Chang-Diaz feels 'a sense of relief'

October 31, 2008 04:12 PM Email| Comments (7)| Text size – +

By Matt Viser, Globe Staff

Challenger Sonia Chang-Diaz this afternoon said she felt "a sense of relief" after Senator Dianne Wilkerson, the embattled Democratic incumbent, ended her bid for reelection.

“The events of the last few days have, I think, been both shocking and sad for all of us,” Chang-Diaz told reporters in a press conference outside the State House. “They’ve shaken our faith in the notion of public service and prompted many citizens to question whether they can trust elected leaders to act with the best interests of the community at heart.”

Chang-Diaz commended Wilkerson's decision to withdraw from the race and acting “with the best interests of our community at heart.”

“For that,” she said, “I thank her."

Chang-Diaz has not spoken with Wilkerson in several weeks, since she narrowly defeated the incumbent in the Democratic primary. But Chang-Diaz said she was glad Wilkerson ended her campaign after vowing several times to continue.

"There was a sense of relief today," she said.

Chang-Diaz also made an appeal to Wilkerson’s supporters, saying, “My door is always open to you and I cannot do this job without you.”

She plans to go door-to-door campaigning this evening on Halloween. Chang-Diaz has not yet settled on a costume.

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7 comments so far...

She could go trick or treating like an corrupt politician, just borrow Wilkerson's blouse. That would be scary!

Posted by JK October 31, 08 04:45 PM

Ok Whatever... She is just happy to know her worst competition is gone now...

Posted by janine October 31, 08 07:18 PM

Love her or hate her, we've all caught at least a whiff now of what appears to be Diane Wilkerson's Way: BE DIVISIVE, BE CYNICAL, BE ARROGANT, and above all, BE WELL-CONNECTED. Rejoice in untruths, talk other people into believing you, and find ways to coerce support for making sure thy will is done.

OUCH--- is all that stuff a downer, or what?

Yet, through all the negativity that Ms. Wilkerson brought to this election year, Sonia Chang-Diaz has consistently and gracefully invoked a reasoned and reasonable alternative, what's more, a message and presence that ---dare we say it?--- is RECONCILING.

So Ms. Wilkerson's supporters can now choose bitterness and rancor --- yes---that old and HEAVY burden!) or....travel light: Face the truth about Diane Wilkerson's ways and LET GO OF IT ALL. That's right --- let her go, turn away too from all her unseemly friends (they rejoice in untruths!), and instead walk in the light --- why not embrace and support Sonia Chang-Diaz in her hopes for doing something truly constructive with her time and energy here in Boston?

As for me, I struggle just like anybody else with staying positive about politics around here. But meanwhile I'm happy to report this: I've known Sonia for some time now, and she's the real thing. Diane Wilkerson's constituents have been let down, big-time; the good news is they're now going to find a caring, articulate and strong new voice in Sonia Chang-Diaz.

Posted by John in Boston October 31, 08 07:20 PM

Sonia Chang-Diaz..........learn from this Wilkerson arrest....that you are now on the clock......plz, keep your nose clean..OK??

Posted by LOCKNLOAD October 31, 08 08:17 PM

Wilkerson is just the tip of the iceberg. Tom Menino runs City Hall like the Soviet Union. Nothing happens unless he says so. He may not take bribes but his management is RUTHLESS and favors only go to those he deems worthy of his blessing -- and those who either give "voluntary" campaign donations or pledge unfailing loyalty. The common good never enters into his decisions. Boston City Hall under Tom Menino is a corrupt and fascist dictatorship.

Posted by Jim October 31, 08 10:39 PM

I supported Sonia Chang-Diaz in her last run and I support her this run. In years past I supported Senator Wilkerson and historically she has done a good job. I am sadden by what has happened. As a black man I was also sadden by all the negative racial sludge that was a fixture of this campaign. As a former candidate for State Representative, City Council, and Mayor in New Bedford, there is a deep reward in just standing as a candidate. more folks need to try it. Elections should be used to debate issues not tear down people. Finally we need to remember Senator Wilkerson is charged not yet convicted. We should not rush to judgement.

Posted by Greg in JP November 1, 08 12:30 AM

NOW SONIA, I AM NOT FROM YOUR DISTRICT AND WANT TO WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK ON YOUR NEW JOB. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, SHOW YOUR DISTRICT HOW NOT TO BE CORRUPT. I WILL BE FOLLOWING YOUR CAREER AS A NEW SENATOR JUST TO MAKE SURE THE PEOPLE MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE.

Posted by TUNEEFISH November 1, 08 07:51 AM