Patricia Jehlen's Win a Blow to Charter School Supporters

Incumbent Sen. Patricia Jehlen defeated Leland Cheung in the Second Middlesex Senate Democratic primary, and while Thursday's elections generated little excitement and low turnout overall, Jehlen's victory may be key for those opposed to lifting the charter school cap.

MassLive reports Jehlen received 80 percent of the vote to Cheung's 20 percent, with just four precincts awaiting results as of 12:30 a.m.

According to the Boston Herald, the anti-charter PAC Mass. Teacher Association has spent close to $173,000, much of that going toward its support of Jehlen. The $164,000 spent by pro-charter Democrats for Education Reform has largely gone to Cheung, the Herald reported.

With PAC funding neck-and-neck between the candidates, one takeaway could be reasonable doubt over exactly how influential such spending will be when it comes time for the Nov. 8 general election.

A ballot question this November will determine whether or not Massachusetts increases the number of charter schools it allows. Though that question was not on the primary ballot, it is sure to be a contentious and much debated topic as November approaches.

Jehlen's landslide victory Thursday night could be an early indicator of where Bay Staters stand on Question 2.

Photo via Sen. Pat Jehlen Twitter account