In order for first term state Rep. Pam Richardson to return to Beacon Hill next year, she will have to survive a tough primary against two challengers next Tuesday.

[img_assist|nid=1090|title=State Rep. Pam Richardson (D)|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=137|height=143]Richardson, of Framingham, is facing challenges from Dawn Harkness and Chris Walsh in Middlesex County's 6th District Democratic primary Tuesday. And, unfortunately for Richardson, it appears that the district's most notable political family is working against her.

In 2006, Richardson became the Democratic nominee for the seat when the district's longtime representative, Deborah Blumer, passed away just months before the election. Blumer's family backed Richardson, significantly boosting her chances at the nomination and in the general election.

This year, however, the Blumers have backed Harkness, who ran against Richardson in 2006 as an independent. More, Adam Blumer, Deborah's son, is Harkness' campaign manager.

Blumer told PolitickerMA.com that his and his father's decision to support Harkness wasn't because Richardson "did anything wrong." Rather, after interviewing them both individually, they found that Harkness "talked at length about how she would stay a force visible force in town."

Blumer said that struck a chord because they were disappointed that Richardson "wasn't a voice that was heard in town" the way his mother was."When there are really contentious issues, [Richardson] hasn't been writing letters to the editor to show what her points of view are...She sees the job as way more as just the votes on the hill."

[img_assist|nid=1125|title=Dawn Harkness|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=87|height=100]Harkness didn't hold back when asked about Richardson. She told PolitickerMA.com that she was "so disappointed" when the Democrats nominated Richardson in 2006. Richardson, she said, "frankly did not have the same leadership qualities that we saw in Debbie."

Richardson, Harkness said, lived up to those expectations on Beacon Hill.

"My predictions were true," Harkness said. "She didn't not turn out to be the type of leader that Framingham needs."

In particular, Harkness said that Richardson followed House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi's (D-Boston) lead in opposing Gov. Deval Patrick's (D-Milton) casino proposal. Most people in Framingham, Harkness said, supported the measure.

"Not only do I think she's active enough, I don't think she does her own thinking," Harkness said. "I think she is riding the coattails of Sal DiMasi's leadership."

Richardson declined numerous requests for interview. She did, however provide a statement. "I am the only candidate in the race with a proven record of results for Framingham," she said.

In particular, Richardson said she secured $12.9 million for infrastructure improvements in the Framingham Technology Park and a 15 percent increase in overall state aid for Framingham. She also pointed to her record of fighting "for a revised Chapter 70 Education formula leading to a 22 percent funding increase."

Additionally, $300,000 was allocated to the district to address improvements for downtown Framingham under her watch, she said.

"I feel that the citizens of Framingham appreciate my commitment to the town," Richardson said, "and I am optimistic they will support me on Sept. 16."

It should also be noted that despite the Blumers' endorsement and Harkness' attacks, Richardson raised more money this year. According to campaign finance reports, Richardson raised approximately $9,500 more this year than Harkness and is going into next week's primary with approximately $8,500 more in her bank account than Harkness. 

Walsh, the third candidate in the race, told PolitickerMA.com that his positions tend to be more moderate than Harkness and Richardson's. An architect, Walsh said he got into the race because he views solving problems from different perspective than the other two candidates.

"I am interested in making sure we are approaching our problems with a high degree of innovation and collaboration," Walsh said. "In essence this job is about dealing with people and it is about putting together pieces of legislation that require a lot of input, not a single person job."

Asked about Richardson, Walsh was far less critical than Harkness. He did say that it was "hard for me to say" what Richardson stands for.

"She stepped into a very difficult situation when Debbie Blumer died," Walsh said. "But the question is whether she is the best person for the job in the long term."