Blue Mass Group

Reality-based commentary on politics.

Update: Wilkerson Challenge to Nomination Papers Falls Short by 9 Signatures

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The Boston Election Commission today completed its review of Dianne Wilkerson’s challenge to the lack of certified signatures for nomination.  Wilkerson waited until the last day allowed by law to request the review, May 25, and fell short by 9 signatures.  Unless a court says otherwise, it’ll be a sticker campaign in September.  Now, everyone into the pool!  And yes, I’m a Samiyah Diaz supporter.  For the Democratic nomination.

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Comments

  1. Thanks for the news, Amicus.  Could you explain why you’re a Diaz supporter?  I’ve expressed my feelings toward her candidacy, but I’d be interested to hear from someone who supports her, particularly if your reasons are Diaz’s postivies, not just Wilkerson’s negatives.

    • FCG, thanks for inviting this post.  The BMG certainly offers a forum where people can transcend the usual “I’d never vote for Wilkerson” or “I’d never vote for a Republican” blather.  Wouldn’t it be a nice change if, during the remaining months of the Second Suffolk campaign (or all campaigns for that matter) we could compare notes on the strengths and weaknesses of candidates so voters can make a thoughtful choice at the polls?  I’m willing to give it a shot and I know most readers/posters of this site feel the same way.  Here goes:

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      1.  The Candidate’s Personal Qualifications:  If you haven’t met Samiyah Diaz yet, you should.  She’s smart, hard working, kind, compassionate and overcame a lot of adversity to accomplish what she has so far.  Adversity, and how a person deals with it, can shape them far greater than the “paper” qualifications.  Even her paper qualifications are impressive:  BS and MS from Tufts in Computer Science, 3rd year at New England School of Law, speaks 7 languages with 3 fluently, and reflects the strength of the diversity of the district neighborhoods as a woman who is a single mother, black, latina and muslim so that diverse people will feel invested in their Senator;

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      2.  The Candidate’s Political Stands:  Samiyah Diaz is socially progressive and fiscally prudent.  Vows to repeal the 1913 law and to oppose amending the Constitution on equal marriage, pro-choice, anti-death penalty, strong on schools and public safety.  She says she’ll advance detailed proposals throughout the Summer.  Her first proposal, to repeal the 1913 law, was circulated at the State House and makes a good case for change;

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      3.  The Muslim Factor:  We’re in a frightening time in our world history.  Most Muslims (not the ones you see on TV) believe that Osama Bin Laden has hijacked their faith.  We need to engage patriotic Muslims into US public life and involve them in improving security and peace.  If elected, Samiyah Diaz will be an immediate force in the Muslim community to that end;

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      4.  The Dianne Factor:  It’s not negative to compare the candidates.  Dianne was a person of great promise.  But her past and current history hurts her and hurts her ability to help the district.  If anything, a break from public life might be just what the doctor ordered for Dianne:  cede her position of power and then make the case why she deserves to rejoin public life as a challenger rather than an incumbent.  Think Richard Nixon.  Or maybe better not.

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      As I’ve disclosed before, I’m a Samiyah Diaz supporter and I’m volunteering for her.  But these are some of the reasons why I’m in her camp and not Wilkerson’s this time (I’ve been in Wilkerson’s camp in the past).  The late entry of other candidates is a good thing for democracy and I’ll look forward to posts on their qualifications and positions.

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