Locals split on Baker along party lines

SWAMPSCOTT – With Republican Charlie Baker officially in the running for governor, local residents say it?s up to voters to decide if they will break the mold by choosing a conservative candidate. The Swampscott resident last ran in 2010 when he lost to incumbent Gov. Deval Patrick. Baker broke the news of his run Wednesday with a video on his website, www.charliebaker2014.com, in which he asked voters to “rise above the politics” to achieve “bipartisan leadership.” Baker steered clear of any mention of his affiliated party, instead touting his experience in job creation and finance.But for local voters who spoke with The Daily Item on Wednesday afternoon, it was party affiliation that made all the difference.Julie Beaver, who identified as a conservative and said she would vote for Baker, said he won?t have a chance if Massachusetts voters “continue to see the big D.”?I love our state. But the state is only one-party,” said Beaver.Resident Paul Dagres, a Democrat, said he would be surprised if Baker gets a big vote from his hometown since a majority of voters are Democrat.Swampscott resident Elaine McNaughton said she will be voting for Baker to align with her party, and said conservatives “need to stay strong” to have a big representation at the polls.McNaughton said she “hoped” that Baker has a shot. “This state needs something to turn us over,” she said. “We really need a change.”An unenrolled voter, Nahant Town Administrator Andy Bisignani said he was pleased Baker was running because of his adherence to conservative municipal finance.?I like a lot of his ideas and his programs,” said Bisignani, though he wouldn?t specify.