Charlie Baker Laces Up in Framingham for Long Governor's Race; Purchases Shoes on His 57th Birthday

Originally published at 3:03 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14. 
UPDATED with more photos.
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Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker, a Republican, was in Framingham Wednesday afternoon campaigning for the governor's office.

The campaign will be more of a marathon than a sprint, as election day is not until November 2014. 

Baker, who stopped by the Memorial Building and Framingham Parks & Recreation, bought two new pairs of shoes, while campaigning in downtown Framingham.

Baker, purchased a pair of New Balance sneakers and black dress shoes from Bubba Bronzetti at Panza Shoes, a downtown small business for more than 60 years. Baker said he spent $200.

One could say the new shoes were a birthday present to himself, as the Republican candidate turned 57 today.

Prior to visiting Panza Shoes, Baker stopped at Fitts Insurance and talked with Chris Fitts and a few other employees about health insurance and other issues facing small businesses. Fitts Insurance is celebrating its 81st year.

Taking Baker on a tour of Downtown Framingham was elected Republican state committee woman Janet Leombruno and Republican state committee man Ed McGrath, both of Framingham.

Baker, the former CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, is running for Massachusetts governor for the second time. He ran in 2010 and lost. Baker lives in Swampscott with his family.