Lieutenant Governor candidate Deb Goldberg made a very impressive campaign kick-off announcement today in front of the State House in Boston (even though the campaign’s been going strong for months). I realize that this particular blog places her in a “second tier” status…which seems just about as erroneous of a perception as is possible.
I’ve spoken with her many times, and she is not only extremely well spoken and charismatic, but intelligent and has a very detailed and well-laid plan for moving the state forward. Now, I’m definitely not one who is a huge fan of old money continuing to run Mass. politics, but I find it extremely unfair and unreasonable to automatically place such a negative connotation on her status as granddaughter of the founders of Stop and Shop. If anything, it gives her a business background in addition to the strong legal background she already has established (something of which NONE of the candidates can boast).
After getting to know more about Goldberg, she has the most impressive list of supporters in the state. I think she has over 20 State Reps, Congressman Frank, and former DNC chair and fundraising powerhouse Steve Grossman. Additionally, her support comes from across the entire state…major community leaders from Cape Cod to Pittsfield.
Her values and experience are very impressive to me, and sold me on her qualifications. It, quite frankly, shocks me that some people place her in a second-tier status. While her fundraising numbers (on-hand) are less than Silbert and Murray, she has devoted her assets to running an aggressive and wide-spread field organization (as is demonstrated by her widespread statewide support). I notice Silbert’s spending is nearly nil…makes me wonder what the fundraising is going to. So, I guess if we’re basing the strength of a campaign off of “cash-on-hand” then Goldberg’s campaign is second-tier. But that couldn’t be a more one-dimensional standard.
In any case, while I’m mainly talking up Goldberg here, it is important to understand that each candidate has strong qualifications. While some of us may be trash-talking other dem candidates, we may have to be supporting them come September. Let’s not take our eyes off the prize…and that’s a democratic ticket in the corner office.
But, keep your eye on Goldberg. She seems to be getting support wherever she goes…and rightfully so.
none of the proprietors here (Bob, Charley, or myself) have ever described Goldberg as a second-tier candidate, and I think it would be quite incorrect to do so, for many of the reasons you state.
If the worst thing you can say about Andrea Silbert’s campaign is that she’s been disciplined with her budget, I’d say that’s a great thing. Bottom line, any LG’s going to need a million in September. Only Healeys, Gabrielis and Goldbergs can write their own support. Andrea and Murray have to raise it and save it.
No one said anything negative about Silbert’s campaign, just that she doesn’t seem to spend her hard earned campaign money. I’m just trying to distinguish between “cash-on-hand” and cash actually raised over the last year. Fieldguy, I feel like you get awfully defensive anytime someone says something other than glowingly positive about Ms. Silbert. I don’t think anyone has outright attacked or discredited what appears to be an impressive record. There are several other extremely qualified and charismatic candidates out there. It’s going to be a tight race between a few people who probably deserve to be in the corner office. I have made my decision to support Ms. Goldberg because of what I consider to be the cornerstone qualities a democratic candidate should have…but not to discount the virtues of the other candidates who may very well be the ones on the ticket come September. Let’s not forget, we’re all on the same team here.
Caro makes an important point. We are all Democrats and should all be supporting whoever wins the primary in September. I personally favor Murray as the strongest & most viable candidate, but I acknowledge that all the candidates are fine people.