Gosselin was hit hardest in
"F" 2 and 3 (traditionally her strongest home
precincts) and was Fielding was out at the open of voting yesterday morning with a very large contingency of campaign supporters manning the Knights of Columbus on Market Street, the South Lawrence library on Parker St. and the South Lawrence East School on Osgood Street. Gosselin was also out early
yesterday morning with core supporters at each poll, but
Gosselin supporters were clearly outnumbered on street
corners for the first time since she was elected six
years ago. One of the reasons for Fielding's organization and strong showing against the six-year incumbent was campaign support from State Rep. Willie Lantigua. Lantigua drove from precinct to precinct with a campaign sign and two messages for passing friends "Bullet Reyes and vote for Mike Fielding".
Both Fielding and Reyes (At Large) had their strongest showings in precinct's "F2" and "F3" and their lowest votes in "F1", (Colonial Heights) where Gosselin lost by only 8 votes (143-135). Gosselin is now facing an uphill battle for victory in the November election. With Mayor Sullivan and Willie Lantigua both supporting Fielding and an electorate looking for a change, Councilor Gosselin has an almost impossible task before her if she is going to change voters minds and mount a winning campagin in six short weeks. Known as a fighter, Gosselin is expected to debate Fielding and step up her door to door campagin. When asked if he would debate Gosselin, Fielding said he would be happy to debate her. The Paying Attention! Television Program (channel 8) has agreed to sponsor a debate for the two District "F" candidates. The television schedule will appear at the top fo the main page when it is officially scheduled. Fielding spent $7,825.25 according to campaign finance reports. Gosselin is known for holding expensive Golf Tournaments and an annual Valentines Day dance to raise funds for her campaign fund. |
Paying Attention Index |
Michael
Fielding, the first time candidate in District
"F" (South Lawrence East) solidly beat
incumbent City Councilor, Marie Gosselin yesterday
placing first in every precinct (total vote Fielding 348,
Gosselin 266). Eliminated in yesterday's election were
James Stokes (112 votes) who has challenged Gosselin in several
times elections and Danny Valcourt (42 votes). 
actually tied for second with Jim Stokes
in "F2" with 27 votes each to Fielding's 60 votes. 
Voters in "F2" and "F3" clearly heard Lantigua's message.