Massachusetts Has a New Man in Charge

By: Alyssa Murphy

Image courtesy of masslive.com

Charlie Baker has officially clinched the open gubernatorial seat in Massachusetts, late last night. After the long fought battle against opponent Martha Coakley, Baker finally made strides toward taking the lead in the polls in the few days leading up to the election. The victory for Baker is not surprising, considering the numbers in recent days. It is however surprising that Baker was able to overtop all of Coakley’s efforts and her rapport with the people of Massachusetts through her role as Attorney General.

In Baker’s post-celebratory victory speech held this morning, he was respectful and admirable towards Coakley, although she refused to formally concede until earlier Wednesday morning. He applauded her successes throughout the campaign and spoke only to her accomplishments. With his left-over energy from the campaign, he mustered up the enthusiasm and energy necessary to address his supporters and staff, now as the “governor-elect” of Massachusetts. Baker says that his first order of business is to “hire a great team.” The make-up of any great administration starts with great people, according to the governor elect.

The people of Massachusetts identified with Charlie Baker’s message. He is steadfast on developing educational excellence across the Commonwealth, boosting the economy and caring about the people. Although following in the path of former Republican governors, before current governor Deval Patrick (D), Baker has promised voters to remain true to his moderate standpoints. Baker motivated his base and persuaded enough undecideds to be victorious. He was never after the overwhelmingly Democratic cities of Massachusetts, like Coakley, but he was able to capture the attentions of enough voters in the suburban and rural areas of the state to come out ahead. Baker’s dedicated and persevering campaign plan to not ignore any part of the state, benefitted him overall. Even if there was a possibility that he would not find “a single Republican” in any given town, he went anyway and found supporters none the less.

Baker led an endearing, caring and attentive campaign based on what the people of Massachusetts want. Because of this, he was triumphant in the Bay State. As Coakley thanked supporters at her headquarters in Somerville early Wednesday, she felt as though “we both won,” in the sense that both she and Baker raised issues that matter to the people of Massachusetts. This fact is apparent, and Baker has vowed to work hard in fixing those issues for the constituents that gave him their support.

While Baker is in fact a Republican, his centrist leanings make it feasible to attain cooperation in the now purple state of Massachusetts. Baker is adding balance to the currently Democratic, Beacon Hill, just as the shift in the nation’s House and Senate do the same. This shift in power in Massachusetts reflects the Republican climate of the nation as well. This year’s midterm elections cast doubt on the Democrat’s ability to maintain hopeful for 2016. Baker illustrates the new direction of Massachusetts, and his leadership and standpoints reflect even a moderate direction for the country in the next presidential race.

Can Baker Take Boston?

By: Alyssa Murphy

Image courtesy of The Daily Hampshire Gazette

After what has already been an unpredictable battle, at the close of polls tomorrow, it is sure to be anyone’s race. Democrat Martha Coakley and Republican Charlie Baker have fought a great deal for the future leadership of Massachusetts but several surveys, including one conducted by USA Today, predict Baker will come out on top in tomorrow’s election.

Baker has stood his ground in this race by running as the “compassionate centrist,” working with moderates and Republicans to secure support and turn out votes. In a blue state like Massachusetts, Baker was smart in avoiding strict conservative platforms. His remarkable ability to maintain a tie throughout most of this election indicates that he is someone voters in Massachusetts can rely on and someone who they are willing to take a chance on. They are familiar with the “guarded” Coakley, yet are still willing to vote for a relatively fresh face.

Both candidates have conducted successful campaigns. If one candidate threw a punch, the other swung back. As stated in this excerpt from the Boston Globe:

But if Coakley has sought to portray him as an out-of-touch plutocrat, Baker has countered with a dewy-eyed compassion offensive.

But what Coakley has done, while Baker has not, is be extreme. While Coakley has presented voters with adequate reason to cast votes in her favor, she has also lacked the charisma to actually obtain those votes. Voters were at first comfortable with Coakley. They recognized her name because of her position as Attorney General, and as a former district attorney. Once the candidates began releasing television ads and delving into campaign efforts, Baker has managed to capture the attentions of even Massachusetts’ Democrats.

