Ex-Pats could team up to tackle Congress: Radio hosts eye Meehan’s empty seat
By Dave Wedge Boston Herald Chief Enterprise Reporter
Friday, April 6, 2007 - Updated: 01:52 AM EST
He’s taken on some of the toughest men in the National Football League and easily handles blubbering sports-talk blowhards, but Fred Smerlas is now considering an even bigger challenge: Congress.
The ex-Buffalo Bill and Boston College defensive lineman has been approached by prominent Republicans about making a run for the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Martin T. Meehan (D-Lowell).
Meehan is stepping down next month to become chancellor of the University of Massachusetts at Lowell.
Smerlas, who co-hosts WEEI’s “Big Show” with Glenn Ordway and runs a promotions business, says he’s giving a career in Washington, D.C., serious thought.
“We’re on the radio and we joke around and have fun but at some point you have to put your best foot forward,” Smerlas said. “People talk about making a difference in the community, but no one ever takes the step. I’m kicking it around.”
Smerlas, 49, was a five-time Pro Bowl lineman who also played for the New England Patriots [team stats]. He said the Republicans he met with also floated the idea of his radio sidekick, Steve DeOssie, running if Smerlas opts not to jump in the race. DeOssie, a BC grad and former Patriots linebacker, lives in the district in North Andover. In addition to co-hosting on WEEI 850-AM together, the two ex-NFLers recently opened a steakhouse at Rhode Island’s Lincoln Park slot palace.
“I said, ‘DeOssie, if you run I’ll be your campaign manager and we’ll pounce on the other guys’ and vice-versa,” Smerlas said.
DeOssie could not be reached for comment.
State GOP spokesman Brian Dodge said the party is “talking to a number of candidates who are interested in getting in the race.”
If either jumps in, they’d join a field already crowded with Democrats Niki Tsongas, former Lowell Mayor Eileen Donoghue, Middlesex Sheriff James V. DiPaolo and activist and developer David O’Brien.
Lawrence Mayor Michael Sullivan is a possible GOP candidate.
“We’re talking this week and we’ll make a decision next week,” Smerlas said. “Can you imagine us two going down to Washington to Congress in sweatpants and sneakers?”
Wedge is the Herald's Chief Enterprise Reporter and writes Sunday's "Pols & Politics" column. He also covers music for "The Edge" entertainment section.
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