Politics & Government
Lyons Plans to Enter State Rep Race
Nomination papers won't be available for another few weeks, but contested races for state office are already shaping up for this fall.
The state election this fall is going to be spirited as is with a full-on governor's race and Republican Richard Tisei now signaling another run at Congressman John Tierney, but Danvers voters will likely have another animated local election to decide as well.
Peabody Republican Tom Lyons released an announcement Wednesday, saying he will kick off his campaign Feb. 13 at Supino's Restaurant in Danvers to challenge longtime state Rep. Ted Speliotis.
Speliotis, a Democrat, represents Danvers, West Peabody and part of Middleton now in the 13th Essex District and is one of the most senior members of the Mass. House of Representatives. He's served nearly 30 years in the House.
Lyons lives in West Peabody, but is a Danvers native and graduated from Danvers High in 1981. He owns C.K. Lyons Plumbing & Heating Co. and is a Lt. Colonel in the Civil Air Patrol and commander of the Beverly Composite Squadron at Beverly Airport.
The past two elections Speliotis successfully fought off challenges from Danvers Republican Selectman Dan Bennett. It remains to be seen how Lyons' ties to both Danvers and Peabody play out in the race.
No potential candidates have surfaced yet to indicate whether they will mount a challenge to state Sen. Joan Lovely for the 2nd Essex District.
Nomination papers won't be available until Feb. 11 and must be filed by May 27 for district races. The state primary will be held Sept. 9.
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