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WEBSTER – One message was clear at the well-attended barbecue, Senator Richard T. Moore is going to be running for re-election. As campaign workers in red t-shirts emblazoned with the words “Re-Elect Senator Moore 2006” on their backs circulated through the overflow crowd at Indian Ranch on Sunday, the purpose of the event couldn’t have been more obvious. More than 300 area residents enjoyed a chicken dinner on the shores of Webster Lake on this ideal fall day to help Senator Dick Moore prepare for next year’s election season. 

Secretary of State William F. Galvin noted that despite competition from a “do or die” Red Sox baseball game and a key game by the New England Patriots, the size of the large crowd was a testament to the popularity of the veteran legislator. “You know, what we all know on Beacon Hill, that Senator Moore is a respected leader who effectively serves you and, especially on health care, everyone in the Commonwealth,” he told the crowd.

Shortly after Galvin’s remarks, Attorney General Thomas Reilly, a candidate for Governor in next year’s election, took the microphone proclaiming that, “I’m going all the way to the Governor’s Office with this campaign, and Senator Dick Moore will be right there at my side!” Reilly also praised Moore for his leadership role at the State House and for his work in reforming health care to help every resident of the state.

Reilly was the unquestioned winner of the “famous Chicken Poll,” that allows barbecue participants to express their preference for candidates in the 2006 election. According to Senator Moore, the poll, though clearly unscientific, is “generally accurate” at predicting the results of upcoming elections.

The annual “Road to Victory” Chicken Barbecue is one of Southern Worcester County’s most enduring political traditions and always draws a large number of political activists and friends of Senator Richard T. Moore (D-Uxbridge), as well as statewide officials and candidates. This year’s event was the first to be held at Indian Ranch, the popular country western venue located along Route 16 in Webster. For the past twenty six years, the Moore Committee has held the barbecue in Uxbridge at a function facility, but that business has since closed.

“We’re very pleased with the crowd. The turnout is always a bit less than in election years,” barbecue committee chairman Russ Trottier of Northbridge, noted. “And we were competing with a lot of other local events plus the Sox and Patriots, so we’re very happy to see so many of the senator’s friends and supporters in attendance,” he added.

Moore Committee chairman Richard M. Grady of Mendon, a lifelong friend of Senator Moore, explained that the barbecue helps to re-energize the senator’s supporters and keeps the loyal band together. “It’s like a reunion where we get to see a lot of good friends who appreciate the high caliber of public service and integrity that Dick Moore represents,” he stated.

Those sentiments were echoed by other speakers at the barbecue including State Representatives Marie J. Parente (D-Milford) and Paul Kujawski (D-Webster) as well as Dr. Sam Kelley, a candidate for Lt. Governor and Worcester Mayor Timothy Murray, who is mulling a bid for Lt. Governor himself.

Numerous other state and local officials were present to support Senator Moore and his wife, Joanne, as they geared up for a new election season. They included: Democratic State Committee members: Irene Kokocinski of Webster, Pauline Aucoin of Dudley, and Thomas Cullen of Uxbridge; Worcester County Register of Probate Steve Abraham; Southbridge Town Councillor Dale Ferron, Northbridge Selectman Charles Ampagoomian, Northbridge Town Manager Michael Coughlin, Millville Police Chief Timothy Ryan, Milford Veteran’s Agent John Pilla, former Milford Selectman John Seaver, Douglas Selectmen Shirley Mosczynski and Paula Brouillette, Douglas Tree Warden Leon Mosczynski, and Blackstone Selectman Robert Dubois.

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