If you were not going to vote for Martha Coakley on Tuesday but see that she’s “75 points ahead in the polls” (or whatever), jumping on the bandwagon and casting for Coakley is actually throwing way your vote if you preferred Grossman or Berwick. A win is a win regardless of the spread. If Martha wins with 40% or 42%, it’s a win if the other two split the balance. However, if you are like me and support Don Berwick and Don receives 38% of the vote, that sends a clear and defined message to Martha that if she does not alter her stand on casinos and health care, 38% of “the base” will be less than enthusiastic for her election. That is not to say that Martha will adopt Don’s positions but it does send a powerful message that should influence policy going forward if the winning candidate is interested in a second term.
That’s my message to anyone I’ve canvassed, called of late who wants Don Berwick but thinks that Martha is going to win this one with or without their vote. I’m voting for Don Berwick. (and I think the result of this race will be one for the textbooks)