Regardless of latest polls, this has been a close race for Beacon Hill the past several months. There is still no clear winner and there will not be until the close of polls tomorrow.

The Race Can’t End in a Tie

By: Alyssa Murphy

Image courtesy of Fox News and foxnews.com

Over the past two Monday’s rounding out the final weeks of October, Charlie Baker and Martha Coakley have gone head-to-head in two televised debates in consecutive weeks. The two governor-hopefuls are still nearly tied in the race for the Corner Office and these public debates are their final chances to make lasting impressions on potential supporters.

In their first debate held on October 22nd, the two contrasted numerous policy platforms which have been highlighted throughout the campaign cycle, either through adds or other mediums. Overall, the polls were not affected in either direction after the conclusion of this debate. Early yesterday afternoon, an overwhelming amount of various poll sources indicated that Baker was ahead minimally. After last night’s debate, Baker is still ahead but the debate did little to increase his lead. 

The two candidates presented diversely different debate styles. Coakley was on the offensive and adamantly stood her ground on any issues that Baker attacked. Baker however, was much more calm and laid back. His demeanor almost made him seem bored, but this could also work for voters who perceive Coakley as being too aggressive. The candidates faced a popular question concerning the female vote. Coakley claimed that, she would never ask women to vote for her simply because she is a woman, but because she stands up for policies that promote women. Baker addressed this question in an equally successful manner. He claims that he has always made it a point to work with women and will continue to do so if elected.

Seven days left, and it is still too close to make a call. The anticipation is building and hopefully so is voter support for either one of these candidates.

The Electorate Tells All

By: Alyssa Murphy

It comes as no surprise that turnout for midterm elections is bleak. Voters in America are busy, pre-occupied and overwhelmed, and that is just in reference to how they feel during presidential races. Add the uncertainty and confusion that accompanies midterm elections, and it is confidently predictable that turnout is bound to be embarrassing. Generally speaking, the constituents that pay most attention to midterm races include wealthy, white, and elderly men. Charlie Baker should be grinning from ear to ear with those observations.

In general elections, the electorate tends to be less educated, part of a lower social class and made up of an array of races. This typically helps Democrats in Massachusetts, but just like the rest of the country, Massachusetts leans toward a more affluent electorate during the midterm elections. Stereotypically speaking, this increases the viability of the Republican candidate.

This is not to say that the viability of Martha Coakley is a lost cause. But the Democratic candidate for governor does face another wave of problems. Young voters that are registered to vote in Massachusetts may be out of the state for college or work, and are potentially unaware that voting with an absentee ballot is an option. Therefore, many of the anticipated voters will not be present. Adversely, Baker faces an equally troubling issue with his potential voters. Because the trend indicates that older voters support the GOP more frequently, many of these elderly supporters could have moved out of state or are now deceased.

All of these stereotypical trends are hard to fully accept because there are always glitches. Coakley is currently struggling to maintain her lead among female voters, although women typically vote for fellow women candidates. She was once ahead of Baker in terms of female support, but she has since lost such control.

Baker should not be too confident in relying on these trends to get him by. But they may hold some value if the polls indicate that Coakley is floundering where she should be excelling. At this point in time, the campaigns must do all they can in order to get supporters and undecided voters to the polls next Tuesday.

Tie, Tie, Tie the Polls

By: Alyssa Murphy

Just two weeks away from the midterm elections, and things in Massachusetts are hotter than ever. With Real Clear Politics reporting an actual tie, both candidates need to evaluate their campaign strategies coming into the final stretch.

A recent analysis has shown that if history repeats itself, the tie could lead to an advantage for Democrat Martha Coakley. In the past, an advantage has been given to the “Democrat expectation“.  Simply meaning that Republican candidates are usually better off in the polls leading up to the election, but then the Democratic candidate exceeds expectations and exceeds the opposition in the final tally.

