Novelist and poet David R. Slavitt, who lost a 2004 challenge against State Rep. Timothy J. Toomey, D-Somerville, endorsed William A. White Jr.’s bid to replace the late State Sen. Charles E. Shannon Jr. in the 2nd Middlesex seat.

"Bill White is the most knowledgable and sensible person I met in Somerville during my campaign. Unfailingly helpful and courteous, he would be an enormous asset to the State Senate. I endorse him with greatest enthusiasm," Slavitt said.

Slavitt is the author of more than 70 published works, and recently announced an agreement to publish his memoirs of the his 2004 campaign for a seat in the Commonwealth’s Great and General Court  titled: "Blue State Blues."