Worcester, June 5, 2010--Mike Lake, candidate for Massachusetts state auditor, qualified for the Democratic primary ballot today, securing 25 percent of delegate votes at the Massachusetts Democratic State Convention.

"This is a victory for the grassroots," said Lake. "The system in Massachusetts is designed to favor politically entrenched party insiders, but with a strong volunteer base, we were able to mobilize our supporters and overcome the odds."

Lake's performance far exceeded expectations. Prior to the convention, many following the race doubted that Lake had the organizational support to obtain the 15 percent of delegates required to get on the ballot. In the end, Lake ended up securing far more than the minimum.

State Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz attributed Lake's success to his large grassroots network of supporters, as well as his impassioned convention speech. "I think we saw clearly that Mike Lake is part of the new generation of leadership that people are hungry for," she said. "He has the brains, the vision, and the heart for public service."

Lake was nominated at the convention by former Secretary of Elder Affairs and former State Representative Mike Festa, who described Lake as trustworthy and conscientious. "When I think of Mike Lake, I think of honesty and integrity," said Festa.

In his speech, Lake emphasized the need for a new approach to being auditor. "It means thinking outside the box, and understanding that just because we've always done something a certain way does not mean that's the best way to do it." Lake says he is running for auditor to restore trust between the public and the agencies that work to serve them. As auditor, he will utilize 21st century technology to increase transparency and efficiency in state agencies, including implementing energy audits to make Massachusetts a leader in the green economy.

Lake's words resonated with Daniel Glasser, a 30 year-old delegate from Brookline. "I walked into the convention undecided and was immediately impressed by Lake's grassroots organization and passion," he said.