Dawson, Livingstone Pick Up Key Endorsements

The campaigns for Democrats Joshua Dawson and Jay Livingstone have each been touting several endorsements as the May 28 primary for the open 8th Suffolk County House of Representatives seat draws near.

Most recently, Livingstone, a lawyer who lives on Beacon Hill, picked up the endorsements for the two most immediate past 8th Suffolk representatives, Democrats Marty Walz and Paul Demakis.

The seat is vacant because Walz resigned to become the new Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts president CEO. In a statement Thursday, the Livingstone campaign said Walz's endorsement is her own personal one and not on behalf of PPLM.

“The job of State Representative requires both policy expertise and a deep understanding of neighborhood issues,” said Walz in the statement. “I'm confident Jay Livingstone is the best candidate and will be a skilled State Representative.”

“As our State Representative, Jay Livingstone will continue the 8th Suffolk district's longstanding tradition of progressive, independent leadership at the State House, and vigorous advocacy to protect the quality of life in our neighborhoods.” said Demakis in the same statement. “I'm proud to endorse him.”

Livingstone's campaign also listed a series of endorsements from what they called "progressive supporters." These include: Mass Alliance, Progressive Massachusetts, the Progressive Democrats of Massachusetts, the Sierra Club of Massachusetts, the National Organization for Women - Massachusetts and Massachusetts Voters for Animals.

Meanwhile, Dawson, a Back Bay resident, former executive director of State Treasurer Steve Grossman’s political committee and former legislative and budget director for State Senator Thomas P. Kennedy (D-Brockton), has touted several endorsements of his own this week.

In an e-mail from his communications director Xakota Espinoza, Dawson recently picked up the endorsement of Cambridge City Councilor Leland Cheung.

In addition, Dawson has been endorsed by the Massachusetts Nurses Association, the Mass. Teachers Association, State Auditor Suzanne Bump, and state and local firefighters.

Here are lists of endorsements for Dawson and Livingstone on their respective campaign websites.

The 8th Suffolk district includes parts of Back Bay, Beacon Hill, West End, Fenway and Cambridge.