Former governor William F. Weld today endorsed Republican Gabriel E. Gomez for Senate, saying the son of Colombian immigrants would bring a unique perspective to Washington.
“After getting to know Gabriel and watching his campaign it is clear to me he is exactly the new American leader that this state needs in the Senate,” Weld said in a statement released by the Gomez campaign. “As a son of immigrants, a Navy SEAL and a successful businessman, Gabriel has a unique set of experiences and skills that will bring an outsider’s perspective to Washington, D.C.”
Gomez, a newcomer to politics, is running for the Republican nomination for US Senate against two better-known candidates: former US attorney Michael J. Sullivan, and state Representative Daniel B. Winslow. The primary is April 30.
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Weld’s endorsement is symbolically significant because his socially moderate, fiscally conservative views helped the set the template for Massachusetts Republicans for the past two decades. He was governor from 1991 to 1997, when he resigned to pursue an ambassadorship to Mexico.
“We need a fiscal conservative who is talking about solutions for getting our economy back on track and moving the country forward,” Weld’s statement said. “This primary has three excellent candidates, but Gabriel’s common-sense ideas and remarkable leadership make him the obvious choice for those that believe deeply in the need for a big tent Republican Party.”
Gomez said he was thrilled to have the support of “one of the most respected and trusted voices in the state.”
“Governor Weld is a fiscal conservative who has cut taxes and balanced budgets,” Gomez said. “I admire his independence, character and ability to work across the aisle.”
The Gomez campaign said Weld, beyond issuing his statement, does not plan to hold a press conference or event with Gomez.
Michael Levenson can be reached at mlevenson@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @mlevenson.
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