By George P. Hassett

In a mostly Democratic district, Republican Dave Carnevale believes he has a chance to unseat a left leaning incumbent.

“Things are so bad now, I think people care more about getting the economy going than party affiliation,” said Carnevale, 25, who will challenge state Senator Pat Jehlen for her seat in the Nov. 2 election.

The district includes Medford, Winchester, parts of Woburn and most of Somerville. Before Jehlen, the seat was held by Charles Shannon who initially won as a Republican before switching party affiliation.

Carnevale said his focus is on jump starting the economy. In an interview with The Somerville News he criticized Jehlen for voting against tax incentives he said would have created jobs.

“When it comes to the economy, job creation, this is a woman who has never had a private sector job,” he said. “I think she doesn’t understand the economy.”

Carnevale, a Medford High School graduate, sold a digital imaging company he founded with his brother and now operates Paradiso Importing, a wine distribution business.

He said he is running “because Pat Jehlen has not represented her constituents accurately. She pretty much caters to one group – her group of progressives who want higher taxes that run businesses out of the state.”

Carnevale said he is a moderate Republican on social issues. He has been endorsed by Republican State Senate Minority Leader Richard Tisei, Citizens for Limited Taxation and the Medford Police Patrolmen’s Union.

Carnevale said his supporters have chosen him over Jehlen because they are “looking for someone with an open mind who is willing to hear them out.”

“Eighty to 85 percent of the people in the district, outside Somerville, don’t know who [Jehlen] is,” Carnevale said. “A lot of people believe Charlie Shannon is still their state senator.”