It’s a seat that is said to have represented the people of District 7 well, but it is now marred by scandal.
The two people vying to become the newest city councilor said they would continue the passionate representation. But they both have ties to the damaged side of the now-empty chair.
Tito Jackson, the front runner in today’s special election to replace Chuck Turner, has been endorsed by the federally convicted former city councilor.
“I think he’s the strongest candidate for what we’re facing,” Turner said recently. “I think it would be great for District 7 to have a councilor that could pick up the phone and call Gov. Deval Patrick.”
It’s an endorsement Jackson said he accepted and said he wanted to build on Turner’s legacy of advocacy.
Jackson is a heavy favorite to win the election because of his political experience and ties to the community. He worked as a political director for Patrick’s re-election campaign and also worked in the Office of Housing and Economic Development.
Despite Turner’s endorsement, political experts said Jackson will likely fair well in his bid.
“An endorsement from him on balance in the district … would assist Tito Jackson,” said Paul Watanabe, a political science professor at UMass Boston. Watanabe cited Turner’s popularity and how he was re-elected even after being charged with corruption.
Jackson is being challenged by Cornell Mills, a son of Dianne Wilkerson, the former state senator also convicted of federal corruption charges and taking bribes. She began serving 42 months in prison Friday.
“I’m running on my own record,” said Mills, a former civilian investigator for the Suffolk District Attorney’s office. “I’m not looking for the sympathy vote. I’m looking for the merit vote.”
