Two Openly Gay Men Prepare for Massachusetts Elections BY PAT ROBINSON OITM Staff Writer Patrick C. Guerriero arly in J anuary‘ of E2002, Massachusetts gained a new Republican and gay candi- date for Lieutenant Governor, Patrick C. Guerriero. There has been no Lieutenant Governor since Jane Swift took the position of Governor on April 10, 2001 after Paul Cellucci left office to accept the Ambassadorship to Canada for the Bush Administration. If elected to the post, Melrose, Mass. resi- dent Patrick Guerriero would be the highest elect- ed openly gay state official in the country. He has enjoyed a very successful career in politics, as both an elected official and as an appointed one. Gov. Jane Swift announced on May 8, 2001, the appointment of Guerriero as deputy chief of staff in the Govemor’s office. He has since resigned from that position to focus on his campaign. Guerriero needs to garner the support of the Massachusetts Republican convention to run as the second in line on the same ticket with Gov. Swift. This may not be as hard as one would think. Beginning in the Weld (R) administration, the Mass GOP has emerged as a party of inclusion for minorities, many of whom come from Democratic ranks because they get no chance of being heard in the larger party. The GOP in Massachusetts politics is a minority of its own. Mr. Guerriero resigned as Mayor of Melrose — a suburban bed- room community north of Boston in this, his second term. He became Mayor in January of 1998. Patrick Guerriero served in the House of Representatives’ for three terms after winning a spe- cial election in 1993, and was re-elected again in 1994 and 1996. Guerriero graduated summa cum laude from The Catholic University of America with a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1990. The following year, he attended Boston College’s Thomas P. O’Neill Jr. Fellowship in American Government Program, Boston, Mass. Regarding gay rights, Mr. Guerriero is in favor of the all, and will push for gay marriage in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. His boss Jane Swift however, says she is for gay issues, but is firmly against sarne-sex marriage. The candidates have “agreed to disagree” on this point. Republican candi- date Jim Rappaport is Guerriero’s challenger for the GOP nomination. Daniel Grabauskas or the second time in F a week in January 2002, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has its sec- ond openly gay candidate. Daniel Grabauskas has sub- mitted his resignation as Registrar of Motor Vehicles for the Commonwealth and has entered into the race for the GOP nomination for Treasurer. Making his first run for elected office, the 38-year-old Ipswich man said his “homosexuality is less relevant” than his record of accomplishments are. He has had the same partner for 13 years. “After completing my job of reform at the Registry [of Motor Vehicles], I am seeking a different set of challenges. I plan to bring the same drive, reform and fiscal responsibility to the Treasury,” he said, taking aim at the current Treasurer Change in Venue for Diane Whipple Bv PAT ROBINSON OITM Staff Writer ith a change in venue, the case of the state of California vs. Noeller and Noel, the married defen- dants and owners of the dog that mauled Diane Whipple will go forward in Los Angeles instead of San Francisco where the death occurred a year ago. Ms. Whipple lived with her partner in the same apartment building and on the same floor as the defen- dants in San Francisco. She died as a result of the injuries brought to bear on her by the defendant’s dog in an attack in the public hallway, a fact that has never been contested. Ms. Noeller is accused of second degree murder in addition to the I charge of involuntary manslaughter both she and Mr. Noel are charged with. In a TV interview on NBC’s Today show (Jan 24, 2002), Diane Whipple’s widow/partner said she is glad the case is finally com- ing before the courts. Sharon Smith continues" to keep the focus on this very important case, and acknowledges that this criminal case may play an ' important role in giving evi- dence for the upcoming wrongful death case pend- 0 ing in civil court. Atty. Michael Cardoza, on behalf of Sharon Smith in the same interview, explained how damaging Ms. Noe1ler’s Patrick Guerriero could become the highest-elected openly gay state official in the country. Shannon P. O’Brien who herself is a Democratic can- didate for Governor. Unlike fellow gay Republican Patrick Guerriero who supports gay marriage, Grabauskas avoided the controversial issue saying he doesn’t have a strong opinion, but respects other’s; and regard- ing his position as a would be treasurer: “I would have nothing to say about [gay marriage].” On a more positive note, Mr. Grabauskas noted statements regarding her own actions during and immediately following the attack will help the criminal and civil cases. By her own admis- sion in evidence before the grand jury, Ms. Noeller stat- ed that she felt Ms. Whipple’s throat for a moment and did nothing else. Because Ms. Noeller had training as an EMT, this evidence will play a sub- stantial role in defining the liability of the defendants in photo: rose marston that, “Two gays on a statewide ticket is a credit to the Republican Party’s ‘big tent’ philosophy”. As of this writing, there are 4 Democrats, State Rep. Mike Cahill of Beverly; Norfolk County Treasurer Tim Cahill; Boston City Councilor Stephen Murphy; and for- ‘ mer state Rep. Jim Segal; and Republican Bruce Hertzfelder of Cohassat who are seeking the same office as Daniel Grabauskas. I Wrongful Death Case the civil wrongful death case to be heard after the criminal trial has been decided. Jury selection is due to begin and this will start with a juror’s questionnaire to make sure the defendants get a fair trial without prej- udice. The defense is expected to challenge many, looking for people who have not already reached a conclusion in the case. I x....:...4.s- . 4 . . v . . . . . a : y g.