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State Rep. Mary Grant insists the potential of both a primary and general election challenge had nothing to do with her decision to call it quits after next year. But it’s quickly become apparent there are plenty of people in Beverly interested in running for her House seat.
There was speculation that John Burke might have been looking ahead to a run for the seat even as he was taking on Mayor Bill Scanlon this fall. And he’s one Democrat who would not be deterred from challenging an incumbent member of his own party.
Meanwhile, that very contentious mayoral race might be remembered as a tame affair if Corinne Ray — wife of the police chief and one of the subjects of Burke’s notorious anonymous letter of a few years ago — follows through on her talk of running for Grant’s seat.
And those are just a couple of Democrats thinking of taking a shot at the position. Councilor at large Pat Grimes and local attorney Jerry Parisella have all but announced their candidacies.
Meanwhile, a prominent Democrat has broached the possibility of a Republican primary pitting announced candidate Brett Schetzsle against Councilor at large Paul Guanci.
It appears Beverly voters will have plenty of choices.