• Media Advisory
  Election Days Plans for Democaratic State Senate Candidate Sara Orozco
  November 3, 2008
  CLICK HERE
   
• Bay Windows
  State races
  October 30, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
   
• The Sun Chronicle
  Brown, Orozco clash over life science, slots
  October 30, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
   
• Needham Times
  Letter To The Editor
  Orozco would create local change
  October 30, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
   
• Needham Times
  Letter To The Editor
  Orozco: Always work to improve others' quality of life
  October 30, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
   
• Needham Times
  Letter To The Editor
  Orozco values education
  October 30, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
   
• Sun Chronicle
  Letter to the Editor
  Choices clear in area Senate, House races
  October 30, 2008
  READ TEXT
   
• Milford Daily News
  State Senate candidates square off
  October 29, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
   
• PolitickerMA.com
  Orozco nearly matches Brown in fundraising, but trails significantly in cash on hand
  October 29, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
   
• PolitickerMA.com
  Markey to campaign for Orozco, Conroy
  October 29, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
   
• The Daily News Tribune
  Orozco, Brown race to State House
  October 29, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
   
• The Boston Phoenix
  For State Senate
  October 29, 2008
  In the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District, political newcomer Sara Orozco has demonstrated that she is more than just an anti–Scott Brown vote (although given Brown's conservative record, and particularly his opposition to same-sex marriage, that is probably enough to earn reform votes). Over the course of the campaign, Orozco has shown that she is ready to make real contributions to health care, housing, jobs, and education. The Phoenix suggests residents of those districts cast their votes for Eldridge and Orozco .
  READ ONLINE
   
• PolitickerMA.com
  Patrick campaigning for Orozco
  October 28, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
   
• Sun Chronicle
  To The Editor
  Send this problem solver to Massachusetts Senate
  October 28, 2008
  READ TEXT
   
• The Boston Globe
  Legislative endorsements
  October 27, 2008
  The Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District is a tougher call. The Republican incumbent, Scott Brown, knows this serpentine district - which stretches from Wayland to Attleboro - far better than Democratic newcomer Sara Orozco does. Beacon Hill benefits from budget skeptics; Brown has been one. But we often disagree with him on social issues. And on some key matters, such as nudging towns into the state's group-insurance system even if employee unions balk, Orozco is more committed to the fiscally responsible course. The Globe endorses Sara Orozco for this seat.
  READ ONLINE
   
• Wicked Local - Plainville
  To The Editor
  Orozco: intelligent, articulate, committed
  October 24, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
   
• Wicked Local - Plainville
  To The Editor
  Bill would have restricted school discussion
  October 24, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
   
• Wicked Local - Plainville
  To The Editor
  Orozco deserves voters' support
  October 24, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
   
• Wicked Local - Plainville
  To The Editor
  Orozco, a voice the district needs
  October 24, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
   
• Wicked Local - Plainville
  Brown, Orozco to debate
  October 23, 2008
  READ TEXT
   
• Wicked Local - Plainville
  Orozco tries for first term in Senate
  October 23, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
   
• Wayland Town Crier
  To The Editor
  Brown will say anything to get re-elected
  October 23, 2008
  I'd already had it up to my eyeballs with negative campaigning from the Republicans when Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, started his shenanigans against Sara Orozco ...
  READ TEXT
   
• Wayland Town Crier
  To The Editor
  Teacher endorses Sara Orozco for state Senate
  October 23, 2008
  As a Massachusetts schoolteacher in the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District, I want to tell my fellow teachers across the district about the importance of making Democrat Sara Orozco our next state senator ...
  READ TEXT
   
• Wayland Town Crier
  To The Editor
  Vote Orozco and Obama
  October 23, 2008
  I'm writing about the relatively quiet, but nevertheless very important race for state Senate between a rising political star, Sara Orozco, a Democrat from Needham, and the incumbent Republican from Wrentham, Scott Brown ...
  READ TEXT
   
• The Sun Chronicle
  To the Editor
  Make vote count for better education
  October 22, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
   
• The Sun Chronicle
  To the Editor
  Put a fresh face in the Senate
  October 22, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
   
• Wicked Local - Wellesley
  State Senate hopefuls duke it out over economy
  October 21, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
   
• MetroWest Daily News
  To the Editor
  Direct Line #8: Local candidates speak
  October 19, 2008
  READ TEXT
  
   
• The Sun Chronicle
  To the Editor
  Keep Saras straight when you head to polls
  October 19, 2008
  READ TEXT
   
