State Sen. Steven Baddour likes to think he and Rep. Mike Costello are running unopposed because people respect the jobs they are doing.
While balancing soccer practices and swimming meets for his two daughters, ages 6 and 5, and serving in the Senate, Baddour says his job will be even harder in the next two years in light of economic hardships, but he believes he has the energy to move forward.
"There are a litany of challenges right now," Baddour said. "Families are hurting with the economy, and I've always said government is not the answer to every problem, but it's clear in times like this, the government can provide some help for those in need."
Having been elected to the Senate during a special election in January of 2002, Baddour has since run unopposed. During that time, he's risen through the ranks and currently serves at the chairman of Senate's Transportation Committee and vice chairman of the Judiciary Committee.
In his district and on Beacon Hill, colleagues say Baddour has gained a reputation of team-building and successfully reaching out to others to get things done.
Baddour credits his close relationship with Costello, D-Newburyport, as part of his success in the Greater Newburyport area.
"It's a team approach," Baddour said, noting the two cover for each other at events when one has a family commitment. "I think people respect and understand our family commitments and it's nice to have someone in the same situation."
Costello, who once ran against Baddour for the state Senate seat, said the two have been great friends, despite the prior campaign.
"You can fight and fight for a seat, and campaign against each other vigorously, but we were able to maintain a good friendship, and that's served us well," Costello said. "We have an excellent working relationship."
Baddour is an effective legislator because he's likable, trustworthy and politically active, Costello said, noting his "perfect head of hair" helps. The senator will often start his day by meeting with other leaders for breakfast or coffee — always someone new, Costello said.
"He's able to make great relationships," he said. By working well with others, Baddour has built up a trust, Costello said.
The teamwork is something Newburyport Mayor John Moak has noticed.
"They really work well together," Moak said. "I've never had a problem approaching either one of them."
Amesbury Mayor Thatcher Kezer noted Baddour's ability to reach out to people is his strength.
"He gets the people who need to be at the table, at the table to work through issues," Amesbury Mayor Thatcher Kezer III said.
He also credits Baddour's position on the Transportation Committee with moving Amesbury's road projects forward.
"He has helped us succeed in getting projects that had been stuck, moving forward. Baddour was at the table when we worked with the highway commissioner to get those moving," Kezer said.
Over the past seven years, Baddour said his work on children's issues is what he's is most proud of, from co-sponsoring the Booster Seat Bill to the passage of Melanie's Law. Baddour also said the smaller local issues are ones he is proud of as well.
"Salisbury Beach Preservation Fund will have a huge impact on the preservation of the beach for decades," Baddour said. "I grew up there; now I spend the summers there with my own kids. The best times of my life have been on that beach."
Over his term in office, Baddour has worked to reform transportation in the state, recently working to get rid of some police details at work sites. Baddour also voted for a $100 million economic stimulus and job creation bill.
Secretary of Transportation for the state, Bernard Cohen, with whom Baddour is in constant contact, said Baddour's work to reform transportation in the state has shown his leadership.
"Sen. Baddour has been a very effective advocate for transportation reform," Cohen said. "He is a leader in pursuing many of the changes we are now implementing to find cost savings and to increase cooperation and transparency."
As far as Baddour's quest for higher office, the senator said he has learned while in politics to "never say never."
"Never say no and focus on what you're doing," Baddour said. "I love being in the Senate because it's small enough that you can get things done while maintaining an independents streak and use that leadership appropriately. Right now I'm not looking for higher office, but you never know down the line."
Steven Baddour
Age: 38
Family: Wife Ann, daughters Isabella and Victoria
Residence: Methuen
Year elected: 2002
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