Norfolk County Treasurer Joe Connolly Announces He Will Not be a
Candidate for State Treasurer

Weymouth – Norfolk County Treasurer Joe Connolly today announced that after considerable
reflection he has decided not to run for State Treasurer in 2010. Connolly had been interested in
running for the Treasurer’s job being vacated by Treasurer Tim Cahill, who has launched his own
campaign for Governor.

While Connolly has been openly campaigning across the Commonwealth for the vacant
Treasurer’s post, recent health concerns which have reappeared due to the nature of such a
challenge have led to his decision that this campaign, at this time, was not in the best interests of
himself nor his family.

Explaining his decision not to run, Treasurer Connolly issued the following statement:
“When Treasurer Tim Cahill announced he would not be running for reelection I was immedi-
ately drawn to this race because quite frankly, these are difficult times, it is a complicated job and
I know how to do it. For the past few months I have very much enjoyed being able to crisscross
Massachusetts and I have met some truly wonderful community and civic leaders and scores of
folks dealing with tough economic times the best they can. Just as people across this state go to
work everyday to make a better life for themselves and their family though, so too do I prioritize
the well being of my own family as the most important thing in my life.

As many of my friends and family members know, several years ago I received a health scare
which, thankfully, turned out alright. As the stresses and demands of this statewide campaign
have steadily increased, however, so too has my realization that these necessary elements of the
campaign are likely to trigger the same health issues I have faced in the past.

I consider myself extremely fortunate to be happily married for over 28 years, and both my wife
and I are blessed to have two daughters who mean the world to us. Potentially jeopardizing my
future time with them to hold one particular public office is, ultimately, not something I am
willing to do.

Though from a medical standpoint this is an easy decision to reach, it is one I have struggled
with mightily on so many fronts. In these tough economic times we all face it is critical to have
a State Treasurer who understands the financial markets, the value of every dollar he is investing
from people’s retirement savings, a proven record of thinking outside the box to save taxpayers
money and a compassion for people that brings common sense service to all constituents. I think
our candidacy met all of these requirements and I would have very much enjoyed the job of State
Treasurer. I went to work for the late Congressman Joe Moakley in the 1980’s, however, not
with an eye toward one day being State Treasurer, but with a passion for public service and the
desire to help others. I very much look forward to continuing my work as Norfolk County
Treasurer, safeguarding the assets of Norfolk County and the retirement funds of so many hard
working families.”

Connolly went on to thank the many supporters who had signed on in support of his early efforts
in the campaign for Treasurer, including many federal, state and municipal elected officials and
democratic activists from across the Commonwealth. “There are a lot of very decent people
serving at all levels of government across Massachusetts who are trying to make a difference in
people’s lives,” said Connolly. “It is humbling to say the least to have had so many of these
leaders willing to stand with me and our campaign and for their support I will be forever grate-
ful.”

Joe Connolly served as a Weymouth Town Councilor from 1999-2003. He was elected Norfolk
County Treasurer in 2003 and re-elected in 2008. Connolly plans to continue to serve as Norfolk
County Treasurer.

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