'This was not on my radar ... '
By Marybeth Kennealy,
Lowell Sun, November 26, 2007
BOSTON -- In a maze-like suite on the Statehouse's second floor, the crowded office of Rep. Robert Hargraves, R-Groton, is tucked into a corner at the far right -- a fitting location for the plain-spoken Republican who works among a sea of Democrats under the golden dome.
"My affiliation had leaned toward Republican, but I really signed on as a registered Republican in 1990, because I basically believe in small government," Hargraves said.
The path between that Republican sensibility and the Statehouse was not a direct one, however.
Hargraves grew up in Ashby and lost his left arm to a swing accident at age 6. He was left-handed and had to relearn skills with his right. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree in mathematics from Boston University and a master's degree in education from Fitchburg State College. His career as a teacher and administrator included a 10-year stint as principal of the North Middlesex Regional High School in Townsend.
Politics found Hargraves when he was tapped to serve as Groton's town moderator in 1967. That role led him to serve six terms on the town's Board of Selectmen.
After Rep. Augusta "Gusty" Hornblower died of breast cancer in August 1994, Hargraves won a special election for her seat. He has held the spot since. He seems surprised at his longevity in a career he never planned.
"This was not on my radar screen," Hargraves said. "It just happened."
For a man who never intended on serving in politics, Hargraves, 70, has carved out a niche as one of the most senior Republicans in the Massachusetts Legislature.
Republicans legislators have become an increasingly rare breed in the Statehouse. The minority party represents only 19 of the House's 160 total members and five of the Senate's 40.
But until last year, Hargraves' minority standing had been tempered by having a Republican governor. He speaks proudly of the party's accomplishments and said the GOP achieved a lot through Gov. Mitt Romney's administration in particular.
Hargraves cited Melanie's Law, which increased penalties for drunken drivers, as a key achievement. Hargraves said he worked with the Republican caucus to convince his colleagues that the bill was crucial, especially because it allows prosecutors to use prior court records as evidence for repeat offenders.
"Statistics are proving that drunk-driving charges are down," Hargraves said. "People are petrified. If you've got a drinking problem and you're driving, you're going to pay through the nose."
But since Gov. Deval Patrick took office, Hargraves said there has been a cultural shift in the relationship between the legislative and executive branches. The governor and the legislative leadership may hail from the same party, but Hargraves said he sees an "inter-party rivalry."
"There's more of that now, pulling against each other rather than drawing the line because 'you're a Republican and we're Democrats.'" Hargraves said the argument among Democrats is: "It's going to be 'my way versus your way.'"
The push and pull is no problem for Hargraves, who is not shy about stating his opinions.
"If I have some reason to speak my mind, I'll do it," he said. "There's a joke that goes around, 'Why don't you tell us how you really feel, Bob?'"
He's also made his political leanings well known to his constituents and those he's served with in the past.
"I don't think anybody has ever called him a liberal," said Arthur Blackman, who served with Hargraves as a Groton selectman. "I think he satisfies many Republicans who have a particular traditional, conservative image of what they want their local rep to be."
The image reveals itself through his family and his hobbies. Hargraves and his wife, Ellen, have three children and nine grandchildren. The representative also treasures his antique cars, a 1931 Ford Model A and a 1927 Buick Sport Roadster.
But Minority Leader Brad Jones, R-North Reading, said Hargraves' contacts and experience as an educator are unique in the Republican caucus, bringing valuable perspective to the party.
Hargraves initially applied his credentials as a teacher and administrator on the education committee. He left that post three years ago when the committee split into two groups. He is now the ranking Republican on the health-care finance and public-health committees. He also serves on the House's Post Audit and Oversight and Rules committees.
"He's learned a whole new issue in terms of health care and worked very hard," said Jones.
Hargraves served on the conference committee for the health-care finance law that went into effect this July, making health insurance mandatory for all state residents.
He called the law one of his proudest moments. Hargraves said there are still implementation issues to be ironed out, but he anticipates that all state residents will be insured within two to three years.
Hargraves is adamant that more of the state's budget needs to be allocated for local communities.
"The biggest issue facing my district is state aid," he said.
In addition to education money, Hargraves said his district needs more aid for community policing and fire services. He is prepared to work with his fellow Republicans to push forward the party's priorities.
"We're all alone out there now," he said. "We don't have the big man upstairs in the corner office. We have to be even more creative in what we do."
