Watertown's McCarthy Enters State Senate Race

Now there's five.

Robert McCarthy, a 66-year-old Watertown Democrat and longtime president of the state's firefighters union, declared today, Tuesday, Oct. 25, his candidacy for the State Senate in the Second Suffolk and Middlesex Senate District.

"Senator Steve Tolman, and his brother Warren who preceded him as Senator, both earned reputations as passionate and outspoken advocates for the people in their district," said the Navy veteran who spent more than 30 years as a firefigher.

The Second Suffolk and Middlesex consists of Watertown, Belmont and parts of Cambridge, Allston-Brighton, the Fenway and the Back Bay.

The seat was vacated earlier this month when

The Democratic primary will be held on Dec. 13.

"I look forward to carrying on that tradition and being a staunch supporter of the issues that matter to the 160,000 people of the Second Suffolk and Middlesex Senate District," said McCarthy, who held the presidency of the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts, a statewide union of 200 local fire unions representing more than 12,000 professional firefighters, from 1987 until he retired in January.

Two things that immediately separates McCarthy from the field seeking Tolman's seat – State reps , , – is that McCarthy has never sought public office before this race and that he will place a self-imposed term limit of two full terms.

He also promises to take half of his total compensation as State Senator to programs for senior citizens and children in the district.

"This is not about the money or a career in public office. I'm running to be a voice for those who need a voice, for those who want a voice, and more importantly for those who have no voice," concluded McCarthy.

McCarthy said he will focus on developing and implementing sound job opportunities "for all who want and need a job." He will also fight for more federal and state funding to cities and towns to secure adequate money for public safety, public education and public welfare.

McCarthy lives in Watertown with his wife of 43 years Dotty (Maurer) McCarthy.  They have three children and five grandchildren.