• Media Advisory
  S ara Orozco and Rep. Lida Harkins to host "No on Question One" town meeting
  Orozco and Harkins want voters to know the consequences to Needham
  October 13, 2008
  CLICK HERE
   
• Press Release
  Democratic Sara Orozco "Knocks" on nearly a thousand doors over the weekend
  Voters across the district answer Orozcos virtual door knock
  October 13, 2008
  CLICK HERE
   
• MetroWest Daily News
  To the Editor
  Direct Line #7: Local candidates speak
  October 12, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
   
• Needham Times
  To The Editor
  Orozco willing to make changes
  October 9, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
   
• Needham Times
  To The Editor
  Harkins, Orozco host "No on One"
  October 9, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
   
• MetroWest Daily News
  Direct Line #6: Local candidates speak
  October 5, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
   
• Wicked Local - Wayland
  To The Editor
  Vote for Sara Orozco
  October 2, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
  
   
• Wicked Local - Wayland
  To The Editor
  Sara Orozco would be a better State Senator
  October 2, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
   
• MetroWest Daily News
  Direct Line #5: Local candidates speak
  Posted Sep 28, 2008 @ 12:24 AM
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
   
• The Sun Chronicle
  Candidate cites risk to health care
  By Jim Hand, Sun Chronicle Staff
  Friday, September 26, 2008 3:04 AM EDT
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
   
• Wicked Local - Wayland
  To The Editor
  Sara Orozco is a breath of fresh air
  September 25, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
  
   
• MetroWest Daily News
  Direct Line #4: Local candidates speak
  Posted Sep 22, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
  
   
• Media Advisory
  Democratic Candidate, Sara Orozco,
  Takes Her 1:12:1 Framework to Wrentham
  Invites public to community meeting on health care
  September 21, 2008
  CLICK HERE
   
• Wicked Local - Wayland
  To The Editor
  Sara Orozco tackles health care issues
  September 18, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
   
• MetroWest Daily News
  Direct Line #3: Local candidates speak
  September 14, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
   
• The Sun Chronicle
  To the Editor
  She's determined in race for State Senate
  Posted Sep 13, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
   
• The Sun Chronicle
  To the Editor
  Empathetic listener deserves your vote
  September 12, 2008
  READ ONLINE
  READ TEXT
   
• The Pink Donkey
  A Blog by Wellesley College Democrats
  September 12, 2008
  READ ONLINE
   
• MetroWest Daily News
  To the Editor
  Sara Orozco for Health Care
  Posted Sep 07, 2008
  READ TEXT
   
• The MetroWest Daily News
  Local Candidates Speak
  September 7, 2008
  CLICK HERE
   
• Bay Windows
  Gov. Patrick takes our advice
  by Laura Kiritsy, Editor-in-chief
  September 5, 2008
  CLICK HERE
  
• Press Release
  Governor Deval Patrick, Congressman Barney Frank come out strong for State Senate candidate Sara Orozco
  September 4, 2008
  CLICK HERE
  VIEW PHOTOS
   
• Wicked Local Wayland
  To the Editor
  Sara Orozco for State Senate
  September 2, 2008
  READ TEXT
   
• The Sun Chronicle
  Guest Column: Health care workers
  key to our future
  by Sara Orozco & Peter Smulowitz
  September 2, 2008
  READ ONLINE
  READ TEXT
   
• MetroWest Daily News
  Direct Line: Local candidates speak
  August 31, 2008
  READ TEXT
  READ ONLINE
   
• Media Advisory
  Democratic Candidate, Sara Orozco,
  Launches 1:12:1 Framework
  August 26, 2008
  CLICK HERE
   
• Massachusetts Nurses Association Endorses
  Sara Orozco for State Senate
  CLICK HERE
   
• PolitickerMA.com
  Orozco boasts new organization in race against Brown
  By Jeremy P. Jacobs
  August 22, 2008
  READ TEXT
   
• The Boston Phoenix
  Talking Politics: The underdog
  By David S. Bernstein
  August 13, 2008
  READ ONLINE
  READ TEXT
   
• Needham Times
  Needham's Orozco kicks off Senate campaign
  By Christine Hall
  Tue Jul 01, 2008, 01:10 PM EDT
  READ ONLINE
  READ TEXT
   
• Needham Times
  To the Editor
  The need to elect more women
  July 10, 2008
  READ ONLINE
  READ TEXT
  
• ElPlaneta.com
  Necesitamos un senador que sienta de verdad los problemas de los latinos
  by Virginia Gomez
  July 3, 2008
  READ ONLINE
   
