Lucas Wins Republican State Rep Primary

David Lucas won the Republican primary for the state House seat representing the 32nd Middlesex District on Tuesday night, beating his closest challenger Monica Medeiros by 517 votes, while Eric Estevez came in a distant third.

According to unofficial results initially reported by MMTV, Lucas garnered 1,551 votes—52 percent—in Melrose and Wakefield Precincts 3-6, which make up the 32nd Middlesex District. Medeiros garnered 1,034 votes (35 percent) and Estevez garnered 398 votes (13 percent).

Surrounded by supporters at the Mount Hood Clubhouse Tuesday night—including Republican state Senate candidate Craig Spadafora, who will now face Democrat Katherine Clark in the general election on Nov. 2—Lucas was asked what the next step in his campaign is.

"We don't stop—nothing changes," he replied. "We still knock on doors, we work our tails off, we still do our best to keep our campaign financially well-grounded, we get our message out there and we keep moving so that we win in November."

Lucas now moves on to face Democrat Paul Brodeur, who did not face a primary challenge, in the general election on Nov. 2. In a press release e-mailed to local media by Brodeur's campaign, Brodeur said, "My congratulations go out to Monica, Dave and Eric. Monica is a friend and colleague on the Board of Alderman and will continue to be a valued member of the Board."

"Now that the primary is over," Brodeur continued. "I look forward to a spirited campaign this fall with my friend Dave Lucas and highlighting my proven track record of accomplishments and the issues that are important to the people of Wakefield and Melrose. Issues like getting people back to work, improving public education, and restoring the people's faith in their government."

Lucas and Medeiros echo concillatory tone

A Melrose resident and attorney with Wakefield-based law firm Nigro, Pettepit & Lucas of Wakefield, Lucas was asked if he thought being a Melrose resident while working in Wakefield helped fuel his victory.

"I think it probably did," he said. "I am the only candidate that has a good foundation in both Melrose and Wakefield, so that certainly did help."

According to unofficial results provided by Melrose Election Administrator  Linda-Lee Angiolillo, Lucas won 12 of the 14 Melrose Precincts, including Ward 2, Precinct 2, of which Medeiros currently represents as the Melrose Ward 2 Alderman. Overall, Lucas won Melrose with 1,111 votes to Medeiros' 707 votes and Estevez's 87 votes.

Lucas lauded Medeiros, saying she ran a credible and "very tough" race.

"She was respectful, she was courteous, she was professional," he said. "But I think what really does it in the end is we had the best message, we continue to have the best message, that rings with the voters."

Reached by phone Tuesday night, Medeiros said she believes Lucas is "really dedicated to fighting the good fight" and visited him at Mount Hood to congratulate him.

"I think we're very much alike on a lot of the issues and we're going to work together to move forward," she said.

On her own campaign, Medeiros said, "I think we ran a great campaign. I have fantastic people around me ... This wasn't the time."

Also a Republican State Committeewoman, Medeiros was asked if she'd consider running for a state office again.

"It's definitely way too early to be looking at that," she said. "I've been trying to make a difference in this state since I was a teenager. I guess I wouldn't rule that out again. That desire doesn't go away because of one day at the polls."

Estevez could not be reached Tuesday night for comment.