< Back to front page Text size – +

Baker portrays himself as turnaround artist in new video

E-mail|Link|Comments () July 28, 2009 03:30 PM

By Martin Finucane, Globe Staff

Charlie Baker, who is seeking the Republican nomination for governor, portrays himself as a turnaround artist who could help a state reeling from economic troubles, in a video posted to his new website, which went live today.

"Running for governor for me comes down to one question: Can the state of Massachusetts do better and be better managed? I think the answer is unquestionably yes, and I know how to do it. In fact, I've done it before. Twice," he said, referring to his experience as administration and finance secretary in the Weld administration and his work at Harvard Pilgrim.

"When it comes to bringing change, I am two things: fearless and determined. And as your governor, I will be both," said Baker, who appears standing, wearing a blue shirt with no tie, and gesturing in the video, with a background of trees and grass and passing cars behind him.

Baker bashed the status quo and talked of economic troubles leading to empty storefronts and "For Sale" signs on houses. "Massachusetts is on the wrong track, and Beacon Hill has no idea how to fix it.… They've turned a crisis into calamity," he said.

Baker's pitch was reminiscent of the tack taken by the last successful GOP candidate for governor, Mitt Romney, who emphasized his expertise in business and in turning around the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City as chief executive of the organizing committee.

Baker faces competition from businessman Christy Mihos for the GOP nomination. Treasurer Timothy Cahill has said he may run as an independent. With the economy struggling, Democratic Governor Deval Patrick is suffering from low popularity ratings.

The Democratic party unveiled its own website today, www.BigDigBaker.com, which raised questions about Baker's role in the mammoth Big Dig construction project during his tenure as administration and finance secretary from November 1994 through September 1998. Party chairman John Walsh said in a statement that Baker "still refuses" to answer questions about his "prominent role" in the project.

Baker's new website is www.charliebaker2010.com. He has also set up Twitter and Facebook accounts. He is slated to officially declare his candidacy tomorrow.