Kerry Aide with Aspirations Considers Run for Mayor in ‘09

John Kerry’s deputy state director, Setti Warren is considering running for mayor of Newton, MA in 2009. Warren "served in the Clinton White House, and was appointed in 2002 the regional director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency for New England. Warren joined Kerry’s crew in 2003, serving as the senator’s trip director and press secretary before becoming his deputy state director in late 2005." I had the pleasure of meeting Setti Warren on many occassions during Kerry's '04 campaign. The Newton TAB reports Warren's possible candidacy has garnered the interest of "Steve Grossman, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee and long-time Newton resident."

Should Warren decide to run in 2009, Newtonites would potentially benefit from a debate between a mayor with a strong track record and a new face with a list of real-life experiences, Grossman added.

"I think a lot of people will see a competition, if you will, as something of being a win-win for the people of Newton,” he said.

In his current position, Warren works with municipalities on economic development and constituent issues across the state.

Considering his experience within the executive and legislative branches, “[Setti] has a finger on the pulse of unmet needs of cities and towns,” Grossman said.

He didn’t consider Warren’s status as a first-time candidate a detriment to any future campaign.

“I think the people of Newton are very open-minded to fresh faces who offer something special and exciting and bold and imaginative ... and Setti is all those things.” Grossman said.

Last August, Setti Warren married Elizabeth Tasker Plummer, who he met during Kerry's '04 campaign. John Kerry was a groomsman at Warren's wedding.

Cross posted from The Democratic Daily.