Under fire, Lynn campaign manager resigns

LYNN – Mayoral candidate Judith Flanagan Kennedy’s campaign manager has resigned following a public flap over his drug conviction nearly three decades ago.Dennis Liberge bowed out as a member of Kennedy’s camp after a weekend discussion of his conviction for conspiring to distribute cocaine.In a prepared statement, Liberge stated that he joined Kennedy’s campaign out of a desire to see change in the leadership and direction of Lynn’s municipal government. “Unfortunately, twenty-six years ago, using poor judgment with my associates resulted in a charge of conspiracy. I have paid the price and have been a law abiding and contributing member to society ever since. I had considered the matter closed as I have made amends and moved forward positively,” he said.”Regrettably, in this present heated political campaign, opponents of JFK have chosen to highlight my past rather than stick to the real issues. Therefore, in an effort to bring the campaign back to the real issues of the election, I have voluntarily stepped down as campaign manager in order for the campaign to remain focused on the issues and will always continue to work for a better Lynn.”Kennedy said she plans to carry on with her campaign challenge against incumbent Mayor Edward Clancy Jr. “I regret that Dennis must resign as campaign manager,” she said, explaining that Liberge was an original member of the Pat McManus for Mayor campaign committee. When McManus died unexpectedly earlier this year and Kennedy announced her candidacy, she also inherited some of McManus’ campaign workers, Liberge among them.”He seemed to have the most broad knowledge of campaign operations when I joined the effort. He has been a valuable contributor to the campaign,” she said. “Nonetheless, I believe that he has done the right thing in stepping down amidst this controversy. With only days to go before the election, I am not going to try to replace him. Instead, I am going to rely on the well-oiled machine that we have created over the past 70 days, and return to my consensus model of campaign by committee. We all know our duties.We all know what we must accomplish.”Click here for complete Lynnelection coverage, candidate profiles and more. You may also comment on theelection and read what others have to say.