Preview: 26th Middlesex Race 2012

As far as local Somerville elections go, the Nov., 2012, race for the 26th Middlesex District seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives is the most fiercely contested.

The district covers East Somerville and East Cambridge, stretching from MIT to Somerville's Assembly Square, and including the southern part of Union Square.

Three candidates are vying for the seat: Incumbent State Rep. Timothy Toomey; Progressive Independent Mike Connolly, who's running a "no money" campaign; and Somerville native Thomas Vasconcelos, a Republican and recent college graduate who's not been shy about expressing his opinions about Beacon Hill politics.

If you have time, read about the two debates held in this race, and if you have even more time, take a moment to watch some of the debates. Links are below.

Here's some coverage of the 26th Middlesex race:

State Rep Candidates Challenge Connolly on His "No Money" Campaign

Tuesday Night State Rep Debate Still Happening

State Rep Candidates Spar During Feisty Debate

Vasconcelos: Tax Returns Discussion a 'Distraction'

State Rep Candidates Debate Debates

'No Money' Candidate to Hold Rally Under McGrath Highway

Mike Connolly Announces 'No Money' Campaign to Unseat Toomey

Candidates Running for State Office in Somerville This Fall

Sen. DiDomenico Out of Somerville in Proposed Redistricting