Rahilly Refuses to Endorse Tomasek

Smarting from a sound defeat in a tough primary battle, Republican State Senate candidate Patrick Rahilly of Tewksbury vowed not to support GOP nominee Jamison Tomasek of Andover in the upcoming General Election against State Rep. Barry Finegold.

Rahilly, who lost 59-41 percent, despite winning his hometown by a 3-1 margin, made the spech at Mavericks in Tewksbury and sent copies to members of the media.

In his speech, Rahilly cited what he felt were personal attacks made against his family during the campaign by Tomasek and his supporters.

Rahilly described Tomasek as "one who has attacked me and my family personally (Tomacek) who I would never endorse and one who I admire his legal skill and intelligence (Finegold), but I strongly disagree with his legislative principles and would never vote for, this is an awful position to be in as an American. "

In a posting on his Facebook page later in the evening, Rahilly reiterated the position.

"It's not bitter nor angry. I don't want people to think that! It is unfortunately the way I feel. Tonight the best man did not win," he said.

Rahilly has repeatedly called himself an independent and not in lockstep with any one party. In his concession speech, he called on his supporters to follow a similar path.

"Do me this one favor," he said. "Don't ever compromise your beliefs to conform to a party or anyone else's."

Tomasek declined to9 comment on  Rahilly's remarks.