Globe goes Tim Flaherty for Tuesday's MSE Senate primary:
Like his five rivals, Flaherty touts himself as a strong progressive. And like most, he expresses skepticism about some aspects of the state’s successful education reforms. Even so, Flaherty would deal with issues in a more thoughtful way. While supportive of union rights, he is open to at least some measures to help local governments save on employees’ health costs. He supports a destination casino but not racetrack slot machines.
A few years ago, we endorsed Flaherty for the same Senate seat, in part due to questions about Galluccio's ability to stay on the straight and narrow. The field is frankly more crowded — particularly with progressives — so we've had a harder time making our minds up. I can't object to the Globe's reasoning … though personally I don't support casinos at all. (Resort casinos are indeed preferable to racinos.)
And the Globe also mentioned Benzan for coming from outside the typical political circles. In another race, another district, Benzan and a few other of these folks would be dream candidates. As I say, it's a strong field.
(Hey Globe: No love for Albano?)
I think the Globe would really prefer to endorse Simmons. But they don’t even mention her.
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p>I think its because they don’t think she can win and would rather go with Flaherty because they think Simmons is a spoiler for Flaherty and they don’t want to see DiDomenico win.
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p>But Simmons is surging – they should have more faith.
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p>They gave Benzan the #2 nod because they think he takes votes from DiDomenico.
I think after the Globe endorsing Khazei in the US Senate primary we can pretty much put your theory to bed. Clearly they endorse who they want to, irregardless of the “spoiler” effect that candidate might have . . . whether that’s good or bad on their part is a whole other story!
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p>What evidence do you have that Simmons is surging? I haven’t heard that at all – everyone I talk to thinks the race is between Flaherty & DiDomenico.
at the seat may be to come in a respectable second or more likely third tomorrow and not stop running for November.
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p>Whomever wins tomorrow will enter the State Senate in Mid May amongst a bruising budget battle which will see local aid cut to cities and towns, including the cities and towns that represent the district. The winner and new senator will be unable to do anything about it, but will share some of the responsibility of the budget.
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p>This would put Denise and others, but particularly Denise, in a good position to run again, build on the momentum and name recognition from this race. An added benefit would be that both Sal and Tim have relied heavily on financing from unions and other special interest groups (lawyers for Tim). Since MA political fundraising limits are based on a calendar year, it will be hard for them to match their fund raising levels from this race in November as the same donors will not be available to them.
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p>All in all, this sets up well for the runners up in November.
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p>One potential thorn in Denise’s side could be Marjorie Decker who withdrew this time, but could come back into the race in the fall. She would have the potential backing of her union supporters and could have a formidable warchest from which to build a strong campaign.
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p>Sets up as a great election where tomorrow’s winner takes the seat and, at the same time, has a large target placed on their back for the fall.