It is not entirely certain what causes this small yet significant bias in the polls, but one theory is that on average, Democrats tend to make up their minds closer to election day compared to most Republicans. Therefore, the percentage of voters that appear to be undecided in the polls, end up leaning to the left, giving Democrats like Coakley an edge over Republicans like Baker.

With a race that is still entirely too close to call, it would be in Baker’s best interest to target the undecided voters who have not yet been coaxed by Coakley.

16 Days and Counting

By: Alyssa Murphy

With just over two weeks to go in the gubernatorial race in Massachusetts, many argue the Charlie Baker (R.), and Martha Coakley (D.) are virtually tied in the polls. The two candidates have taken to criticizing each other on specific policy issues such as raising taxes and outsourcing jobs.

Without surprise, coming into the final stretch of the campaign, the two political hopefuls are at each other’s throats fighting for last minute voter support and recognition. Attempting to do so, the current attacks concerning the outsourcing of jobs has garnered a significant amount of attention. Regardless of if this issue is critical in the minds of voters, the Coakley campaign has certainly raised doubts about Baker’s failure to address questions concerning the issue. During his time as the CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Baker supposedly outsourced 600 jobs to India, although the company was doing well overall. Coakley did not waste any time pointing out Baker’s flaws, especially with reference to his admirable yet ironic Outsourcing Award.

Martha Coakley is not entirely innocent in this matter either. Although she is pointing the blame at Baker’s hypocrisy, it may be wise of her to analyze her own record as well. Coakley’s Health Connector Board has recently decided to go about outsourcing over 250 jobs from Massachusetts, and yet Coakley has done nothing to stop this from happening. Instead she is preoccupied with exposing Baker’s faults.

This rise in attacks may be stirring up even more hype in this already close race. Voters do not want to see vulnerabilities this close to election day. Since the race is still very much a toss up, Coakley’s relentless attacking may make all of the difference, but the hypocrisy could harm her more than help her.

A “Political Outsider” Makes Waves in MA

By: Alyssa Murphy

Image courtesy of Saturn Partners and saturnpartnerssvc.com

Jeff McCormick, one of the Independent candidates for the next governor of Massachusetts, recently released a new television ad claiming that he is a better fit for governor compared to both front-runners, Martha Coakley and Charlie Baker. The ad, strategically entitled “Better” highlights the corruption and flaws possessed by two already “political insiders.”

McCormick, the creator of the famous Massachusetts company, Boston Duck Tours, and acting current managing partner of Saturn Partners, a venture investment firm, is no stranger to the hard work it takes to run a successful business. Nor is he unfamiliar with the ways to create jobs and help better the ways of life in MA. A business man to the core, McCormick is using his profession to his advantage, while helping him to stand out against the other career politicians.

Unlike other candidates who align closely with specific issue positions, McCormick has vowed to “put the people before politics,” and because of his Independent platform, he has the utmost liberty to do so.

His uncharacteristically, non-political background makes McCormick a fairly over-looked contender for the Corner Office among voters. However, McCormick says “his life experiences have prepared him for public office.” Without the strings of politics attached to his campaign, he might be correct. Unfortunately, Coakley and Baker remain the primary contenders in this close race, just three weeks out from election day.

Bloomberg Backs Baker

By: Alyssa Murphy

Embed from Getty Images

While Democrat Martha Coakley received wide-spread support from First Lady Michelle Obama, Republican candidate for governor of MA is not alone in his endeavors after all. Former mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, has recently backed Baker in his campaign.

Bloomberg is somewhat of a political anomaly. He was first elected Mayor of NYC as a Republican in 2001, but was originally a Democrat. Since leaving office, he now considers himself more of an Independent. Bloomberg is considered to be a “political financier,” giving support and funds to moderates on both sides of the aisle. Baker is a perfect candidate for Bloomberg’s funding. Bloomberg admires Baker’s ability to work with both parties, and being able to stay above partisan politics is what earned Baker a hefty donation from Bloomberg.

