Mike Festa withdrew from the DA race today

[welshTerrier2]

imo, Mike was the best candidate in the race ... his extensive experience as a legislator, a DA and a defense attorney gave him a well-rounded background that would have made him the best choice for the DA position ... i'm truly sorry he withdrew ...

my support now goes to Barrios ...

here's Festa's "press release" from his website:

source: www.mikeFesta.com

For Immediate Release

Saturday, February 11th, 2006

State Representative Mike Festa (D-Melrose) announced today that he is withdrawing from the 2006 race for Middlesex District Attorney, and instead will seek reelection to the House of Representatives.

“This was a challenging decision, since this campaign has had growing momentum in endorsements, fund raising, and organizing.

“As you may know, I have been active in the Council of State Governments, and serve as the Chair of its Criminal Justice Board of Directors. I was informed this week that the Council would like me to lead a multimillion-dollar national project to create a national resource center for state criminal justice policymakers, funded by private foundations and the federal government.

“As Chair of the Board, I will be called upon to travel to our offices in New York, Washington, D.C, and to other regions of the country to coordinate the management of this new criminal justice center. This will enable me to play a leadership role in the development of criminal justice policy in state capitals across the country and, most importantly to me, as a state representative representing the people of Melrose and Wakefield.

“We built a strong field organization, obtaining the support of key Democratic activists and legislative colleagues: last week, by all accounts, we had better volunteer coverage at Democratic caucuses in the 54 cities and towns of Middlesex County than any other campaign.

“Our financial efforts have borne fruit: we have now received more than $265,000 in pledges and receipts to date, with more than $165,000 since the first of the year alone. I have been deeply moved by the wave of financial support we have experienced over the past month.

“We put together the most talented staff and volunteers in this race, and I will be forever grateful for their passion and commitment. They have maintained the highest standards of ethics and integrity I have yet witnessed in any campaign.”

“As I now turn my efforts toward reelection, I look forward to asking my constituents for their continued support. It is an honor to serve the people of Melrose and Wakefield, and to be a strong advocate for senior citizens, for all those who struggle for social and economic justice, for our children, and for those who seek my help at the State House.”

Festa, 51, is currently serving his fourth term as state representative for the City of Melrose and the Town of Wakefield.