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Baker formally announces campaign for governor

E-mail|Link|Comments () January 30, 2010 03:49 PM

John Tlumacki/Globe Staff

Mutual appreciation -- Charlie Baker and his running mate, Richard Tisei, applaud as the crowd cheers them at Faneuil Hall.

By Carolyn Y. Johnson, Globe Staff

A cheering crowd waved flags and signs and filled most of the 800 seats in Boston's historic Faneuil Hall today as Republican Charles D. Baker Jr. formally announced his candidacy for governor.

Baker told the crowd he would focus on creating jobs and making it easier to do business in the state.

"If we really want people to invest in Massachusetts, we have to send the signal the state government will be a reliable, predictable dependable business partner," he said.

Baker and his camp suggested that the recent upset victory by State Senator Scott Brown in the US Senate race would pave the way for further change on Beacon Hill, where Democratic Governor Deval Patrick is seeking reelection.

Baker showed off his air guitar skills after announcing his candidacy.

Richard Tisei, Baker's running mate and the state Senate minority leader, emphasized his ties to Brown by saying, "I'm the guy Scott Brown voted with 96 percent of the time."

Baker portrayed himself as a turnaround artist, who could do for the state what he did as head of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care.

Brown's startling victory in the Jan. 19 special election stole Baker's thunder. Now, Baker is trying to ride the wave that Brown built, the Globe reports today.

Baker faces a primary challenge from businessman Christy Mihos. Treasurer Tim Cahill is running as an independent.