Politics

Grossman forms gubernatorial committee

by Seth Gitell

STEP ONE: Grossman shows he means business.

Massachusetts voters are one step closer to learning who Steve Grossman is.

Grossman announced Monday that he's taking the first official step toward declaring his candidacy for governor -- forming an exploratory committee. The announcement confirms speculation that he is considering a run (see "Is Grossman Our Next Governor?", News and Features, March 17). Grossman is the president of MassEnvelopePlus, a Somerville printing company, and the former head of the state and national Democratic Parties.

"I think I offer an alternative to a group of different candidates, most of whom are my friends and most of whom would be better than what we have now," says Grossman. His potential Democratic rivals include, among others, Senate president Thomas Birmingham and former US congressman Joe Kennedy.

One reason Grossman is starting up his committee so early is to prove to naysayers that he is serious about a run and not a dilettante, as critics have charged. "I do think it's critical that I'm able to show credibility on a number of levels organizationally and an ability to be competitive financially," says Grossman. "When the laws in the state don't allow you to raise more than $500 per person, you can't allow yourself to get that far behind." Birmingham, in particular, has been focusing on raising money for his own potential run.

Grossman's committee co-chairs are MarDee Xifara, a New Bedford attorney and long-time member of the national and state Democratic committees, and former DNC treasurer Alan Solomont. Attorney Joel Sherman, a friend of Grossman's, will serve as treasurer.