• Bay Windows
  Orozco advocates longer school days; angers kids
  by Laura Kiritsy, Editor-in-chief
  July 2, 2008
  READ ONLINE
   
• The Sun Chronicle
  Senate hopeful visits Attleboro
  By Kathryn Connelly
  June 29, 2008
  READ TEXT (pdf)
   
• Press Release
  Sara Orozco kicks off her campaign
  in Needham, Attleboro
  June 29, 2008
  READ TEXT
  VIEW PHOTOS
   
• Press Release
  Needham Democrat for State Senate
  to kick off campaign
  June 26, 2008
  READ TEXT
  
• The Boston Globe
  Gay challenger for Senate seat takes wider view learn
  June 26, 2008
  READ ONLINE
  READ TEXT
   
• The Sun Chronicle
  To the Editor
  State Senate candidate ready to listen and learn
  May 12, 2008
  READ ONLINE
  READ TEXT
   
• The Milford Daily News
  Democrat Orozco to challenge Sen. Brown
  May 06, 2008 @ 07:36 PM
  READ TEXT (pdf)
   
• In News Weekly
  Sara Orozco Delivers 943 Signatures
  Orozco has submitted 943 signatures, more than three-times the number needed to secure a spot in the state Senate race in her Mass. district
  May 07, 2008
  READ TEXT
   
• Press Release
  Democrat Sara Orozco Delivers 943 Signatures
  May 5, 2008
  READ TEXT
   
• The Signal: Georgia State University
  GSU graduate campaigns for seat in Mass. State Senate
  April 1, 2008
  READ TEXT
   
• Needham Times
  Editorial: Competition is healthy
  Wed Feb 27, 2008, 09:19 AM EST
  READ ONLINE
  READ TEXT (pdf)
   
• Needham Times
  Needham psychologist Sara Orozco to challenge Scott Brown for Senate seat
  By Heather McCarron
  Tue Feb 26, 2008, 10:51 AM EST
  READ ONLINE
  READ TEXT (pdf)
   
• Needham Times
  Needham psychologist Sara Orozco braces for State Senate Run
  By Steven Ryan
  Wed Mar 05, 2008, 02:07 PM EST
  READ ONLINE
  READ TEXT (pdf)
   
• Bay Windows
  Scott Brown goin' down?
  by Laura Kiritsy, Editor-in-chief
  Thursday Mar 6, 2008
  READ ONLINE
  READ TEXT (pdf)
   
• Bay Windows
  Out lesbian candidate challenges anti-equality pol
  by Laura Kiritsy
  Editor-in-chief
  Saturday Mar 1, 2008
  READ ONLINE
  READ TEXT (pdf)
   
• The Sun Chronicle
  Needham woman says she'll challenge Brown for Senate seat
  BY JIM HAND SUN CHRONICLE STAFF
  Monday, February 25, 2008 11:49 PM EST
  READ ONLINE
  READ TEXT (pdf)
   
• The Milford Daily News
  Orozco to challenge Brown for Senate seat
  By Heather McCarron/Daily News staff
  Posted Feb 25, 2008 @ 09:19 PM
  READ ONLINE
  READ TEXT (pdf)
   
• Press Release
  Dr. Sara Orozco announces candidacy for Norfolk,
  Bristol and Middlesex State Senate Seat
  READ TEXT

Wayland Town Crier
To The Editor
Brown will say anything to get re-elected
October 23, 2008
I'd already had it up to my eyeballs with negative campaigning from the Republicans when Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, started his shenanigans against Sara Orozco.

In his telephone "whisper" campaign, he gossips about Sara and implies that something's wrong with her character. He tells voters in the southern part of the district that Sara has never campaigned here when, in fact, Sara has been here numerous times, even to host two community meetings.

In his recent robo-call, he states, untruthfully, that the governor is trying to cut the budget on the backs of the suburbs to protect the cities , and that we need him on Beacon Hill to protect us. Fear tactics! Republicans think they can scare people stupid, and then we'll vote for them.

Brown voted against the governor's life sciences legislation – an initiative that could very well be the next "Massachusetts Miracle" – while at the same time claiming to have co-written it (he didn't). Brown beat the drum to "let the people vote" in 2007, but now he's saying that he will not listen to the people's will on Question 1.

Brown tells people that he works 24/7 as the senator for our district. Yet his own financial disclosure statements prove he has earned $60,000 to $100,000 a year in his private law practice in each of the past five years.

Apparently Mr. Brown will say anything to get elected. Put a stop to Brown's negative campaigning for once and for all. Cast your vote for Sara Orozco on Nov. 4.

