Coakley Attempts to Derail Baker’s Claims of Commuter Rail Support

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Martha Coakley says between her and Republican challenger Charlie Baker, she's the only candidate that's serious about the SouthCoast Rail Project.

Coakley made her comments Tuesday in a tour that included a stop in New Bedford. She tells WBSM News she's committed to ensuring funding for the project because she sees the potential for the Greater New Bedford and Fall River areas.

Coakley says during Baker's original run for governor in 2010, he did not support the project.

Baker has since stated his support for SouthCoast Rail, but Coakley points to his support of another initiative which she says shows a lack of commitment to funding for the rail project from the Baker camp. Coakley says Baker supports the repeal of the automatic gas tax, which would make it difficult to drum up funding for extended commuter rail if the initiative passed.