Blue Mass Group

Reality-based commentary on politics.

When do you decide to go with your second choice?

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Given how little time this race has had to develop, it seems like momentum in the final week could shift pretty quickly and dramatically.  Maybe one of them will become the clear alternative to the frontunner.  Will it be Khazei with his Globe endorsement?  Capuano with his own endorsements?  I’m also not sure yet how the debate will factor into things.

To finally get to my question, though, at what point do/should people abandon their own top choice because their second choice seems more likely to beat the frontrunner?  I’m interested to hear what people have to say.  Is there a scenario in which you’d jump to your second choice, or will you stick with your top choice no matter how unlikely a win may appear?

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Comments

  1. but I’d be strongly influenced by polls showing one or the other of them within striking distance of winning.

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    p>If either is acceptable, but only one can win, this kind of information can be decisive.

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    p>If neither can win, then it becomes a symbolic vote for whoever you think is best.

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    p>A better voting system would let me vote on that basis all the time.

  2. I understand the thoughts about strategic voting, but I think primaries are for supporting your favorite.  

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    p>Unless the other options are really repellent (which I don’t think any candidate actually is in this race), then I think go with your gut.  

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    p>I think Coakley will win, but she (like you, it seems) is my third choice – and it is a pretty distant third.

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    p>I believe Capuano has the best chance of beating Coakley.  He has a lot of momentum, experience running races, and is starting from the best position. Khazei may have a lot of recent momentum, but he was starting from way back.  Pags ain’t got a shot in hell.  

    • I agree.  I allowed myself to get suckered in the past by the “electability” approach, and I won’t do that again.  I vote for the candidate I like best, and let the chips fall where they may.

  3. I’ve just spent an large amount of time working on the most complicated logic I’ve ever tackled in my life and I’ve discovered a truth that makes this easy for everyone: A vote for Capuano is a vote for your candidate!

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    p>Like Coakley? A vote for Capuano helps her out.

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    p>Khazei? Same thing!!

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    p>Pags? Um, I’m somewhat reluctant to give advice that helps out Pags, but, just to be fair, OK… Yes, a vote for Capuano even helps out Pags!!

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    p>Trying to explain the logic in simple layperson English is quite difficult, but I’m working on it. I should have it ready by December 9 or so.

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    p>In the meantime, support your candidate by voting for Mike Capuano!

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