Senate primary focus is on jobs

The six candidates in next Tuesday’s primary all promise to make the economy a focal point if they are chosen to fill the Middlesex, Suffolk, and Essex seat formerly held by Anthony Galluccio.

“The top three issues in Massachusetts are jobs, jobs, and jobs,’’ said Timothy R. Flaherty, a former Norfolk County assistant district attorney and one of three Cambridge candidates in the race.

With the primary fast approaching, the candidates are stepping up efforts to connect with voters in the district that includes Chelsea and Everett; parts of Cambridge, Revere, Saugus, and Somerville; and the Charlestown and Allston-Brighton sections of Boston.

Vying with Flaherty are: Sal N. DiDomenico, an Everett Ward 3 common councilor and Galluccio’s former chief of staff ; Cambridge City Councilor and former mayor E. Denise Simmons; Michael J. Albano of Chelsea, a veteran campaign volunteer and former Planning Board chairman whose father, Sal Albano, is a former state senator; and Dennis A. Benzan of Cambridge and Dan Hill of Charlestown, who are both lawyers.

The Democratic nominee will face John Cesan of Agawam, who is unenrolled, in the May 11 special election.

Last December, Galluccio pleaded guilty to fleeing the scene of a hit-and-run accident. On Jan. 5 he resigned his Senate seat a day after a judge jailed him for violating the terms of his probation by consuming alcohol.

Calvin T. Brown, a Democratic State Committee member and Chelsea city councilor, said the primary contest has had relatively low visibility. But he called it “a very good race,’’ noting the credentials and the enthusiasm the contenders bring.

“I think it’s great for the city of Chelsea and for the district to have such formidable candidates,’’ he said.

Jeffrey Berry, a professor of political science at Tufts University, said Flaherty might enjoy a slight advantage due to the name recognition he enjoys as the son of a former House speaker, Charles F. Flaherty. But with turnout expected to be relatively low, victory may belong to the organization that does the best job of beating the bushes for votes.

DiDomenico could benefit from being the only Everett candidate in a field that includes three Cambridge contenders. In a 2007 special election primary in the district, Everett had the highest share of the vote, with 27.9 percent.

Flaherty ran unsuccessfully in that election, and for Middlesex district attorney in 1998. A lawyer in private practice, he said his past experience as a prosecutor sets him apart in the race.

“I’ve spent my entire professional career preparing and presenting winning arguments. That’s how I view the role of state senator,’’ he said.

Flaherty has offered a job creation plan that includes providing tax credits for manufacturers that locate in the state, and expanding job training funds for small businesses.

DiDomenico said he offers “an in-depth knowledge of the entire district’ from his 2 1/2 years as Galluccio’s chief of staff. And because he is also a city councilor, he says, “I have a unique knowledge of how state and local government affect each other.’’

DiDomenico said his strategy for job creation includes providing a tax credit for businesses that hire new workers, capping health insurance rates, and pressing banks that received stimulus funds to open lines of credit to small businesses.

Albano, a real estate broker, said he would fight to rid state government of the influence of special interests.

“I’m the real progressive in the race,’’ he said, noting, for example, his support for overhauling the state’s criminal record information system and the fact that he is the only candidate who opposes casino gambling.

Albano proposes that the state spur banks to lend money by guaranteeing their loans. He said he would also push for “real education reform,’’ which he said would include eliminating MCAS as a graduation requirement.

A former Cambridge School Committee member now in her fifth council term, Simmons in 2008 became the nation’s first African-American, openly lesbian mayor (in Cambridge, the mayor is chosen from the ranks of the council).

Simmons said she brings “a proven track record’’ of delivering on her promises. She said from her own experiences and connections, she also has the ability to effectively represent a diverse array of constituencies, from women and people of color to parents and seniors.

She proposes expanding funding for training in green jobs and providing incentives for businesses hiring those that receive training. She would also work to “close the achievement gap’’ in the public schools.

Prior to starting his law practice, Benzan ran his own construction business and served as chief aide to Cambridge mayor Kenneth Reeves. He lost two previous bids for state representative.

“I represent working families through my own experience,’’ said Benzan, noting that he grew up in public housing and later worked as a carpenter to put himself through college and law school.

Benzan said he would advocate for a “strong jobs creation package’’ and for the state to help families at risk of foreclosure by pressing banks to modify their loan terms. He said he would also be a strong advocate for education.

Hill said he stands out in the race as someone who is from “outside the system.’’

“Voters are really looking for someone who is not a politician, but who is a professional. That’s what I bring to the table,’’ he said, noting also his experience as a lawyer representing cities and towns.

“The core of my platform is sustainability,’’ Hill said. “What that means is creating a local and state economy that sustains itself in the long term’’ and preserving the natural environment to ensure “the quality of life we enjoy today is sustained.’’