BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) – First lady Michelle Obama supported gubernatorial candidate Martha Coakley at a campaign event in Boston Friday.
Coakley hugged the first lady when she arrived at the Strand Theater in Dorchester. Her appearance was an attempt by Democrats to excite the base in what may be a low turnout November election for governor.
"If you all want a governor to stand up to powerful interests, if you want a governor who is truly on your side, then you need to elect Martha Coakley on Nov. 4," the first lady said.
Drumming up excitement for the race for governor has been a struggle that analysts attribute to voter fatigue or lack of passion for the candidates.
Mrs. Obama said this would be a tight race, and urged the crowd to show up to the polls.
"Barack won because of women and record numbers of minorities and young people who showed up to vote. That's why he won. That's the power of what we can do," she said.
The first lady's speech highlighted a lot of issues that appeal to women, a key voting block Coakley has been trying to court. Themes we have also heard from Coakley.
"As governor I'm going to continue to fight for fairness for all workers, we will provide earned sick time for all, yes! And we will work to close the gender wage gap," Coakley said.
At least one recent poll shows Coakley losing ground among women to Republican Charlie Baker.
Coakley is hoping big name Democrats, like Mrs. Obama and even Hillary Clinton, who is reportedly also making a stop in Massachusetts to boost Coakley's campaign, will help her close this deal.
Baker says he believes his message is resonating, and he's just focusing forward.
"I hope the first lady and Hillary Clinton, especially Hillary Clinton, if they come up, enjoy their time here. This is a great state and a great place. I'm just going to keep running my race, and talking about our plans to build a stronger economy, and bring balance to Beacon Hill," he said.
The first lady was here, no doubt because the president's approval numbers have taken a dive nationally and, yes, even here in deep blue Massachusetts.
The event itself at the Strand Theater was free, but there was a separate small fundraiser attached where the Coakley camp had hoped to raise between $100,000 and $150,000.
