Vellucci's backers said they supported him because they considered him a more progressive candidate than Howe.

"He's a progressive representative who has consistently supported womens' rights, the rights of people not to be discriminated against because of their sexual preferences and tenants' rights," LoPresti said, "He better reflects the interests of Cambridge."

"Peter Vellucci has for a longer period of time voted for the progressive ideals of the members of this organization," said ADA Executive Director J. James Marzilli. "Marie Howe has moved in that direction in the recent past and is now much more in tune with public sentiment, but the ADA has opted instead to back Vellucci."

Truesdell speculated that Vellucci garnered many of his endorsements because he is easier to get along with than Howe, but the Cambridge representative's backers said they support him because of ideological, and not personal, reasons.

"It's easier to work with someone who is on the same side of the issue," LoPresti said. "In addition, Peter and I are in the same district, so there are certain issues which are mutually beneficial to the both of us and to the district. Marie and I have not over-lapped in that way."

"But I have no personal problems dealing with Representative Howe," LoPresti added.