Mass. Gov races in 1978 and 1990

[smoltchanov]

For example - Berksire wasn't nearly as liberal (even radical)  in 70th as it became later, while Plymouth and Worcester (now, probably, two "most conservative counties in Massachusetts") were much more "ethnic Democratic" in 1978. Not only that, of course....

[smoltchanov]

For example - Berksire wasn't nearly as liberal (even radical)  in 70th as it became later, while Plymouth and Worcester (now, probably, two "most conservative counties in Massachusetts") were much more "ethnic Democratic" in 1978. Not only that, of course....

The Berkshires were historically Republican territory. It wasn't until the 1990s until Republicans finally lost their U.S. House and State Senate seats there.

I know that. Sylvio Conte held this district with ease until 1991... But - thanks!

[smoltchanov]

Is there any rural part of the US that has a higher percentage of white Democratic voters than the Berkshires?  I'm old enough to remember Silvo Conte.

If only somewhere in Vermont

Conte was a very good congressman. The only qualm i have to his voting record is him being pro-life (and that's explainable - he was a Catholic after all). I don't know single similar Republican from this part of Massachusetts now (even in legislature)

[smoltchanov]

My guess is that it had to do with the general shift of wealthy New Englanders from Republican to Democrat.  However, Weld was more of a moderate to liberal Republican, and I think the Democrat in 1990 may have been a bit more conservative; in which case, you can probably scratch my theory.

Democrat in 1990 (John Silber) was not "a bit", but substantially more conservative then Weld (and, probably, not only on social issues)

[smoltchanov]

My guess is that it had to do with the general shift of wealthy New Englanders from Republican to Democrat.  However, Weld was more of a moderate to liberal Republican, and I think the Democrat in 1990 may have been a bit more conservative; in which case, you can probably scratch my theory.

Democrat in 1990 (John Silber) was not "a bit", but substantially more conservative then Weld (and, probably, not only on social issues)

How in the world did the Democrats nominate him for Governor of one of the most liberal states?

Well, i have rather vague memory of primary that year, but it was after all problems of Dukakis (on both state and national level) in the late 80th, and his only serious opponent (Francis Bellotti) was unpopular too. That happens from time to time. If i am correct - Weld managed even to win Cambridge (sometimes called "People's Republic of Cambridge", and usually something like 4:1 or 5:1 Democratic) that year...Weld was not simply more liberal, but much more liberal then Silber on social issues, and not especially conservative on economy too. After all - it's Massachusetts: sometime in 90th it elected at least nominal Republican Ralph Martin as Suffolk county (Boston) DA. He was both Black and much more liberal then his Democratic opponents too..