Thursday, 4:30 PM
Mrs. Meehan backs Mrs. Tsongas
By Andrea Estes, GLOBE STAFF
US Representative Martin T. Meehan might be staying out of the race to replace him, but his wife is not.
Democrat Niki Tsongas said Wednesday that Ellen Murphy Meehan will serve as chairwoman of her campaign for the Fifth congressional seat, an indication that the exiting congressman may have an heir in mind.
Tsongas is battling at least five other candidates for the Democratic nomination to succeed Meehan, who is resigning to become chancellor of the University of Massachusetts at Lowell.
Both Tsongas and Ellen Meehan denied that her involvement was a tacit sign that the seven-term congressman is endorsing Tsongas, the widow of US Senator Paul Tsongas.
"He worked very hard to continue Paul Tsongas' legacy, particularly on economic development," Ellen Meehan said, referring to her husband. "But as chancellor of UMass-Lowell, he feels he can’t endorse a candidate and doesn’t plan to. I feel differently. I’m an independent person."
Meehan, a health-care consultant, said she will be a hands-on campaign volunteer working on policy issues and campaign strategy. She said Tsongas has "the expertise and experience that will help foster economic development" in the district, which covers 29 cities and towns north and west of Boston, including Lowell and Lawrence.