Wayne Bryant
Mirimichi Street, Plainville

Wayland Town Crier
To The Editor
Teacher endorses Sara Orozco for state Senate
October 23, 2008
As a Massachusetts schoolteacher in the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District, I want to tell my fellow teachers across the district about the importance of making Democrat Sara Orozco our next state senator.

In an unstable economy, towns often cut school budgets – sometimes right down to the bone. In Franklin, where a Proposition 2-1/2 override was defeated this year, 44 teachers were laid off, and health, physical education, music and language programs were reduced or eliminated. This could happen in any town, and will, if something isn't done to bring jobs back into our district.

Through her support of the life sciences initiative in Massachusetts, Sara will work to realign our public educational institutions – from acceleration of high school science education through partnerships between local colleges (like BCC) and the life sciences industry – to deliberately feed smarter, better trained, home-grown workers to local companies. More workers means more tax revenue. More tax revenue means better funding for schools. More funding for schools is better for everyone. (By the way, Sara's Republican opponent voted against the life sciences bill.)

Sara's vision makes education the cornerstone of a vibrant economy, rather than something to be cut when the going gets tough. The American Federation of Teachers and the Boston Teachers Union realized this when they endorsed her. And that's just one of the many reasons I will cast my vote for Sara Orozco for state Senate on Nov. 4. I hope you'll join me.

Thomas Jacques
Highland Avenue, Needham

Wayland Town Crier
To The Editor
Vote Orozco and Obama
October 23, 2008
I'm writing about the relatively quiet, but nevertheless very important race for state Senate between a rising political star, Sara Orozco, a Democrat from Needham, and the incumbent Republican from Wrentham, Scott Brown.
This race may not have made your radar screen yet, because in Wayland you have to be a political scientist to keep track of what district you're in, and who's representing who for what. However, when it comes to the state's upper house, Wayland is in the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District, along with 12 other towns that run as far south as Plainville and Wrentham, where Brown hails from. So the race does concern us, and it's in your best interest to make sure Wayland's voice is heard and that your values will be represented.
When I asked myself who I wanted speaking for me and making legislative decisions, it became an easy decision. I will enthusiastically vote for Sara Orozco because she represents the Democratic values I embrace. In fact, I will vote for Orozco for the same reason I am going to vote for Obama.

Like Obama, Orozco is impressive, having overcome improbable chances of succeeding. She was born the daughter of Cuban immigrants, put herself through college by playing volleyball, then went on to earn her PhD in psychology and an academic appointment at Harvard Medical School. She also became certified as a business coach and founded a leadership development and training firm.

Along the way, Sara also survived breast cancer. She is the proud single mother of two young boys. Like Obama, her up-from-the-bootstraps experience left her grateful for the opportunities she had. It led to community activism. Today both are consumed with a remarkable desire to serve the public and bring about changes for the common good.

Orozco too is highly intelligent and a good communicator. When she listens, you can see that somebody's home. Being a skilled, trained listener will make her more effective. Though hardly the skilled orator that Obama is, she speaks with the same optimism, intensity, thoughtfulness and earnestness. This Sara does not chide others who live differently for being un-American, nor does she parrot tired, divisive clichés. When Orozco talks, you know she's thinking and that she understands. Equally important, I like what she has to say.

Like Obama, she is forward thinking, yet grounded. She talks at once of possibilities and practical considerations. Her demeanor is similarly energetic and positive. Orozco's all about equal rights and equal opportunity, enabling the middle class, and living the American dream. She chooses a pragmatic problem-solving approach when addressing issues, as does Obama, but she applies them to the crying local needs she's witnessed. Orozco is particularly keen on making improvements to our health care system, due to her two decades of experience in the field.

Now more than ever we need extraordinary people in office at all levels, people like Obama and Orozco who have what it takes to address the huge problems that affect us all daily. We need standouts concerned with our future and the common good. We do not need another ambitious Republican cutout representing us at the state Senate. I want a healthy change there too. That's why I urge you to vote Orozco!

Sylvia Dickens
Shawmut Avenue
 

The Sun Chronicle
Candidate cites risk to health care
Friday, September 26, 2008 3:04 AM EDT

WRENTHAM - State Senate candidate Sara Orozco said Thursday the state has made good progress in providing health care insurance to its residents, but high costs are threatening the system. She said more than 400,000 residents who lacked health insurance are now covered by the state's universal system, but costs have to be brought under control or it will become too expensive for residents, businesses and the state.

