Sonia Chang-Diaz Upsets Dianne Wilkerson in Democratic Primary

Sonia Chang-Diaz eked by incumbent Dianne Wilkerson in yesterday's state senate primary for the second Suffolk district. Wilkerson, who supported gay rights and fought racial profiling during her tenure, had also been fined for campaign finance violations and served time in a halfway house for tax evatsion. Chang-Diaz claimed personal contact with voters helped her win, while Wilkerson attributed the victory to better financing. Wilkerson supporters worried about the future of the district, while Chang-Diaz supporters were glad to have a fresh face on the ballot. If elected, Chang-Diaz would be the first Hispanic woman in the state Senate. Wilkerson had been the only black woman in the state senate. Let's hear it for diversity in Massachusetts.