Greg Hyatt
Gregory S. "Greg" Hyatt is an American political activist, attorney, and politician. He was a candidate for Governor of Massachusetts in 1986, but dropped out of the race due to allegations of forging names on his nomination papers, having ties to organized crime, and erratic personal behavior.
1984 congressional race
Hyatt's political career began in 1984 when he was a candidate for the 5th congressional district. He defeated Thomas P. Tierney for the Republican nomination and faced Democratic State Senator Chester G. Atkins in the general election.[1] In a heavily Democratic district[2], Hyatt was able to finish a close second to Atkins.[1]
1986 gubernatorial election
On March 13, 1986, Hyatt became the first Republican to enter the gubernatorial race.[3]
At the Republican convention in April, Hyatt was challeged by former Metropolitan District Commissioner Guy Carbone, and state representative Royall H. Switzler, who was drafted at the convention by anti-Hyatt Republicans.[4] After a strong showing for Switzler on the first ballot (891 votes for Hyatt, 775 votes for Switzler, 258 votes for Carbone), some of Hyatt's major supporters, including Ray Shamie and Papa Gino's founder Michael Valerio, announced that they would not oppose Switzler's nomination.[4] On the second ballot, Switzler won the nomination with 975 votes to Hyatt's 876 and Carbone's 60. Despite losing the nomination, Hyatt chose to stay in the race and run against Switzler in the Republican primary. [5]
In June, Switzler dropped out of the race after inaccuracies about his military record were revealed, leaving Hyatt the only Republican candidate for Governor.[6]
On July 14, Hyatt dropped out of the race amid accusations of forging names on his nomination papers, having ties to organized crime, and erratic personal behavior which included working nude in his office.[7][8]
Despite dropping out of the race Hyatt won the Republican primary. He declined the nomination and write-in candidate George Kariotis was declared the nominee.
Later life
In 1993 and 2003, Hyatt was an unsuccessful candidate for Mayor of Methuen, Massachusetts.[9]
References
- ^ a b Election Statistics; The Commonwealth of Massachusetts 1984.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Rowland Evans; Robert Novak (November 5, 1984). "Reagan's campaign strategy, tactics challenged". Lawrence Journal-World. Retrieved 30 July 2011.
- ^ Bruce Mohl (March 14, 1986). "GOP'S Hyatt Announces Candidacy for Governor". Boston Globe. Retrieved 2011-01-11.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ a b Andrew J. Dabilis (April 13, 1986). "Switzler Drive Put Together in 4 1/2 Hours". Boston Globe. Retrieved 2011-01-11.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Bruce Mohl (April 14, 1986). "GOP'S Gears Set in Motion; Switzler Plots Strategy, Signals Hyatt Should Quit". Boston Globe. Retrieved 2011-01-11.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Bruce Mohl (June 5, 1986). "ACCUSATIONS, TURMOIL SWIRL OVER SWITZLER". Boston Globe. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Bruce Mohl (October 18, 1986). "ADS DEPICT TAX CAP AS A HYATT PROPOSAL". Boston Globe. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ "Hey, gang! It's all over!". Nashua Telegraph. July 17, 1986. Retrieved 30 July 2011.
- ^ "Hyatt, Gregory S. "Greg"". Our Campaigns. Retrieved 30 July 2011.