Just thought I would link to this piece by David Bernstein and would be interested in your thoughts, and what criteria you would use. In terms of most influence throughout the entire decade I would say probably Governor Baker, Senator Warren, and Speaker DeLeo would be my top three picks.
Please share widely!
My friend Dan Cohen was interviewed for that and had the same top 3. I second it.
I also agree with him that Maura Healey, Michelle Wu, and Ayanna Pressley show the most promise for the next decade.
Interesting who doesn’t make the list in my book. Deval Patrick, Seth Moulton, and Marty Walsh. The Tim’s (Murray and Cahill) also faded into obscurity along with John Connolly and Dan Conley. I also would have thought Sonia Chang Diaz would be in a higher office by now, she should move to the Lynch part of her district and take a shot. Remember Sam Yoon? Neither do I. Still bummed Carl Sciortino and Linda Dorcena Forry aren’t in office anymore.
Also would Martha Coakley be on this list had she won either race? I think not. Her post-public sector work for Juul shows she was always part of the hack wing of the party and would’ve been a pretty ineffective governor or senator. Preferable to her opponents in those races for sure, but nobody to write home about.
I agree with both lists.
For 2010-2020, it’s Baker, Deleo, Warren, and the first two (especially Deleo) have been negative for the state.
For 2015-2025, it’s Pressley, Healey, and Wu, who are all great.
Coakley could be on the list for being consequential in a bad way. But, if she had walked into that Senate seat, like she should have, who knows what Warren would be doing now.
Thinking back of all the Gov and Lt Gov hopefuls of the last two cycles and I can barely remember any names. The Boston City Council is becoming an unbelievable pipeline of talent – I’m excited to see where folks end up. It’s a shame there are too few seats available higher up. I’d take most of the Boston city council over easily half the Congressional delegation.