Speaking at a forum at Fiske Library, Orozco said the cost of providing insurance to previously uninsured residents is running higher than expected. The state had budgeted $472 million for its health insurance program for fiscal year 2008, and the costs came in at $717 million. Costs are expected to rise to $869 million and $1.35 billion over the next two years, she said.

"Our biggest challenge right now is to keep it alive," she said of the new system. "Our biggest risk is, can we afford to continue this?"

The future is also clouded by the possibility that the federal government will cut the $400 million it contributes to the system. Orozco is a Democrat running against state Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham. Brown's office declined comment.

The forum at the library only attracted five voters, but they participated in a lengthy discussion of health care issues with Orozco and Dr. Peter Smulowitz. Smulowtiz explained the new system which has led to Massachusetts having the lowest rate of uninsured residents in the nation. He said 439,000 of the estimated 600,000 Massachusetts residents who lacked coverage in 2006 have been brought into the system.

After the forum, Orozco said the state recently passed a bill aimed at controlling health care costs, such as providing more primary care doctors and computerizing medical records. While the state waits to see if those steps work, she said more should be done to prevent disease , get people to stop smoking and encourage better nutrition and physical education for children to prevent obesity. Orozco also said the state should consider medical malpractice reform to hold down costs.

PolitickerMA.com
Orozco boasts new organization in race against Brown
By Jeremy P. Jacobs
August 22, 2008

Democrat Sara Orozco has a new campaign organization that she believes has her on track to take down state Sen. Scott Brown.

Sara Orozco (D-Needham)In an interview with PolitickerMA.com, Orozco, a Needham psychologist and small business owner, said she has been nothing but pleased with how her campaign is running.

"Our campaign organization is coming together great," she said.

Orozco recently hired Dan Hoffer as her campaign manager, replacing Jenna Wilson who was at the helm in the campaign's early stages. Hoffer has previously organized Boston University students for U.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-Boston) during his presidential run in 2004 and led an effort to organize students for Deval Patrick (D-Milton), during his 2006 campaign.

"He has just come on board with a tremendous background," Orozco said. "He's really gelling together all the moving parts. We have a lot of fantastic people on board."

Statewide political analysts have had a hard time handicapping Orozco's bid to unseat Brown (R-Wrentham). The district is divided between liberal communities in the north (Wellesley and Needham) and conservative areas in the south (Wrentham and Attleboro).

Brown is also considered to be a rising star of the state's Republican Party and many note him as a possible GOP gubernatorial candidate in the future. Brown's cache has led many progressive Democrats to focus their attention on the race, since an Orozco win could send a symbolic message to a Republican Party that already has a small contingent in the Statehouse.

Orozco has also hired Scott Ferson of the Liberty Square Group to consult on the campaign's media strategy. Ferson, a former press secretary for U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Hyannis Port), has also consulted for Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray (D-Worcester), U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-South Boston) and on Murray and Gov. Deval Patrick's 2006 campaign.

She has also hired Dan Cohen of Connection Strategies as her pollster. Cohen is also polling for Sonia Chang-Diaz (D), who is challenging state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson (D-Boston). (Cohen was behind the internal poll Chang-Diaz released this week that sent waves through the political worlds.)  The state Democratic Party, Orozco added, has help get the campaign up and running.

"The party has been incredibly helpful," she said. "They have offered strategic planning and phone banking for us."

The Party has also contacted local Democratic leaders in the district about the campaign, Orozco said. It has been "an unbelievable resource and always there when I make a phone call and ask for help."

Since officially launching her bid at the end of June, Orozco has focused on canvassing and fundraising. She spends three to four hours every day on the phone asking for contributions, she said, then knocks on doors in the district in the evening. The campaign has also hosted three fundraisers per week since then, and it is currently organizing a fundraiser with the governor on Sept. 3 in Wellesley.

And during her canvassing, Orozco said she hears that voters are frustrated with Brown in large part because, as a Republican, he has little clout in Democratic-controlled Statehouse.

"When I am talking to people in the district they say to me that they don't feel heard," she said. "They feel like they would like to have more access to the leadership and they are frustrated with [Brown's] style."

