My Massachusetts Primary Picks 2018
I’m doing research for local MA Democratic primary elections happening tomorrow and thought it would be useful to share. If you’re not voting in Massachusetts on 9/4/2018, this is not going to be terribly interesting to you.
A couple of things:
- I have no connection to the actual campaigns of any of these candidates.
- I’m fairly liberal so these primaries basically decide whom I’ll vote for in the General.
- I’m only posting my opinions about contested seats on my ballot. I don’t live in the district that’s voting on Capuano vs Pressley.
Governor:
(my pick) Jay Gonzalez
Bob Massie
It seems like Jay Gonzalez is going to actually win and I’d be fine voting for him in the general. I also like his actual experience in MA politics. However, Massie seems like he would push things to left, especially with talk about rent control and not just assuming we can build our way out of rising housing prices.
However, I’m generally hesitant of people running for higher executive office without some form government experience. And knowing Mike Connolly and seeing him endorse Gonzalez pushed it over the edge for me. Although it was interesting to see his endorsement of Gonzalez run counter to Our Revolution’s endorsement of Massie.
Sources:
https://www.boston.com/news/politics/2018/08/17/massachusetts-governor-democrats-jay-gonzalez-bob-massie-traffic-mbta
https://jay4ma.com/endorsements/
https://www.bobmassie2018.com/groups/
Lt. Governor:
(my pick) Quentin Palfrey
Jimmy Tingle
Note: I’m a standup comedian and Jimmy Tingle has performed on the show I co-run. As expected, most of the coverage I’m seeing focuses on Jimmy Tingle being a standup comedian and not on his degree from the Harvard Kennedy school.
I really wish someone from his campaign took the time to answer the linked questionnaire from the Boston Globe. However, you can gather what his answer would’ve been by going to his site and comparing it to Quentin’s published policies.
I think Jimmy would do a wonderful job, but I’m pointing more towards Quentin Palfrey. He has stronger and more specific focus on education, which is one of my core issues.
Sources:
https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/politics/2018/08/27/primary-guide-lieutenant-governor/2m25R3FWcjOFEwQzc4ynMM/story.html
https://www.jimmytingle4mass.com/issues
https://www.quentinpalfrey.com/policy
https://medium.com/@qpalfrey/its-time-to-fix-our-education-funding-formula-invest-in-our-public-schools-cf4f3414f95f
Secretary of State:
(my pick) William Francis Galvin
Josh Zakim
I like Zakim’s experience with civil rights and his push for voting rights. Galvin however has adopted support for a lot of the same initiatives though, which might be a response from his challenger being to the left of him.
The Boston Globe gave Galvin their endorsement, pointing to his work with forcing MetLife to payout pensions. And Galvin is on record as not running again if he wins. I think he’s done great job, but with that type of attitude wouldn’t be opposed to new blood.
EDIT: I’ve switched this pick to Galvin due to personal recommendations. This one was a toss up fro me anyway but the more I’m reading about Zakim the more I’m pointed more towards Galvin.
I think this is a moment for young progressives in the party, and win for Zakim would be energizing, but with Galvin taking on most of his positions, I’m not sure Zakim would do a better job.
Sources:
https://www.boston.com/news/politics/2018/06/04/josh-zakim-bill-galvin-massachusetts-secretary-of-state
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2018/08/14/debate/Qk0ItPhukrIhzFFCiXkAZO/story.html
https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/politics/2018/08/27/primary-guide-secretary-state/kFs4yWNW5TsZqXVh8fw3wO/story.html
https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/editorials/2018/08/26/endorsement-secretary-state-bill-galvin-deserves-democratic-nomination/gcL4h3mRae3wP5R7sHUyaN/story.html
Middlesex County District Attorney:
Marian T. Ryan
(my pick) Donna Patalano
They both seem to position themselves as reformers, but Ryan’s moves seem to be a reaction to Patalano’s challenge. Also, reading about her office’s handling of both the Jerry Remy and Aisling Brady McCarthy really soured me to her.
Also, Patalano has no problem talking directly about racial inequalities in the justice system which is a huge plus for me.
There’s no Republican challenger for this position, so this is the actual person you’ll be voting in.
Sources:
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/criminal-justice/in-middlesex-das-race-a-progressive-face-off/
https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/politics/2018/08/27/primary-guide-middlesex-district-attorney/6a3lxRB9Xo96yCYDLzci0M/story.html
Representative in General Court (State House Representative):
Majorie C. Decker
Lesley Rebecca Phillips
Lesley Phillips has lost this election 2 times and her campaign website is her Facebook page. Skimming her Cambridge WickedLocal editorial, there seems to be a lot of things I agree with but a campaign with such little organization is hard to take seriously.