Martina Robinson speaking in her back yard in Belchertown

At the September 7 press conference in front of Springfield reporters—so excited to have a Western Mass candidate—Martina Robinson delivered the following speech:

"My name is Martina Robinson and it is with great honor, a good deal of humility, and more than a fair share of trepidation, that I will attempt to occupy the formidable shoes of my Green-Rainbow colleague Wendy Van Horne, who has decided to withdraw from the Lieutenant Governor’s race for personal reasons.

"Some of you in the media, especially the ones who’ve never met or seen anyone like me before, are probably can’t help staring at me, wondering if you understood what I just said. Well, you’re right, I do have speech impairment and many people do have trouble understanding me, but I am really and truly, running for Lieutenant Governor.

"Why? Because I believe in this campaign. I’ve been its disability issues coordinator since its inception. Because I believe in democracy. I don’t believe that the American Dream ideally should be limited to white, heterosexual, able-bodied, property-owning men although that’s what it started out as in 1776.

"Because I believe have experiences that people will find valuable. I’ve run for Board of Selectman in Belchertown three times. I’m not rich by any means; in fact, I live in public housing on a fixed income of $717 (on average, occasionally I give speeches or teach a dance class to other disabled people or take a freelance writing job) a month, plus $35 a month of food stamps. I’m a health educator and community organizer by training.

"Mostly, though, I am running because I want to make a difference to society, disabled people, and democracy in Massachusetts. How many times does one really get a chance to do that? Not many and I wasn’t turning this one down.

"Please note, I wrote these words myself and what you’ve just heard is my voice speaking them. Now Owen Broadhurst from Agawam will repeat them, so that they are easier for those of you who not used to listening to people who speak differently, to understand."

How and why Robinson stepped in for Van Horne

Citing changing work and family commitments, Ms. Van Horne, who is a nurse, said she planned to remain active within the statewide campaign and in the party, and will retain her position on the party’s State Committee.

At the September 16 GRP State Convention, Van Horne was re-elected female Co-chair of the Party, a position she was required to relinquish while running for Lieutenant Governor.

To bring to light the process of finding a new running-mate and candidate and to introduce Ms. Robinson, On September 6 the campaign released the following statement to the party membership and the residents of Massachusetts:

"We are thrilled to report that all final paperwork has been filed by the required state deadline to bring a wonderful and powerful activist, Martina Robinson, as our new Lieutenant Gubernatorial candidate. We cannot thank enough nor ever replace Wendy Van Horne, who has and continues to give of herself tirelessly and so gracefully. While we absolutely supported Wendy's decision to step down, there is no doubt in our minds that Wendy has always been and would have continued to be a huge asset not only to the campaign but to expanding the public's imagination of what real leadership should look like.

"Martina Robinson, 30, a long-time disability rights activist—among many things!—has been the campaign's disability issues coordinator. She has been a leader in the GRP and has three times run for Selectperson in her home of Belchertown.

"While many were surprised by Wendy's need to step down, the gubernatorial campaign was aware of growing difficulties in her life.

"We had prepared a short list of economic justice, leaders of color—any and all of whom, we would have been honored to have represent us. When Wendy made her final decision we quickly contacted and interviewed those on our short list. Of those who were willing to serve, it is our belief that Martina is the best match. We honor her strength, her brilliance, her compassion, and her fire. She has already expressed an interest in being out at events, connecting with people, and especially looks forward to visiting with all the independent living centers across the state."