Guzzi, Harrington Chosen For Caucus Endorsement

A caucus of liberal Massachusetts Democrats endorsed State Rep. Paul Guzzi '65 of Newton for secretary of state and Edward F. Harrington of Needham for attorney general at a meeting in Framingham this weekend.

Mass Caucus '74, organized by members of the Americans for Democratic Action and other liberals, in recent years has been an effective spokesman for the liberal wing of the party, even though it has no official standing in the Democratic Party.

Guzzi gained the endorsement of the Mass Caucus '74 when Boston City Councilman Lawrence S. DiCara '71 and State Rep. John A. Businger of Brookline withdrew after the second ballot, on which Guzzi had received 48 per cent of the vote while DiCara had 44 per cent and Businger four per cent.

DiCara said yesterday that he withdrew because he is "more interested in a reform-oriented candidate than I am in my own future."

He also said that there are "no real differences on the issues" between Guzzi and himself and that he will support Guzzi against incumbent Secretary of State John F. X. Davoren in the Democratic primary on September 10. DiCara criticized Davoren for his "lack of leadership" on voting rights and election reforms.

Return to Responsibilities

DiCara said that he now plans to concentrate his efforts on his responsibilities as Boston city councilman.

Guzzi said yesterday that he plans to base his campaign on his achievements in the state legislature and on Davoren's record as secretary of state.

"For the last four years, I have been actively involved in election law reform and other issues in the legislature," Guzzi said. "During the same period, Davoren has been secretary of state. He has neither carried out the duties of his office nor has he proposed needed reforms in the election laws."

Guzzi was a fellow at the Kennedy School of Government last semester. He took a leave of absence from his position there in order to run for secretary of state.

Harrington, former head of the New England Organized Crime Strike Force, won the caucus endorsement on the third ballot by garnering more than the required 60 per cent of the vote. Harrington had led on the two previous ballots, receiving 47 per cent of the vote on the first and 57 per cent on the second.

Harrington yesterday called his endorsement a "tremendous barometer" of the public sentiment. He said that his victory reflected the desire of the people for "new faces" and for "non-politicians instead of politicians."

Harrington has never before sought an elected public office.

Harrington will face substantial opposition in the September 10 primary. He will be opposed by former Lt. Gov. Francis X. Bellotti, who did not participate in the caucus. In addition, Harrington will have competition from several of the caucus participants.