Republicans Consider Murphy for State Rep

With just over two weeks until the May 1 deadline to turn in nomination papers for State Representative, the 11th Plymouth District race still doesn't have an official Republican candidate.

With the approaching deadline, some Republicans are considering Easton Selectman Dan Murphy for the nomination. On Thursday, Easton Town Clerk Jeremy Gillis said a nomination form with 23 signatures supporting Murphy was turned in to .

A potential candidate would need 150 signatures to qualify.

"He’s a [accountant]," said Republican Patricia Locke, who serves as the chairperson of the Easton Republican Town Committee. "He’s fiscally responsible."

The Easton Republican Town Committee has not officially endorsed any candidate or potential candidate.

Locke said she called Murphy multiple times to urge him to obtain nomination papers.

Murphy, who is up for re-election to Easton's Board of Selectmen, said that given the looming deadline, he obtained nomination papers but he does not currently consider himself a State Rep candidate.

"No, I'm a candidate for re-election to the Board of Selectman and am committed to that," he said in a statement. "I have enjoyed my term and look forward to continuing our work together. I realize the Republican Town Committee is looking for candidates, and I have spoken with them, but any decision on that is premature.

"I hope the voters keep our board together and vote for myself and Colleen [Corona] on the 24th."

Murphy is running for one of two three-year Selectmen seats along with fellow incumbent , Finance Committee member and newcomer

In Massachusetts, residents can serve on a Board of Selectmen and as a State Representative. Anyone who receives the needed 150 signatures for State Rep has to accept a nomination before moving forward.

Currently, there are four confirmed Democratic candidates in the State Rep race, which includes all of Brockton's Ward 1, Ward 3-D, Ward 7-C and 7-D, and Precincts 1-5 in Easton.

Southeastern Regional School Committee Chair (D-Brockton) is running along with Brockton City Councilors and (D-Brockton). Easton resident (D) is also in the race. Each candidate is vying to replace Geraldine Creedon (D-Brockton),who at the end of her term.

"Geri Creedon, who has the seat now, is retiring," said Locke. "And, it is easier to win a seat that’s an open seat, so I thought it was very important that we get a fiscally responsible person to run for it."

Locke said she also contacted Kristine Abrams (R-Easton), Abrams, however, was not willing to run at this time, Locke said.

Republicans currently have limited representation on Beacon Hill. Of the 159 State Representatives in the Commonwealth, only 33 are Republicans.

Editor's Note: Claire Cronin is an Easton resident, however she is originally from Brockton. An original version of this article said Cronin was an Easton native. Patch regrets the error.