Yes, Patrick was trying to squash Gabrieli and Reilly like bugs, and maybe even challenged some delegates as part of that effort.
Yes, Gabrieli was trying desperately to get enough votes to crack the 15% barrier, and maybe even spoke misleadingly about the “first” ballot.
Yes, powerful legislators and mayors were advancing their interests by pressuring delegates to be with their favored candidates.
Yes, state party officials apparently wanted Gabrieli on the ballot, both in case he turns out to be the strongest candidate and to preserve his good will and financial support in the future.
This is what politics is. Call it grassroots, call it machine, call it backroom. Whatever turns you on. The idea is to do everything within the law and rules to get the most votes. If you can do it with style and passion and substance and charisma, so much the better. But don’t whine about it when other players play hard.
I’m a Patrick supporter and think it would have helped Deval’s chances if Gab failed to make the ballot. Didn’t happen. Suck it up. Game on.
renaissance-man says
My hat is off to you. Nice summary. As you say, let’s move on.
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My recollection is that James Michael Curley had the following quote:
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“The voters have spoken….
The bastards.”
shillelaghlaw says
It was actually political prankster Dick Tuck who said it.
renaissance-man says
Wasn’t sure who to attribute it to…
frankskeffington says
Mo Udall, in 1976.
lightiris says
Good political candidates are shrewd. Pollyanna hasn’t been elected yet to my knowledge. Campaigns really are a nasty business and come with a coating of residual grease. ‘Tis the nature of people and the nature of the politcal beast.
eb3-fka-ernie-boch-iii says
God forbid a candidate use the rules to his advantage.
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Oh right, they should all be working for the greater good. Which is whatever the Kood Ade drinkers decide that is.
centristdem says
Amen, brothah! It is…what it is. At least you’re not pretending that you were all holding hands around the convention campfire and singing “Kumbayah.”
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Game on, indeed. đŸ™‚
rightmiddleleft says
Rule no 2 is to get elected.
Rule no 3 is to get elected.
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etc………………………………..
greencape says
Publius speaks the truth. I appreciate your candor.