Bloomberg’s contribution to the Baker campaign is part of his $25 million expenses to boost support for ten gubernatorial or congressional candidates throughout this election cycle. Through his Independence USA political action committee, Bloomberg is also able to back MA Democratic candidate for the 6th Congressional District, Seth Moulton. Exemplifying Bloomberg’s dedication to support candidates in both parties, his impacts will not go unnoticed in the state of Massachusetts. In fact, Baker has over six times more money in campaign contributions than opponent Martha Coakley, according to the Boston Globe.

It is still a close race in the state of Massachusetts, but a contribution such as this will only make the race even tighter. Baker will have to use these funds strategically if he wishes to surpass Coakley’s marginal yet manageable lead in the polls.

The Ladies Stick Together

By: Alyssa Murphy

Image courtesy of WGBH News (www.wgbhnews.org).

In a recent campaign event held on October 3, 2014 by Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate, Martha Coakley (D.), First Lady Michelle Obama formally endorsed Coakley as her choice for the future governor of MA. With less than thirty days left leading up to the election, Coakley made an advantageous and strategic campaign choice at this point in time.

In what is turning out to be a major campaign divided not only down the aisle, but also by gender, Coakley is putting her female foot forward by turning to powerful female political icons such as Michelle Obama and possibly Hillary Clinton, to spread her good name and encourage female voters to notice that she is among some of the best.

The First Lady made it clear that Coakley has her support, and her presence alone accounted for numerous voters to pay attention to what Coakley is saying and what she cares about, with hopes that voters will carry this knowledge with them on November 4th in the polls. The First Lady consistently referred to Coakley as the “next governor of Massachusetts” without hesitation. Her appeal was effective with the audience as she casually yet carefully compared the efforts and concerns of her husband, Barack, with the platforms of Coakley. Since Coakley already has a record with the public in MA, this was easy to do.

Republican candidate Charlie Baker must find a way to mobilize his supporters in a fashion such as this or his minimal lead may be compromised sooner than expected.  According to the most recent RCP Average, Coakley indeed surpasses Baker with a .6 point lead.

Super PAC Turns Voters Against Coakley

By: Alyssa Murphy

In the latest attack ad released in the gubernatorial election in Massachusetts entitled, “Vulnerable,” a super PAC turns Democratic candidate, Martha Coakley, into a ruthless monster. The ad was released by The Commonwealth Future Political Action Committee, who opening supports Republican candidate, Charlie Baker. The tactic is said to be a page out of Karl Rove’s playbook, in that the ad “turns the opponent’s strength into a weakness.” This ad does exactly that. This tactic was effective in former presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s campaign, along with numerous others, and political science analysts are claiming that this method is proving effective here as well.

The somber ad attacks Coakley for being neglectful of children, who should be the most protected by the state, according to many analysts. Creators of the ad are not blind to the effects this ad would have on constituents in MA. They are aware that many of the voters are currently concerned with “compassion” issues in November’s election, and therefore attacked this aspect of Coakley’s platforms over all others.  Typically, female politicians are supposed to be more centered on issues such as education, social welfare and other stereotypically feminine matters, so this ad makes voters question the legitimacy and competency that Coakley has in these areas. The ad didn’t need to completely persuade voters away from supporting Coakley, but rather it was intended to make voters simply question the job that Coakley would do, if elected.

Coakley fought back against the ad claiming that she “doesn’t play this game,” and that she would continue to keep defending herself against this ad, because it holds little ground. She found the ad “outrageous” and is overwhelmingly disappointed in Baker for passively allowing this Super PAC to release the ad in the first place. However, Baker is noted claiming that he does not want to be seen as a friend of this Super PAC, he is however, gracious of their support.

Ads such as this notoriously run the risk of backfiring on the side they were meant to endorse. However, recent polls suggest otherwise. The RCP Average over the past two weeks indicates that overall, Baker holds an unstable .2 point lead in the polls, while the Boston Globe indicates that over the past two days, Baker holds a considerable 3 point lead. If voters continue to question Coakley’s platforms and character, she may lose grasp on her early lead. The Rovian method of attack ads seem to be effective in the Bay State, casting a light on each candidate’s strengths turned weaknesses.