Locals mostly backing Baker in governor race

Many area residents interviewed about the state’s heated gubernatorial race expressed anger about incumbent Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick ? and incumbents in general ? but those who have decided who they’re voting for are mostly supporting Republican challenger Charles Baker.But many area residents who spoke to The Daily Item in a random series of interviews said they are still undecided with Election Day four weeks away.Swampscott resident Jerry Kaloust, who is retired, said he will cast his ballot for Baker and vote against every incumbent on the ballot.?If they’re in, I’m voting them out,” he said. “Charlie (Baker) came to every Little League game with his kids. Even though he had a big job in Boston he made it to every Little League game. He’s a family man and knows what’s important.”Sandra MacKenzie of Swampscott, where Baker lives, is a retired former court worker who also said she is voting against all incumbents.?I don’t like Deval,” she said matter-of-factly. “I’m voting for Charlie.”Her husband James MacKenzie, who is a retired roofer, said Baker has his vote as well.?Most of the incumbents just don’t get it,” he said. “They don’t get the message. They don’t care what the people who elect them want. They just vote themselves a pay raise. They’re scumbags.”Baker and Patrick are running in the Nov. 2 gubernatorial election, along with independent candidate and current state treasurer Tim Cahill.Lynn resident Gloria Gallo, who is a retired clerical worker, shared the feelings of many residents interviewed this week in Lynn, Saugus, Swampscott and Nahant, who said they still haven’t decided who they’re voting for.?I voted for Ralph Nader once,” she said. “Baker is great, but the whole Big Dig thing scares me so I’m still debating.”Nahant resident Linda McCarthy also said she doesn’t know yet who she’ll vote for in November.?It’s still early,” she said. “But I don’t think I’ll vote for Patrick. I don’t think he did much of anything.”Nahant resident Kerry Barasso said she would not vote for Patrick.?I don’t like Patrick,” she said. “It’s between Baker and Cahill.”Jim Eager of Lynn, who is retired from General Electric, said if the election were held tomorrow he’s probably vote for Cahill or Baker.?Baker is a local guy,” he said. “But the Cahill ad in the restaurant caught my attention. I never knew he owned a restaurant. Most politicians don’t have real jobs.”Saugus resident Peter Bogdan, who is retired from the military, said he has voted in every election for the last 60 years. Bogdan declined to say who would get his vote come Election Day, but he expressed concern about the number of uninformed voters out there.?I’m concerned Patrick and Baker don’t have a track record,” he said. “This is going to be an interesting election to watch and I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a recount.”Lynn resident Katty Peraza, 36, is a registered Democrat, but she said she is also undecided.?I’m leaning towards Baker,” she said. “He wants to roll back the taxes but I’m still undecided.Saugus resident Danny Panico is a registered Democrat, but also remains undecided.?I still don’t know who I’m voting for,” he said. “I’m reading the papers and trying to decide.”His wife Marilyn Panico added she’s inclined not to vote for Patrick.?I don’t think I’m too happy with Patrick,” she said.Jen Mason, 21, of Lynn said she is still undecided and would solicit her mom’s advice before she votes.?My mom is pretty political,” Mason said. “I always ask her advice about politics.”Lucas Oliveira,22, of Saugus also said he would not be casting a vote for Patrick.?I don’t like Patrick and won’t vote for him,” he said. “I don’t know much about the others so I haven’t decided yet but I won’t vote for Patrick.”Diane Desmond of Nahant is a lifelong Democrat, who recently switched her party affiliation to Independent.?Changing parties was not an easy thing for me to do,” she said. “But the Democrats of today are not the Democrats of old.”Nahant resident Michael