City Council Vice Chairwoman Sefatia Romeo-Theken, an advocate for the fishing industry and the elderly, has endorsed Sen. Scott Brown in his campaign for re-election against Elizabeth Warren.
Romeo-Theken is a Democrat, and the Brown campaign trumpeted the endorsement to underscore his appeal across party lines.
Brown, who was in Gloucester over the weekend, also picked up the endorsement of retired state Rep. Anthony Verga, who was chairman of the Joint Committee on Veterans Affairs and a force within the community of veterans until his time in the State House was put to an end by Ann-Margaret Ferrante in a 2008 Democratic primary.
"I am honored these leaders are willing to reach across the aisle to support my campaign," said Sen. Brown. "We're Americans first, and I will continue to work across the aisle to advance policies that create economic growth and put people back to work."
"I don't believe in the party, I believe in the person," Romeo-Theken said. "After Scott was elected, he got up to speed very quickly on the issues facing this community — from speaking out against overregulation by NOAA to helping small and seasonal businesses in Gloucester and the North Shore deal with loopholes in new health care regulations.
Verga and Romeo-Theken join a growing list of Democrats and independents who have endorsed Sen. Brown.
"Scott and I worked closely on a range of important issues when we served together and I can tell you that he approaches each challenge with an open mind and an eye toward problem solving," said Verga. Verga was in the Massachusetts House of Representatives while Brown was in the state Senate.
Ferrante, meanwhile, a respected leader in the fishing community, is advising Warren on ocean-related issues and, when Warren comes to Gloucester, Ferrante also serves as her guide.
Ferrante initiated the political movement that led to a series of investigations of federal fisheries law enforcement misconduct by the Commerce Department inspector general. Her father and Verga once sang together in a trio.
Richard Gaines can be reached at 978-283-7000 x3464, or rgaines@gloucestertimes.com.
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