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Former Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito Endorses Steve Xiarhos For State Rep On Cape

September 12, 2024

Former Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito recently made an endorsement in the Fifth Barnstable District state representative race.

Polito endorsed incumbent state Representative Steve Xiarhos (R-Barnstable) over fellow Barnstable resident Owen Fletcher, the Democrat in the race.

“I am confident that Steve is the right choice to keep delivering results for the people of Sandwich, Bourne, and Barnstable. I proudly endorse Steve Xiarhos for State Representative in the 5th Barnstable District,” Polito said in a press release from the Xiarhos campaign.

Polito also praised Xiarhos for being, in her opinion, an effective lawmaker. She highlighted a bill Xiarhos sponsored that allows injured police dogs to ride in an ambulance. The bill, which later became law, stems from the shooting in April 2018 of a police officer and his dog during an attempted arrest in Yarmouth, where Xiarhos was police chief at the time. The police officer, Sean Gannon, died. The dog, Nero, survived, but because of the state of the law at the time the dog could not be transported in an ambulance meant for people.

“As Lieutenant Governor, I had the privilege of collaborating with Steve Xiarhos on initiatives to make Cape Cod a better place to live, work, and raise a family,” Polito said in the written statement. “Together, we addressed many local issues where Steve played a key role in bridging the gap between state and local officials, ensuring critical projects moved forward. He was a trusted partner in our administration, and I greatly appreciated having him in the Legislature. For example, during his first term as a Representative, Steve successfully worked across party lines and united legislators to pass Nero’s law — a remarkable and rare accomplishment in today’s political landscape. It speaks volumes about Steve’s character and leadership.”
 
 “I’ve also known Steve for years through his advocacy for veterans as a Gold Star father and his distinguished law enforcement career,” Polito added. “I am continually impressed by his genuine compassion for everyone he encounters and the unwavering energy he brings to every task he undertakes.”

Xiarhos thanked Polito for the endorsement and praised her for her work as lieutenant governor from 2015 to 2023.
 
“Karyn Polito was a terrific Lieutenant Governor for our state for many years, and it was my honor to have been able to work with her. She was always there for our district whenever we needed her, ready to serve as a trusted partner and a resource for us with anything we asked the state to provide,” Xiarhos said in the release. “I am honored and humbled by her endorsement of my candidacy and I very much appreciate her kind words of support.”

Here are some endorsements Xiarhos has received so far, according to the release:

 

  • Former Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito

  • MA & Northern New England Laborers’ District Council (LIUNA)

  • The Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts

  • The State Police Association of Massachusetts PAC

  • Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association

  • Massachusetts Coalition of Police

  • The New England Police Benevolent Association

  • Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph McDonald

  • Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association

  • The Sandwich Police Association

  • Joint Base Cape Cod Fire Fighters Local S-28

  • The Bourne Republican Town Committee

  • The Sandwich Republican Town Committee

 

One example of an endorsement the Xiarhos campaign has not publicized yet is its support from Massachusetts Voters for Animals, an organization that supports animal welfare bills.

Xiarhos has represented the Fifth Barnstable District since 2021. 

The Fifth Barnstable District is a state representative district entirely located on Cape Cod. It includes: Precincts 10, 11, and 12 of

 

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