Needham Times
To the Editor
The need to elect more women
July 10, 2008

On Saturday, I attended a wonderful campaign kick-off event on the Town Common for Needham resident, Sara Orozco, a highly qualified Democrat running to represent Needham and 11 other communities in the Massachusetts State Senate. I was so impressed and inspired by our long-time State Rep. Lida Harkins, who introduced Sara and publicly endorsed her candidacy. Rep. Harkins both welcomed a relative newcomer to the world of Massachusetts politics, and reminded us of the embarrassing gender imbalance on Beacon Hill and the need to elect more women. It was a classy and powerful message for the many young girls that were there with their parents, including my own two daughters. Needham residents will be lucky to have both Lida and Sara representing them at the State House in 2009

Rachel Busby, Paul Revere Road

Needham Times
Needham's Orozco kicks off Senate campaign
By Christine Hall
July 01, 2008

A crowd gathered in front of the Needham Town Hall Saturday morning as Needham resident Sara Orozco announced her campaign for the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District seat in the state Senate. As the only Democrat in the race, Orozco will face Republican incumbent state Sen. Scott Brown, who has served since early 2004, in the upcoming November election.

Orozco is a practicing psychologist and mother of two. Her sons attend public school in the Needham, which, she said, is why education — in addition to health care and the economy — is one of her top priorities.

State Rep. Lida Harkins, who also serves as chairman of the Democratic Town Committee in Needham and works alongside Brown, said that she came to the event to formally endorse Orozco, who, she said, is well known in the district and among the local members of the Democratic Party. Harkins added, however, that candidates running in the district really have to reach out to voters, citing Needham's registration statistics.

"You really have to work for your votes," she said. "I think about 50 percent of the people in Needham are unenrolled. There's a slightly higher percentage of enrolled Democrats than there are Republicans, but any candidate in either party really has to reach out to the voters generally."

Orozco, who collected more than three times the number of required signatures to place her name on the ballot, addressed issues that many voters from the district have. She said that in regards to the construction of casinos in the state, she is personally against gambling and the casino industry, but is open to hearing proposals if such an industry would boost the Massachusetts economy. She also said that she feels Proposition 2 1/2 tax overrides should be used as a last resort, and that local aid should be increased for cities and towns.

Although her resume lacks political experience, Orozco told the crowd that her work as a psychologist and experience in the health-care field would benefit the district if she were elected.

"I want to be able to work with a state government system that helps us all out. I am not a career politician," she said. "I did not run for office because it was the next step in my career path. I decided to run because of what I do every day — listening to people and solving problems are two skills that I think are really necessary right now on Beacon Hill."

Pedro Garrido, a Needham resident and long-time friend of Orozco, said he came to the event to show his support for change in the district.

"I support her because we need an alternative to Scott Brown," he said. "His record is not the record of most people in this district. I don't really know what he stands for besides continuing more of the same. More of the same hasn't worked. It hasn't worked in Washington, and it hasn't worked here."

The Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex districts include Attleboro (wards 1, 2, 3 and precinct A), Franklin (precincts 2, 3 and 4), Millis, Natick (precincts 6, 7, 9 and 10), Needham, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Sherborn, Wayland, Wellesley (precincts B, F and G) and Wrentham.

The Boston Globe
Gay challenger for Senate seat takes wider view
By Calvin Hennick, Globe Correspondent
June 26, 2008

If elected this fall, Needham psychologist Sara Orozco could be the only openly gay member serving in the state Senate. But some gay-rights advocates say attitudes in Massachusetts have shifted enough that her sexual orientation no longer represents the electoral hurdle it once was.

"It seems to be less of an issue" than in previous years, said Matt McTighe, political director of MassEquality, a group whose top priority is protecting the legality of same-sex marriage in the state. The group has endorsed Orozco. "I think by and large, people really don't care."

Although Orozco would be the lone openly gay member of the Senate, according to her campaign and MassEquality, she wouldn't be breaking new ground. Two former state senators, Cheryl Jacques and Jarrett Barrios, are openly gay, as are four members of the House of Representatives.

Orozco said she hasn't encountered hostility on the campaign trail, adding that she has spent most of her time canvassing door-to-door and attending Democratic Party gatherings.

"I believe as my exposure continues to grow, I will come across people with different beliefs and values," she said.

Orozco, running unopposed in the Democratic primary race, is seeking to unseat state Senator Scott Brown, a Wrentham Republican who has represented the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District - which runs from Wayland in the north to Attleboro in the south - since winning a special election to complete Jacques' term in March 2004. Brown, who won reelection in November 2004 and 2006, has come under fire from gay-rights groups for voting in favor of a state constitutional amendment that would limit marriage to heterosexual couples.

Brown said he won't focus on the race until after the legislative session ends July 31.

"I don't know anything about" Orozco, Brown said. "I've met her once. I don't know anything about her campaign or what her motives are or anything."

Orozco said that protecting gay rights is one of her top four priorities, along with healthcare, education, and the economy.

"It's not that I'm a gay candidate," Orozco said. "I'm a candidate who cares about the quality of life for people, who happens to be gay."

