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Thelma Goldstein, Falmouth’s FDR Democrat

Written by Brian Tarcy

FALMOUTH – One of the most influential members of the Democratic party on Cape Cod is five feet tall and 96 years old. Thelma Goldstein of the Falmouth Democratic Committee is, literally, a little old lady.

Thelma Goldstein, 96-year Democratic activist in Falmouth.

Thelma Goldstein, 96-year Democratic activist in Falmouth.

But that’s about the only thing that is little and old about her. Goldstein has big ideas, and a refreshingly optimistic outlook on this election day. She believes in the transformational power of politicians.

“She’s an extraordinary  woman,” said Martha Coakley, Democratic candidate for governor. “She has a huge heart.” On the day before the Democratic primary, Coakley took time from her busy campaign schedule to talk to Cape Cod Wave about Goldstein.

Coakley said when she first thought of statewide office and began looking to the Cape,  “People said to me you have to go meet Thelma.” Coakley said that after meeting Goldstein she has come to realize that Goldstein is not just a power broker, “she is THE power broker on Cape Cod.”



Goldstein is supporting Coakley and recently stood for almost two hours at a busy Falmouth intersection holding a sign and waving at people, and even at one point, cajoling with a Republican friend who drove by.

“Everybody wants her endorsement,” said former state representative Eric Turkington. “Everybody knows her, everybody likes her, and she works like a dog for the people she supports.”

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About the author

Brian Tarcy

Brian Tarcy is co-founder of Cape Cod Wave. He is a longtime journalist who has written for the Boston Globe, Boston magazine, the Cape Cod Times and several other publications. He is the author of "YOU CAN'T SELL RIGHT FIELD; A Cape Cod Novel." He is also the author or co-author of more than a dozen mostly non-fiction books, including books with celebrity athletes Cam Neely, Tom Glavine and Joe Theisman. His previous book was, "ALMOST: 12 Electric Months Chasing A Silicon Valley Dream" with Hap Klopp,who created the iconic brand, The North Face.
For more information, see Briantarcy.com
Brian is a long-suffering Cleveland Browns fan with a long-running NFL predictions/political satire column connecting weekly world events to the fate of his favorite team, now at Whatsgonnahappen.com.

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