No sooner had former Cambridge mayor Anthony Galluccio ceded his ceremonial mayoral post to City Councilor Michael Sullivan last week, than word began to spread. Galluccio — a popular, up-and-coming pol who has topped the council ticket for the past three consecutive elections — is laying the groundwork to run for state Senate in the Middlesex, Suffolk, and Essex district, a seat currently occupied by Senate president Tom Birmingham. On January 11, Birmingham officially announced his long-anticipated bid for governor, which opens up his Senate seat (see "Birmingham Will Be Tough to Beat"). Also eyeing the opening is another popular, up-and-coming Cambridge pol: State Representative Jarrett Barrios, who could declare his candidacy any day now (see "The Education of Jarrett Barrios," News and Features, December 21, 2001). The Phoenix caught up with Galluccio this week and put the question of his possible Senate bid to him straight.

Q: So why this Senate seat?

A: It’s an open seat that represents a big piece of Cambridge and communities that have similar demographics. Everett, Charlestown, Saugus, and Revere are cities with working-class people who are facing issues that Cambridge is facing — housing, health care, employment, these are common challenges. In my mind, the Senate branch is the more powerful [legislative] branch. I think there has yet to be a state senator who has used that office to its fullest to bring communities together.

Q: Why now?

A: This is the time for me to move up to the next level. It’s an opportunity for me and my organization to bring communities together, as I tried to bring Cambridge residents together when I was mayor. The timing feels right.

Q: The seat has attracted formidable candidates like Representative Barrios. How does this figure in your consideration?

A: When you have an open seat, there are always candidates. There are always people who jump in the race. For me, it’s a matter of weighing your ability to win the election versus your challengers’ abilities. When my organization runs, we put everything into it.

Q: How would a Galluccio-Barrios primary ticket affect Cambridge?

A: I think residents will be proud that two Cambridge elected officials are trying to ensure the city is well represented in the race. But this is not a state-rep race. Multiple communities are involved. More candidates will likely toss their hats into the race. This probably won’t be a Galluccio-Barrios-only race. But I’m not running against Jarrett Barrios. If I do, I cannot win because this isn’t a one-on-one race. I am running as Anthony Galluccio. And at the end of the day, hopefully, more people will believe my candidacy is the better one.

Q: What’s stopping you from declaring your candidacy today?

A: I’m comfortable with my organization’s strength and the [seat’s] geographic area. I’ve been making phone calls and meeting lots of people. There’s nothing about Cambridge or the other places that gives me pause. I haven’t seen anything that would dissuade me. So, really, nothing is stopping me, other than I haven’t faxed a press release to you with the date and time.

Q: So will we hear within days that you’re going to run?

A: Yes. As of now, I have a lot of optimism.