Senate minority leader Brian Lees of East Longmeadow is stepping down. The Fray has the scoop , and a good quote from a guy who co-authored the Travaglini-Lees compromise amendment on gay marriage:
“Gay marriage has begun, and life has not changed for the citizens of the commonwealth, with the exception of those who can now marry.”
Gracious, classy, true, and not completely out of character for someone who was basically socially liberal.Looks like he may run for John Olver’s US House seat, if the sometimes-ailing Olver decides to retire.
Lees is one of only six Republican state senators. To state the obvious, in the legislature party doesn’t seem to matter much, since even the conservatives tend to run as Dems. It’s the individual temperaments that make the difference between good and bad policy.
As a liberal dem, I’ve got only good things to say about Lees. Mostly consistent (after 18 years, it’s hard to be perfectly consistent), always liked his social views and, like Dean and the DFA, I to believe in fiscal responsibility, which Lees symbolized.
<
p>
But Lees’ departure creates a real chance that the Republicans will have four Senate seats in the next session. If Brown does run for LG, the State Republican Party will have to pour resources into both seats to retain them…and next Nov. these resources maybe limited as the focus will be on keeping the corner office.
<
p>
Also, forget about beating Olver. Not that Olver is a stellar candidate (more of the opposite). But when do challengers beat incumbents for Congress? Sure if Olver retires, Lees is a great bet to win the nomination (but what about Jane Swift), but there will be a strong D running also.