GOP’s Keiko Orrall launches run for state treasurer
Touting her fiscal conservative chops, state representative and national GOP Committeewoman Keiko Orrall yesterday launched a challenge to state Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, in a move that’s likely to draw up-ticket support from fellow Republican Gov. Charlie Baker.
“We’re excited about offering a different approach to governing. I believe it’s a winnable seat,” said Orrall, a Lakeville resident who described herself as a “strong partner” to Baker. “This is about problem solving, it’s not about politics. It’s about finding people who will work for the taxpayers, who will get the job done.”
Orrall, the first Asian-American woman to seek a constitutional office in state history, ascended to the national role in the Republican Party in 2016 with Baker’s public backing, defeating thenNational Committeewoman Chanel Prunier. Republicans yesterday nodded to the boost the governor could give.
“It doesn’t hurt to have the most popular governor in the country on top of the ticket,” said Ron Kaufman, a fellow RNC committee member who called Orrall’s campaign “good for her and good for the party.”
Baker, who is running for re-election, said he’s a “fan” of Orrall, and touted what he described as her bipartisan approach in the House, where Republicans are vastly outnumbered.
“If she turns out to be the only candidate on our side in the race, I would certainly support her candidacy,” Baker said.
But Orrall admitted her ties to the national party, and her vote in 2016 for President Trump, may be a political hurdle in deep blue Massachusetts. She describes herself as pro-life, but declined to say if she backs the MassGOP’s platform that supports “traditional marriage,” calling it a “settled” issue.
“It’s a challenging political climate. I believe that the people of Massachusetts want smart, efficient government and that they’ve seen that I’m focused on Massachusetts, that the governor is focused on Massachusetts,” Orrall said, adding that when it comes to Trump, there are “areas I agree and ones I disagree” with the president. For the latter, she pointed to Trump’s heavy hand on Temporary Protected Status.
But, she added, “This isn’t about the president, this is about the people of the commonwealth.”
In a statement, Goldberg said she’s proud of her track record since taking office in 2015, saying, “As a steward of our state’s finances, we have promoted fiscally responsible policies while breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for people all over the state.”