U.S. Senator Scott Brown Endorses Shaunna O'Connell

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2010
CONTACT: John Ciampa ~ 508-415.9665

O’Connell’s Campaign Gaining Momentum

Taunton, MA…Today Shaunna O’Connell, Republican candidate for State Representative in the Third Bristol District, proudly announced that she has received the endorsement of United States Senator Scott Brown.

“I am extremely pleased that I have earned Scott Brown’s endorsement,” said O’Connell. “Like Scott Brown, I want to be an independent voice for the people of Taunton.”

“Shaunna O'Connell is a dynamic fighter who will bring about real change on Beacon Hill. Shaunna will make an outstanding State Representative for the people of Taunton, and I am proud to support her candidacy,” said United States Senator Scott Brown.

This is an important endorsement for O’Connell, because Brown carried Taunton. Moreover, it is unusual for a former member of the House to endorse against a former colleague. Brown and Rep. Fagan served in the Massachusetts House together for several years.

O’Connell and Brown share many of the same positions, such as they both signed the No New Taxes pledge. On the other hand, Fagan has never signed it, and in fact, he has a terrible rating with Citizens for Limited Taxation when it comes to the issue of taxes.

“Rep. Fagan has been part of the problem. He has been a protector of the status quo on Beacon Hill just like his fellow lawyer Martha Coakley,” said O’Connell. “Fagan has had years to show his independence and failed. He voted to keep the hack holidays instead of protecting the interest of the taxpayers. In 2009, a non-election year, he voted against stopping illegal immigrants from collecting state benefits, which at a minimum cost the state $600 million. We have had enough of incumbents whose only mission is to protect their jobs.”

O’Connell is a lifelong resident of Taunton. She worked her way through college by serving in the food department at Morton Hospital and quickly becoming a department supervisor. Professionally, O’Connell is a self-employed court reporter. She is a devoted wife and mother of two young children and continues to be active in her church and as a volunteer for numerous community programs.