Greg Hyatt
Encyclopedia
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.
. He defeated Thomas P. Tierney for the Republican nomination and faced Democratic State Senator Chester G. Atkins
in the general election. In a heavily Democratic district, Hyatt was able to finish a close second to Atkins.
Hyatt ran on a platform of limiting state taxes, bringing back the death penalty, and competency testi ng and merit pay for teachers. He opposed the state law that made wearing a seat belt mandatory, the use of roadblocks to crack down on drunken driving, and the use of public funds for abortions.
At the Republican convention in April, Hyatt was challenged by former Metropolitan District Commissioner
Guy Carbone
, and state representative Royall H. Switzler
, who was drafted
at the convention by anti-Hyatt Republicans. 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. 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.
In June, Switzler dropped out of the race after inaccuracies about his military record were revealed, leaving Hyatt the only Republican candidate for Governor.
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.
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.
.
Governor of Massachusetts
The Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is the executive magistrate of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, United States. The current governor is Democrat Deval Patrick.-Constitutional role:...
in 1986
Massachusetts gubernatorial election, 1986
The 1986 Massachusetts gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1986. Michael Dukakis was elected Governor of Massachusetts for a third term. He beat Republican George Kariotis by a 69-31% margin.-Republicans:...
, 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 districtMassachusetts's 5th congressional district
Massachusetts's 5th congressional district is a congressional district in northeastern Massachusetts. It contains the cities of Lowell, Lawrence, Haverhill, and Methuen...
. He defeated Thomas P. Tierney for the Republican nomination and faced Democratic State Senator Chester G. Atkins
Chester G. Atkins
Chester Greenough Atkins is a former member of the United States House of Representatives. He was a Democrat from Massachusetts.Atkins was born in Geneva, Switzerland on April 14, 1948 and graduated from Concord-Carlisle High School of Concord, Massachusetts in 1966 and Antioch College in 1970...
in the general election. In a heavily Democratic district, Hyatt was able to finish a close second to Atkins.
1986 gubernatorial election
On March 13, 1986, Hyatt became the first Republican to enter the gubernatorial race.Hyatt ran on a platform of limiting state taxes, bringing back the death penalty, and competency testi ng and merit pay for teachers. He opposed the state law that made wearing a seat belt mandatory, the use of roadblocks to crack down on drunken driving, and the use of public funds for abortions.
At the Republican convention in April, Hyatt was challenged by former Metropolitan District Commissioner
Department of Conservation and Recreation (Massachusetts)
The Department of Conservation and Recreation is a state agency of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, situated in the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. It is best known for its parks and parkways. As of May 24, 2011 the Commissioner of the DCR is Edward M. Lambert, Jr...
Guy Carbone
Guy Carbone
Guy A. Carbone is an American attorney and Perennial candidate in Massachusetts who was Metropolitan District Commissioner from 1979–1980.-Electoral history:-Other races:...
, and state representative Royall H. Switzler
Royall H. Switzler
Royall H. Switzler is an American politician who served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1973 to 1975 and again from 1977 to 1986...
, who was drafted
Draft (politics)
In elections in the United States, political drafts are used to encourage or pressure a certain person to enter a political race, by demonstrating a significant groundswell of support for the candidate. A write-in campaign may also be considered a draft campaign.-The movement to draft Dwight D....
at the convention by anti-Hyatt Republicans. 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
Ray Shamie
Raymond Shamie was an American politician from the state of Massachusetts. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he was twice a Massachusetts Republican nominee for the United States Senate, and served as the chairman of the Massachusetts Republican Party from 1987 to 1991.In 1982, Shamie, a millionaire...
and Papa Gino's
Papa Gino's
Papa Gino's is a restaurant chain based in Dedham, Massachusetts specializing in American-style pizza along with pasta, subs, salads, and a variety of appetizers...
founder Michael Valerio, announced that they would not oppose Switzler's nomination. 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.
In June, Switzler dropped out of the race after inaccuracies about his military record were revealed, leaving Hyatt the only Republican candidate for Governor.
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.
Despite dropping out of the race Hyatt won the Republican primary. He declined the nomination and write-in candidate George Kariotis
George Kariotis
George S. Kariotis is a businessman who was the Republican Party nominee for Governor of Massachusetts in 1986.Kariotis is the son of Greek immigrants. He graduated from Northeastern University in 1940, and then served in the United States Navy during World War II. In 1962, he founded Alpha...
was declared the nominee.
Later life
In 1993 and 2003, Hyatt was an unsuccessful candidate for Mayor of Methuen, MassachusettsMethuen, Massachusetts
Methuen is a city in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 43,789 at the 2000 census.-History:Methuen was first settled in 1642 and was officially incorporated in 1726; it is named for the British diplomat Sir Paul Methuen. Methuen was originally part of Haverhill,...
.