Menino, Trav, Dimasi and the other Democratic power brokers aligned behind Reilly because he was the favorite and had a ton of money. As many know, an elected candidate rewards his supporters with access and appointments. At the same time, the people who supported the loser are shut out.
This doesn’t just apply to elected candidates, but also the business and lobbying community.
If Reilly isn’t going to get elected and they have no access to the Patrick campaign, what is the alternative?
Find a new candidate, especially one where they will have access if he wins. Even if Gabrieli doesn’t win, he can influence the rest of the race.
So in summary: Insiders scared of Reilly, desperate for influence = GET GABRIELI
Theory #2:
Beacon Hill insiders do not want a Democrat to win at all.
Remember Finneran and Harsbarger in 1998? The same thing will happen if Patrick is the nominee.
Let’s take the current health care debate and replace Romney with Patrick? You think the business community is worried now?
For the past 16 years the culture on Beacon Hill has allowed the Speaker and Senate President to hold the most power.
If Patrick (a liberal Democrat) wins in 2006, Trav and DiMasi will lose power. Same with individual Reps and Senators. Also, lobbyist who have made great sums of money working with these Reps/Senators will have to change.
Change is bad, the current dynamic is ideal for all the Beacon Hill players.
Therefore getting Gabrieli in can show if Patrick’s support real or rather a sign of “anyone but Reilly”. This can help with the future strategy to Finneran (stop) Patrick.
Thoughts?
