Battle Of The Lawyers
Embattled lawmaker Anthony D. Galluccio is facing a battle of another kind - a primary challenge from Charlestown attorney Daniel C. Hill, who officially announced his candidacy last week.
Galluccio, 42, a Cambridge lawyer and Democratic state senator, has been under intense scrutiny since he allegedly rear-ended a minivan carrying a family of four on Oct. 4. Cambridge police later revealed that they gave Galluccio a ride home 13 hours before the accident because he was, in their opinion, too drunk to drive.
With a driving record that includes two previous convictions for operating under the influence, Galluccio now faces charges of leaving the scene of an accident that caused property damage and leaving the scene of an accident that caused personal injury.
Hill, 36, specializes in land use and environmental law and left the Cambridge-based firm Andersen & Krieger in 2008 to open a solo practice. He says he will challenge Galluccio in the Democratic primary next September because he has "always had an interest in public service" and has been "studying Mr. Galluccio's record and what he has accomplished and not accomplished for the district over the last three years."
Asked whether Galluccio's legal woes played a role in his decision, Hill says "it certainly is a factor, and he certainly has some legal problems right now, but in terms of timing my decision, I think smart candidates who are not that well known and are new to politics need to get into the race early."
By starting early, Hill can also raise more money: Campaign finance laws limit donors to a maximum of $500 per calendar year.
Hill says his practice in the areas of environmental law, land use and municipal law make him "particularly well qualified for the job. I have worked with folks who are trying to protect the environment and who go up against well-funded special interests. A lot of my clients have been municipalities and citizen groups, so I know what it's like to fight the hard issues on Beacon Hill."
A call seeking comment from Galluccio was returned by a spokesman, who said Galluccio "has long been committed to serving his constituents and he thinks that representing this district is the best job around. It's no surprise to him that others are interested in it, and that's what the election process is for."
Galluccio's criminal case is pending; he appeared in a Medford courtroom on Nov. 20 for a pre-trial hearing, after which he said he will work on "a number of life issues and personal issues."
He may also face issues with the Board of Bar Overseers. Attorneys familiar with the BBO say it is almost certain to pursue Galluccio in a disciplinary proceeding and may seek to suspend him pending the outcome of that case.