In 2004, gay rights was seen as a national "wedge issue" used to divide voters after the state Supreme Judicial Court decision that legalized same-sex marriage here. But the recent California court decision legalizing those unions there is unlikely to create much backlash, said Laura Esquivel, senior vice president for political affairs with the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, which works to elect openly gay people to public office.

"I think that the national discussion has sort of moved on," Esquivel said. "People are getting married now in California, and even if the issue is on the ballot in California, we have months and months of Californians watching people getting married who are their neighbors, their family members, their co-workers. . . . It's very unrealistic to expect those people in November to vote to take that away."

Esquivel said there are more than 400 openly gay elected officials across the country, up from around 50 when the organization started in 1991. She attributes the overall progress to greater political organization by gay groups and to more gays coming out to their friends and family.

"They realize gay people are people, too, and they are people other people know and respect and oftentimes love," she said.

Of course, simply being accepted by voters doesn't guarantee a victory for Orozco in November, noted MassEquality official McTighe.

"There have been openly gay candidates that have run and didn't win, but the reasons they didn't win had nothing to do with their sexual orientation," he said.

© Copyright 2008 The New York Times Company

The Sun News Chronicle
To the Editor
State Senate candidate ready to listen and learn
May 12, 2008

I first met Sara Orozco many months ago when she attended a meeting of the Democratic Town Committee. It was a small gathering of 20 or so active citizens, the agenda short, but the issues important to those in attendance. Sara, a citizen of Needham, made it clear that she was there to listen and to learn, listen to the concerns of her fellow citizens, and learn about the local issues of greatest impact not only on the future of our town, but to the future of our commonwealth. Sara also made it clear that it was her intent to take these concerns to the street in the form of a campaign for the Senate seat now held by the Republican, Scott Brown. After our time together and the in-depth discussion of our varied views, those who were there gave our signatures to Sara's nomination papers. It was a beginning.

Since that day, Sara has met with scores of small groups across the length and breadth of this Senate district. And in every meeting Sara has given that same calm assuring voice to the people she has met that our concerns, our visions for our children's future, our desires for a higher quality of life for our fellow citizens are shared by her, and in every meeting the people gave their voice back to Sara in the form of the signatures needed to place her name into nomination.

By the end of April Sara had succeeded in gathering over three times the number of signatures required to place her name on the ballot and she is now the Democratic candidate for the Senate seat representing our district.

I fully support Sara Orozco in her quest to replace the Republican party candidate in the upcoming elections and I urge my fellow citizens to lend her their hand and their help in electing a Democrat to represent the future of our district.

Marty Gibeault, Plainville

Sara Orozco Delivers 943 Signatures
Orozco has submitted 943 signatures, more than three-times the number needed to secure a spot in the state Senate race in her Mass. district 
By: William Henderson
May 07, 2008

When we talked with Sara Orozco a few weeks ago, she was confident she would collect the necessary signatures to secure a spot in the state Senate race for the district that includes Millis, Needham, Norfolk, Plainville, Wrentham, North Attleborough, Sherborn, Wayland and parts of Franklin, Wellesley, Attleboro, and Natick. And sure enough, we heard this week that she had submitted 943 signatures, more than three-times the number needed.

"I'm thrilled by the outpouring of support from across the district. Our goal was to get twice the number of signatures required by law just to be safe; but thanks to our volunteers, we more than tripled that amount with voters from each of our twelve towns represented," said Orozco a Needham psychologist and mother of twin boys in the Needham public schools.

Orozco will officially announce her candidacy in May, once she has received official certification of her signatures from the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

GSU graduate campaigns for seat in Mass. State Senate
By: William Armsby
Posted: 4/1/08

Democrat and Georgia State alumnus Dr. Sara Orozco is currently campaigning to replace Republican Scott Brown as the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex seat in the Massachusetts State Senate.

She earned graduate degrees from Georgia State-a Master's and a PhD, both in psychology. Currently, of the 40 Massachusetts state senators, five are Republican, and the remaining 35 are Democrat. This is her first time running for public office.

On her website, Orozco delineates her platform by asking questions: "Why are we paying more and more for healthcare but getting less?" and "How do we provide our kids with excellent public schools that prepare them to compete in a global economy while balancing their needs to have safe, nurturing and fun childhood experiences?"

She also makes claims, citing the importance of equal rights ("We should never allow discrimination to be written into our state Constitution.") and the necessity for environmental awareness ("And what about our environment and the responsibility our generations face to leave behind a better world than was handed to us?") as key issues in her campaign.

