Publicover Calls Out Jehlen

by Christopher H Roberts

A candidate for the 2nd Middlesex district state Senate seat criticized one of his Democratic opponent’s credibility in emphasizing money over service.

Robert J. L. Publicover criticized State Rep. Patricia D. Jehlen, D-Somerville, for requesting campaign contributions totaling $200,000. He also scoffed at an assertion published on her website  that people are "going after her."

"I was amazed by Representative Pat Jehlen’s website call for $200,000 in donations. This is a job that only pays $50,000 annually. We need to stand up against the absurd costs of campaigning for public office which end up with the public wondering to whom the public official owes his/her allegiance," said Publicover.

Publicover said that he will not accept any campaign contribution over $100 and will match total contributions up to $17,500 from his own private savings account and challenged Jehlen to tell the public exactly who is "going after her."

"I have never attacked, nor will I, Rep. Jehlen’s integrity. I know the other Somerville candidates in the race to be real gentlemen," he said.

"Mrs. Jehlen, who is ‘unfairly’ picking on you?"

Publicover said despite Jehlen’s assertions that she is a "another kind of politician," she is acting like a "typical candidate."

"You are certainly sounding like a typical pol," he said. "It’s time to address issues and not personalities. It’s time to talk about issues and not complain about politics."

Publicover said his campaign’s small financial contributions will ensure that he will work for the little guy.

"The public owes me nothing. That is why I will not accept any contribution over $100," he said.

"This is the real grassroots campaign. I’m the one candidate who has not held public office. I offer the citizens of this district a new, fresh outlook on holding public office – service before politics and money.

"I intend to donate 10% of my salary as State Senator to charities in the cities I serve," Publicover said. "A state senator must set an example. I intend to do that," he said.