I don’t think there’s been enough earnest discussion about how three-way primaries really work. All three candidates for governer–Gabrieli and especially the other two, Patrick and Reilly–must spend a lot of time thinking about those dynamics. I’m not really very close to any of the campaigns, but I have a friend who works for Deval, and he’s always thinking about these dynamics. Who’s got the upper-hand, and when? How will votes split? What decisions make who look weak and others strong? This is all important given that Gabrieli looks like he will get his 15%–almost for sure.
Please share widely!
I would say three way is more complicated than a “head to head” primary. If two candidates position themselves too close together, they may tend to split the vote for people deciding on issues.
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Of course some people decide on other things besides issues. Speaking abiltity, looks, intelligence, resume, experience, potential, educational level, alma mater, connections, and even degrees of separatation (a friend of a friend) all have been know factors.
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So, I would say one key is to always “distingush” yourself from the other candidates. This seems to be harder to do, the more candidates you have to deal with.
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Just some ideas.
Also- It’s easier to play “rope a dope” that is when two candidates decide to pick on the third, usually the perceived front runner. So it is tougher to be in the lead and hold that position.
almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. I’m not convinced that Gabrieli has his 15%.
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BTW – Interesting choice for a user name. It could give someone the impresssion that you’re affiliated with the management of this blog.
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Just sayin’.