SHREWSBURY – Word on the streets is that Shrewsbury’s own Karyn Polito may be getting ready to toss her hat in the ring for State Treasurer, where she would replace Independent Gubernatorial candidate Tim Cahill.

“There is a real need for fiscal conservatives,” said Polito, 43, of Shrewsbury. “I haven’t made any hard decisions, but I’ve been in the Legislature for 10 years and I feel I’d bring well-rounded experience.”

In chatting with Karyn last night, she laid out the different roles of the State Treasurer, and spoke with typical Polito excitement about the many aspects of the job itself.  One thing is for sure, she is most definitely giving the issue quite a bit of thought, and once a final decision is made, it will be after truly considering the many different options.

Polito would be the first Republican to join the race for state treasurer. Former gubernatorial candidate Steve Grossman and Boston City Councilor At Large Stephen Murphy are running as Democrats.

Those of us in Shrewsbury have been Karyn fans for more than a decade, but she really has raised her profile statewide with her deep involvement in the Scott Brown campaign where she truly lent her support and helped deliver much of Central Massachusetts to the Brown ticket.

An early adopter to the Charlie Baker campaign, Karyn ran some of the very early fundraising efforts hosting events to him last year at Worcester Country Club. For that reason, combined with her 100% voting record, her natural charm and intellect, and her unbelievable popularity in he region, many expected her to be the top pick by Baker for the Lt. Governor ticket, but even though she made the short, short, short list, Baker selected Richard Tesai as his running mate.

Others have mentioned her as an obvious challenger to the suddenly vulnerable Martha Coakley for the Attorney General spot, which would bring out a heck of a race across the state and one that we’re confident Karyn could win.

Still others are pushing for a race for Jim McGovern’s congressional seat as she is more than ready for the national stage.  While I have no doubt that Karyn could easily be elected to anything she chooses, the thought of moving to Washington when her young family is so entrenched here in Shrewsbury appears to be too big of an obstacle at this point.  Over time though, it’s obvious to me that she will soon be the Governor of Massachusetts, and after a term or two there, I’m certain that her next move WILL be to Washington, where at least she’ll find a rent free home, in a great in town location, complete with such unique features as the Truman Balcony and an East and  West Wing!

Whatever choice she makes, expect that the Shrewsbury Lantern will lead the charge in support of our friend.   Hopefully, the sudden superstar Scott Brown will remember his friends who made it happen, and leverage his newfound fame to campaign on Karyn’s behalf, pickup truck and all.  With her natural charm and some of the Scott Brown magic stardust, and campaign team still in place, she would likely be a shoe-in for any position she attempted.

Without question, Karyn has the full support of those of us who truly know and love her, and we’ll be out there to do whatever it takes to put her in any position she runs for.  At the same time, and for our own totally selfish reasons, we would so hate to lose her here as our voice on Beacon Hill, and wonder where we would be without her voice out there advocating for the people in our district, and being willing to take on the toughest issues each and every day.

Either way – we’re there for you Karyn…and hope that the Lantern gets  the exclusive first interview when the announcement comes!