at Town Hall as Leone continued his campaign across the county to garner support for his candidacy.

In a phone interview after the appearance, Leone said that he has spent much, if not all of his career preparing for the position, and wanted to get that message out to towns like Winchester who may not be as familiar with his record.

"I've managed the offices, I've run the programs and I've prosecuted the cases at every level," said Leone of his legal experience.

In the past, Leone has served in the Suffolk District Attorney's office and the Middlesex District Attorney's office. Leone also served alongside Attorney General Tom Reilly as Chief of the Criminal Bureau in the Massachusetts Attorney General's office, and was the Anti-Terrorism Coordinator for the state and First Assistant United States Attorney, where Leone prosecuted and earned the conviction of the infamous "Shoebomber" Richard Reid. Massachusetts residents may remember Leone's role in some high profile cases while at the Middlesex D.A.'s office, most notably, perhaps, the prosecution of nanny Louise Woodward."

(http://www.gerryleone.com/winchester_0106.htm . . . quoting "Leone hosted in Winchester," by Owen McDonald, Lexington-Winchester Star, January 5, 2006)

Barrios is going to have one hell of a time up against Leone who is an experienced and successful prosecutor! Leone has worked for Martha Coakley in the Middlesex D.A.'s office, for Tom Reilly in the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, and as Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Boston Office. What credentials does Barrios have? That being said, I haven't a clue as to where Leone is on other issues. But what issues -- other than prosecutorial/legal issues -- is relevant when voting for a county District Attorney? None. It's not a popularity contest nor is it a beauty contest nor is it who's social programs or voting record is better. No, instead, it's who would make a good prosecutor for the county. Leone has already proven that.

Frankly, I am perplexed as to why Massachusetts state Senator Barrios is giving up his seat on Beacon Hill to run in the crowded field of Middlesex District Attorney?! Why?! Does Barrios believe that Mdsx DA is a better steppingstone to higher office than is a state Senator's seat? It's understandable why Leone quit his job as Assistant U.S. Attorney (for Boston) because he could not have run for Mdsx DA (a position Leone has waited patiently until Martha Coakley has moved on) while an Asst U.S. Atty. Ahhh, "the payment of dues" as these folks move up the ladder. Politics. Indeed.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=158&topic_id=7543&mesg_id=7544

I'll say that again: I am perplexed as to why Barrios was willing to give up his seat on Beacon Hill as state Senator. He's doing an excellent job as Senator. Many know his name. He is well liked. He makes the Boston newspapers. Many times on page one. If I had my "druthers," I'd like to see Barrios -- down the road -- go for a run as governor of Massachusetts. However, there are many Massachusetts politicians who've "done their dues" working their way up the political ladder, getting the necessary experience, contributing along the way to other Massachusetts politicians, and working for the Massachusetts Democratic Party as well. Barrios should wait his "turn." That's politics. It's wise for Barrios to step aside in the Middlesex D.A. run. Leone is better qualified than is Barrios for the job.