Incumbent has big fund-raising edge
BOSTON -- As one of the few state representatives facing a primary challenge this year, Democratic Majority Leader John H. Rogers is well armed for the fight, having raised $152,943 more than his opponent, Leah O'Leary.
According to a computer analysis of records filed with the Office of Campaign and Political Finance, Rogers, who is running for his eighth term, has raised a total of $191,812 since January. O'Leary, a Norwood teacher, social worker and community activist, has received $38,869.
Residents within the Transcript towns demonstrated the same support, giving Rogers $26,008 more than the hopeful O'Leary. Rogers represents the 12th Norfolk District consisting of Norwood and Precincts 1,2,6 and 7 in Walpole.
Rogers received $30,981, or 16 percent of his total campaign donations, from the region. Another 13 percent, or $24,305, came from Boston residents. Rogers received $15,218 from 177 Norwood donors.
Rogers, an attorney, received contributions from 107 attorneys in the Transcript towns. Walpole residents contributed $5,915. Rogers collected $6,698 from Dedham residents and another $3,150 from Westwood residents.
Rogers, who has been serving for 14 years, began his career in Westwood and since was redistricted to Walpole and Norwood. The motto by which he lives is simple: "Fight for what they believe in, and they will support you."
O'Leary poured $15,000 into her campaign from April to June 2006. Other contributors added $4,973.
Norwood residents gave the bulk of the contributions, with $3,673. Walpole residents gave $700. Westwood had one contributor give $500 and one Dedham resident gave $100. Without O'Leary's contribution, about 13 percent of the money is from the political contributors within the district.
O'Leary's campaign manager, Rebecca Wilsker, said much of O'Leary's support has come from her hometown of Norwood.
"She has lived there all her life, so the community had an easy time seeing her as one of their own and one who could voice their views," Wilsker said.
"(O'Leary) finds support from people who agree that lawmaking should be prioritized to budget, education and affordable housing."
Rogers sees his local support as the result of his long-time representation of the people in his district. He said his priorities for the next term include education, health care and
"The hard workers in government represent the interest and values of citizens from the region," Rogers said. "Financial support is the second highest form of endorsements. The first being, of course, the vote."