Thursday, June 15, 2000 Older Editions

Open season: Democratic gubernatorial candidates say hello to campaigns in Andover

By Neil Fater

Two years before Andover residents will help select the state's next governor, a pair of high-profile Democratic candidates have hit town looking for early support.

Senate President Tom Birmingham and businessman Stephen Grossman chose Andover this week as the town in which to throw some of their first gubernatorial pitches.

Businessman Steve Grossman meets Andover resident Mary Jane Bausemer at Glory on Monday.

Birmingham began a carefully structured day last Friday at a regional chamber breakfast, before heading to the Greater Lawrence Technical School and to Agilent Technologies, a company that strongly supports free trade and the opening of barriers with China.

Meanwhile, Grossman spent Monday evening in a more informal meet-and-greet at a downtown restaurant.

Both candidates did share one thing in common during half-hour interviews with the Townsman.

Both avoided mentioning each other, locking their sights on Gov. Paul Cellucci.

Troubles with the Big Dig and state health-care system show the governor has been "missing in action," said Grossman.

Birmingham unleashed a big dig of his own, saying Cellucci's claim that he can cut the income tax to five percent without cutting services is "a fairy tale."