[img_assist|nid=278|title=Jen Benson with supporters last weekend|desc=Campaign Photo|link=none|align=left|width=401|height=342]

Jen Benson, the Democratic candidate vying to represent the Middlesex County's 37th District in the state House of Representatives, spent the weekend talking to voters in Harvard and Lunenburg and taking in July Fourth activities.

Benson, who currently chairs the Lunenburg School Committee, said state funding is on the minds of voters.

"I talked with voters from both Harvard and Lunenburg who were concerned about dwindling state aid and the affect it is having on our property taxes and on town services like road repair and schools," Benson said in a statement. "I have dealt with this issue first hand in Lunenburg, and Harvard and the other towns in the district are facing a similar set of problems."

Benson, who is fighting Republican Kurt Hayes for the 37th district seat, joined the Lunenburg Turkey Hill Lions Club on July 3 for its annual bonfire. In a statement, she commended the club for returning the bonfire to the community after a nine-year hiatus. "The Lunenburg Family Lions Club is doing a wonderful job making our town a better place through community service and by organizing events that bring us together," she said.

She then marched in Harvard's Fourth of July Parade with Jamie Eldridge, whom she is hoping to succeed in the state House of Representatives. Eldridge is currently running for the district's state Senate seat against Republican Steven Levy.

Benson was also joined by the members of the Harvard Democratic Town Committee in the parade.

"It was such a pleasure to have Jen and her family join us for our traditional Fourth of July celebration," said Dennis Bradley, Chair of the Harvard Democratic Town Committee. "Since she spent the day with us enjoying the festivities, it was a great opportunity for Harvard voters to really get to know her."

Reflecting on the weekend, Benson said it was a welcome progression in her campaign.

"I started by reaching out to elected officials in all of the towns and attending Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee and School Committee meetings," she said. "Now I am concentrating on talking with as many voters as I can."