After a sleepy summer, the passing of Labor Day has brought us a veritable flood of primary-related news. In addition to the various endorsements detailed in the several preceding front-page posts (the most notable of which is likely Governor Patrick’s endorsement of Warren Tolman for Attorney General), here are a few other events of the day:
- The Democratic candidates for Governor held their final televised debate over at NECN. Here’s the video:
- The Globe has released its final poll of the primary cycle. No surprise in the Governor’s race: it’s still Martha Coakley by a couple of lengths (MC 47, SG 25, DB 13, with leaners). The shocker is in the race for Attorney General, in which the Globe shows Maura Healey jumping out to a dramatic 45-29 lead (with leaners). I have to say that such a dramatic change in such a short time seems suspect, so the poll has a whiff of outlier-ness about it at least for this race. Nonetheless, I do believe that Healey could have a real lead at this point. Her campaign has simply been more adept than Tolman’s, and in a down-ballot primary race, that counts for a lot.
- Shirley Leung, the Globe’s ardently pro-casino business columnist (she herself writes that “I am as pro-casino as they come in the media”), today lambasted the “build one in Springfield even if the repeal passes” position on casinos that Charlie Baker invented and that Martha Coakley recently adopted. Leung notes:
Here’s what is so confusing about the idea to allow Springfield to go ahead with its casino plans even if the state law is repealed: It ignores the fact that Plainville, Everett, and Revere also voted for gambling. How come Springfield alone would get to gamble?
I am constrained to point out that I made precisely this point two days ago! Anyway, it’s encouraging to see even as pro-casino a writer as Leung recognizing that casinos are a legitimate statewide issue.
I am as pro-casino as they come in the media, but gambling is such a contentious issue that everyone – not just those who will live with a casino in their back yard — should get to vote on it. The impact of a gambling complex won’t be confined within the borders of the community where it is built in. If state voters say no, we shouldn’t allow the neon lights to be turned on anywhere.
Ed Markey should take note.
Because that way the state can continue to ignore the problems facing Springfield – and then blame the city if the casino doesn’t work out.
I have been undecided up until this point in the race for governor. Each candidate has some points of great strength and none are without flaws. I could see any of the three sitting as governor. Which is the biggest reason why this choice has been so difficult.
Today, this un-enrolled voter is no longer undecided. I am going to vote for Don Berwick. He has a deep understanding of a wide array of topics, as well as detailed plans on what he wants to accomplish. Don Berwick can give some inspiring speeches, but it isn’t always this way. I am frequently annoyed by the way he comes across in debates, it is almost condescending (even if it isn’t intended to be). He certainly needs some debate coaching. However, Dr. Berwick is my chance to vote for single-payer and real progressive values, and I can’t let that slip away.
In the likely chance that Don Berwick is defeated in the primary, I will happily go all in for Martha Coakley or Steve Grossman, as either candidate will be far superior than Charlie Baker.
To be honest, I would rather vote for Gov. Patrick again.