After a hard-fought mayoral campaign, Thomas Menino prevailed once more in yesterday’s city election, capturing an unprecedented fifth term and adding to his legacy in Boston’s history.
Menino, 66, fended off his toughest competition yet in City Councilor Michael Flaherty and emerged victorious last night by taking roughly 57 percent of the vote. Menino is already the city’s longest-serving mayor, and Bostonians will now get 20 years of the Hyde Park politician’s reign by the end of his next term.
Menino faced an onslaught of criticism throughout the campaign, which often frustrated a mayor deeply proud of the progress he says the city has made. Last night, he said he felt great, thanked his supporters and promised there is more work to be done in the city.
“This is all about making our neighborhoods stronger in our city,” Menino said.
Menino’s triumph means the end of a spirited campaign for Flaherty, who labeled himself the bridge between new and old Boston. Flaherty, 44, shook up the campaign when he announced Sam Yoon would be his deputy mayor and his message of change, combined with Menino’s already lengthy tenure, garnered the former prosecutor from Southie a healthy dose of support from residents. But in the end, Menino’s base was too much to overcome.
