ATHOL — State Rep. Susannah Whipps Lee said running unopposed for re-election will not stop her from campaigning, but she can now focus less on competition and more on continuing to work for her constituents.
The Athol Republican, seeking re-election to the 2nd Franklin District House seat, was set to face a challenge from Democrat Denise Andrews of Orange, who previously held the seat for two terms but lost to Whipps two years ago. But Andrews withdrew on Sunday — three days after securing her party’s nomination — to take a job in the private sector.
The state Democratic party organization failed to find a candidate before Wednesday’s 5 p.m. deadline to run in the district which includes Precinct A in Belchertown.
“One candidate came forward, but withdrew his name for consideration,” state Democratic Party Executive Director Jay Cincotti said in a statement. “Therefore, the Chairman (Tom McGee) will not appoint a candidate for the November election.”
This virtually guarantees victory for Whipps Lee, with the possible exception of a write-in challenge. Nevertheless, the Republican incumbent said she must remain visible.
“I don’t need to spend the kind of money I would have to if I had an opponent, but I’ve got a team that is itching to go,” she said. “We met the other night to just talk about what our strategy is and what we should be doing.
“I have a tremendous team of volunteers,” she added.
Whipps Lee also said the national media is saturated with news of the presidential election, but she needs to remind voters there is more to Nov. 8 than picking between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
“Statewide officials are the ones who bring resources to your communities, for school and roads and transportation,” she said. “We’re trying to find some creative and clever ways to inform people.”
Whipps Lee ran unopposed in the Republican primary.