Romanul, who is taking on incumbent Rep. Jay Barrows, said addressing the issues should be above partisan politics.

"2008 is an unbelievably important election year," he said in kicking off his election drive. "Our country and our community face vast challenges that desperately need to be addressed by every elected official.

"These are not issues just for Republicans or Democrats, liberals or conservatives," he said.

"We are truly at a crossroads that is far beyond partisanship. That is why I am asking to serve as your full-time representative in the Massachusetts House," he added.

Romanul, a first-time candidate and member of the Mansfield Democratic Town Committee, is running against Barrows, a freshman Republican, in a district that includes Foxboro, Precincts 1, 3 and 6 in Mansfield and Precincts 3, 4 and 5 in Norton. He said he wants the state to adopt cost-saving measures to hold down the growing cost of health care and to develop alternative forms of energy.

"We are seeing staggering and suffocating gas and energy prices," he said.

"It is high time we declare energy independence. Massachusetts must be a national leader, and I would relish the opportunity to serve as the state leader on this issue. Alternative energy is the next big industry, one that directly affects us all."