Back to Blogging – Snow & Campaigns

For any regular readers of this weekly blog, I apologize for the four-week long hiatus I am now returning from. Between work, volunteering, and family commitments, it has been a hectic few weeks. But as I return to this forum to share some thoughts on a weekly basis, two things are – remarkably – the same as they were four weeks ago. First, there is still snow on the ground. Please, someone, make this stop! And, second, the faces of Massachusetts politics are still changing every day.

Let’s take a brief look at some of the more recent political developments. First, five candidates have qualified – handed in enough signatures – to be on the April 30 primary ballot in the U.S. Senate Special Election. For the Democrats, there is Congressman Ed Markey and Congressman Stephen Lynch. Both are formidable campaigners, and each brings a unique background and message to this race. Markey and Lynch are each earning a lot of endorsements, from individuals and organizations, and I think this race will be a lot closer than current polls suggest.

For the Republicans, the choices are Gabriel Gomez, Michael Sullivan, and Rep. Dan Winslow. Or, in other words: a Navy SEAL turned Harvard grad and investment banker; a former U.S. Attorney with loyal support; or a sitting State Representative whose “Fluff” theatrics helped put him on the front page last year. Like the Democrats, the candidates offer a range of experiences and perspectives, and the choice demonstrates, to many, that the GOP in this state does have a lot to offer.  I think this will be a race between Winslow and Sullivan.

In other statewide news, Mike Lake recently announced a campaign for Lt. Governor in 2014, and joins current candidate – and former CEO of the 2012 Democratic National Convention – Steve Kerrigan on the campaign trail. Mike ran a solid campaign for auditor in 2010, a race that was eventually won by current Auditor Suzanne Bump. Additionally, candidate for governor Joe Avellone has been making several stops across the state, and speculation continues to grow around a gubernatorial campaign announcement from Treasurer Steve Grossman. 

Finally, just yesterday, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone announced that he will step down at the end of April, after having already announced that this term – which ends in 2014 – would be his last. This opens up another seat that Governor Deval Patrick must fill by appointment, and it is a coveted seat in Massachusetts politics. Three of the last four Middlesex DA’s have gone on to serve as Attorney General. Depending on who the Governor appoints, that could open up more vacancies down the chain, meaning more campaigns.

The bottom line is this: there are a number of campaigns, and potential campaigns, to peak your interest in Massachusetts politics. More importantly, there are so many ways to get involved in the process: either with a campaign or as an observer. Campaigns present a change to play a significant role in our government and in who we have representing us, so I hope everyone takes advantage of these opportunities. See you on the campaign trails!