To these matters Orozco touts "common-sense solutions." A licensed psychologist, what qualifies her as adequate for occupying the senatorial seat is her professional ability "to listen-to really be able to listen to what people are saying, and [find] solutions."

Orozco's personal and professional histories have been defined by success. A first generation American, born in Miami in 1963 to Cuban parents and raised Catholic, much of her development she attributes to strong family values.

"Most people will say [my family] lived in a low socioeconomic area," she said in an interview with the Needham Times, "but somehow [my parents] made me think we had enough."

Before attending Georgia State, she double-majored in communications and psychology on a volleyball scholarship at the University of North Carolina, Asheville.

And after GSU, her scholarly endeavors took her to the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California for post-doctoral training, and then to Harvard Medical School, where she accepted an academic appointment.

Ten years ago, she defeated breast cancer; eight years ago, she mothered twin sons.

In addition to being active in the field of psychology, she is a certified business coach and the CEO and founder of a small business, Orozco and Associates, a leadership development and training firm.

Additionally, she is a member of the Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce, the Boston Women's Networking Group, the Massachusetts Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association.

She has published and taught in the field of psychology, worked in numerous nonprofit organizations, and has a history of Civil Rights activism.

Marriage equality is a significant issue in this particular race. In May 2004, upon the refusal of the US Supreme Court to hear an appeal from Massachusetts opponents of same-sex marriage, Orozco, a lesbian in celebration, wed her partner, an acupuncturist named Lori Herman.

Scott Brown has opposed pro-gay legislation ever since he gained the seat in 2004. If elected this November, Orozco will be Massachusetts' only openly gay state senator.

© Copyright 2008 Signal & Urbanite

Press Release
For Immediate Release: February 25, 2008
Contact: Lori Fresina
617-686-3625
DR. SARA OROZCO ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR
NORFOLK, BRISTOL & MIDDLESEX STATE SENATE SEAT

Dr. Orozco is a practicing psychologist in Needham. She has dedicated more than two decades to healthcare and human services. From her academic appointment at Harvard Medical School, to her position at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute conducting research funded by the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program, to her private practice, Dr. Orozco helps people deal with the difficulties in their lives, to find solutions, and to move forward. Dr. Orozco is committed to quality healthcare for all families — a commitment that has deepened as a parent and a breast cancer survivor.

Dr. Orozco is the founder and CEO of Orozco & Associates, a locally based consulting firm made up of independent corporate psychologists and business consultants who work within companies to transform workplace relationships and to provide leadership training. She is a sought-after corporate speaker and a member of the Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Orozco lives and works in Needham. Her eight-year-old twin boys attend the Needham public schools.

"I am running because I believe this district deserves an active voice in the State Senate and someone who will bring vision, commitment and tenacity to the job," said Orozco. "We face enormous challenges, from strengthening our economy, to ensuring access to quality health care, to making our public schools the best that they can be. I will use my experience as a health care provider, a business owner, and a parent to identify common-sense solutions for the challenges we face."

"One important qualification for this job comes from my work as a psychologist, which has taught me to listen closely to people to help them find solutions to the problems that keep them up at night. I will bring that same gift for listening and shared problem-solving to the people I will serve."

Describing her commitment, Orozco said, "I feel that my accomplishments in life are the direct result of the opportunities offered to me through public education, women having equal access to athletics through Title IX, and through access to quality health care which may have saved my life when I was diagnosed with breast cancer ten years ago. And now I feel it is my turn to give back and help shape a state government of which we can all be proud."

"In the weeks ahead, I look forward to meeting voters across this district, and talking with them about the challenges that they and their families are facing. This will be a grassroots campaign focused on the needs of real people, and what we can do together to improve the quality of life in our communities."

The Norfolk Bristol & Middlesex District includes the communities of Attleboro (wards 1 and 2, ward 3, precinct A), Franklin (precincts 2 to 4, inclusive), Millis, Natick (precincts 6, 7, 9 and 10), Needham, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Sherborn, Wayland, Wellesley (precincts B, F and G), and Wrentham.

i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i

DISTRICT REPRESENTED: NORFOLK, BRISTOL AND MIDDLESEX.
Attleboro (wards 1 & 2, ward 3, precinct A), Franklin (precincts 2, 3 & 4), Millis, Natick (precincts 6, 7, 9 & 10),
Needham, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Sherborn, Wayland, Wellesley (precincts B, F & G), Wrentham

This web site paid for by the Committee to Elect Sara Orozco. Dina Creiger, Treasurer.
© Copyright 2008-2012 Sara Orozco for Massachusetts Senate. All rights reserved.