Republican gubernatorial candidate wants voters to see his softer side

SWAMPSCOTT, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Republican Charlie Baker tells FOX 25's Sharman Sacchetti he doesn't think he is the stiff guy who came across in the YouTube video announcing his candidacy for Massachusetts governor.

Baker, whose YouTube announcement sparked criticism Wednesday, says he wants voters to see his sunnier side, which he admits didn't come out during his failed 2010 bid for governor.

Sacchetti sat down with Baker and his wife, Lauren, at their home in Swampscott Thursday.

Baker said he wants to focus on education and creating jobs. He said he won't take the "no new taxes" pledge that he did during his first run because he thinks it would hurt anyone trying to change the state's tax system. The Republican gubernatorial candidate also said he learned a lot from his first campaign.

"Why do you think you lost and what's changed now?" asked Sacchetti.

"Well, I think I lost in 2010 because Deval Patrick got more votes than I got," Baker replied. "Now voters, you don't get in because you think you can win, you get in because you have something to say. And I think I do have something to say."

Baker added that he does want to repeal the so-called tech tax, the new sales tax on computer and software services.

Five Democrats have officially announced plans to run for governor in 2014, including State Treasurer Steve Grossman. Attorney General Martha Coakley and Somerville Congressman Michael Capuano have also said they plan to announce whether or not they will run soon.

Cox Media Group