MA-GOV 2022 Megathread

[Suburbia]

I can not wrap my brain around the idea that the era of moderate R governors in Massachusetts is over, at least for now, and our tiny Republican party did the deed. It's been more than 30 years since Weld was first elected.

A moderate Republican can win in 2026 or 2030 if a Democratic governor raises taxes.....Baker will not be the last Republican governor

[Brittain33]

I can not wrap my brain around the idea that the era of moderate R governors in Massachusetts is over, at least for now, and our tiny Republican party did the deed. It's been more than 30 years since Weld was first elected.

A moderate Republican can win in 2026 or 2030 if a Democratic governor raises taxes.....Baker will not be the last Republican governor

But can a moderate Republican win the nomination? And who would that Republican be? There’s no bench for a moderate.

[President Punxsutawney Phil]

I can not wrap my brain around the idea that the era of moderate R governors in Massachusetts is over, at least for now, and our tiny Republican party did the deed. It's been more than 30 years since Weld was first elected.

A moderate Republican can win in 2026 or 2030 if a Democratic governor raises taxes.....Baker will not be the last Republican governor

But can a moderate Republican win the nomination? And who would that Republican be? There’s no bench for a moderate.

History shows it is possible for a moderate R to win. But as you said there's really no bench. If there's no bench, well, then it's no cigar.

[Roll Roons]

I can not wrap my brain around the idea that the era of moderate R governors in Massachusetts is over, at least for now, and our tiny Republican party did the deed. It's been more than 30 years since Weld was first elected.

A moderate Republican can win in 2026 or 2030 if a Democratic governor raises taxes.....Baker will not be the last Republican governor

But can a moderate Republican win the nomination? And who would that Republican be? There’s no bench for a moderate.

History shows it is possible for a moderate R to win. But as you said there's really no bench. If there's no bench, well, then it's no cigar.

I'm not sure a bench is that important. Baker's only elected experience prior to the governorship was select board of a small town.

[President Punxsutawney Phil]

I can not wrap my brain around the idea that the era of moderate R governors in Massachusetts is over, at least for now, and our tiny Republican party did the deed. It's been more than 30 years since Weld was first elected.

A moderate Republican can win in 2026 or 2030 if a Democratic governor raises taxes.....Baker will not be the last Republican governor

But can a moderate Republican win the nomination? And who would that Republican be? There’s no bench for a moderate.

History shows it is possible for a moderate R to win. But as you said there's really no bench. If there's no bench, well, then it's no cigar.

I'm not sure a bench is that important. Baker's only elected experience prior to the governorship was select board of a small town.

Interesting, I was not aware of that.
I guess then it'd depend on whether the small town/suburban voter base outside  Boston feels like it wants a Democratic governor. That depends on the strength of the D nominee and on how much they are prioritizing putting a check on the legislature.

[Brittain33]

I can not wrap my brain around the idea that the era of moderate R governors in Massachusetts is over, at least for now, and our tiny Republican party did the deed. It's been more than 30 years since Weld was first elected.

A moderate Republican can win in 2026 or 2030 if a Democratic governor raises taxes.....Baker will not be the last Republican governor

But can a moderate Republican win the nomination? And who would that Republican be? There’s no bench for a moderate.

History shows it is possible for a moderate R to win.

It seems like Trump has polarized the party so that it’s no longer possible.

[Figueira]

Likely D. It's possible that Republicans will find another Baker type person, but it would be hard for that person to win the primary.

[President Punxsutawney Phil]

I can not wrap my brain around the idea that the era of moderate R governors in Massachusetts is over, at least for now, and our tiny Republican party did the deed. It's been more than 30 years since Weld was first elected.

A moderate Republican can win in 2026 or 2030 if a Democratic governor raises taxes.....Baker will not be the last Republican governor

But can a moderate Republican win the nomination? And who would that Republican be? There’s no bench for a moderate.

History shows it is possible for a moderate R to win.

It seems like Trump has polarized the party so that it’s no longer possible.

We don't know yet if Trump will be a huge player in politics in 2022 (if a week is a lifetime in politics, what is a year?), let alone 2026 and 2030. Would he have some instrumental role in bringing about a permanent shift? It feels premature to say Trump has permentantly altered the MA GOP into an outfit that can never win the corner office. It could definitely happen, but that's a different bowl of clam chowder...

[smoltchanov]

BAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Congratulations to Maura Healey!

You seem to be happy that he's not running for reelection.

Again: don't be surprized. He is a Democratic "activist" after all. That's natural.... for them...

What exactly is so wrong with a Democrat being happy a Democrat will be elected?

Anyway, this race is now Safe D and Healey will be an incredible Governor.

Because your beliefs cannot be sincerely held if they just so happen to align with one particular party. You are only sincere if you believe in nebulous things like bipartisanship and centrism, obviously.

No. Because only idiot can say "BAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA" to second most popular governor in the nation (and - popular even among Democrats).... No respect=no culture...

[Dr Oz Lost Party!]

BAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Congratulations to Maura Healey!

You seem to be happy that he's not running for reelection.

Again: don't be surprized. He is a Democratic "activist" after all. That's natural.... for them...

What exactly is so wrong with a Democrat being happy a Democrat will be elected?

Anyway, this race is now Safe D and Healey will be an incredible Governor.

Because your beliefs cannot be sincerely held if they just so happen to align with one particular party. You are only sincere if you believe in nebulous things like bipartisanship and centrism, obviously.

No. Because only idiot can say "BAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA" to second most popular governor in the nation (and - popular even among Democrats).... No respect=no culture...

I'm so confused.

So, because he's popular I'm not allowed to prefer a Democrat be in his position?

[smoltchanov]

BAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Congratulations to Maura Healey!

You seem to be happy that he's not running for reelection.

Again: don't be surprized. He is a Democratic "activist" after all. That's natural.... for them...

What exactly is so wrong with a Democrat being happy a Democrat will be elected?

Anyway, this race is now Safe D and Healey will be an incredible Governor.

Because your beliefs cannot be sincerely held if they just so happen to align with one particular party. You are only sincere if you believe in nebulous things like bipartisanship and centrism, obviously.

No. Because only idiot can say "BAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA" to second most popular governor in the nation (and - popular even among Democrats).... No respect=no culture...

I'm so confused.

So, because he's popular, I'm not allowed to prefer a Democrat be in his position?

Of course - allowed. But - in a intellectially cultural way (IMHO). When i see "good riddance"  not because person is a "bad politician" (that includes "unpopular"), but strictly because person's party membership - excuse me...

[Xing]

While I'm still rating Maryland Likely D out of caution, I think this race probably has to be considered Safe D, unless Democrats somehow nominate Coakley again.

[S019]

With Baker and Polito both, this is Safe D

[MT Treasurer]

While I'm still rating Maryland Likely D out of caution, I think this race probably has to be considered Safe D, unless Democrats somehow nominate Coakley again.

I actually think Coakley would win fairly easily in this day and age, as would several other "failed" candidates from the 2010/2014 cycle (Giannoulias, Udall, etc.). Interesting that you think MA is an ever safer bet than MD for Democrats (I’m inclined to agree, although I have both races as Likely D for now).

Anyway, good riddance to Baker.

[TiltsAreUnderrated]

Dukakis is following the Chomsky model.

https://twitter.com/hjessy_/status/1466210718525632513

[Sestak]

https://twitter.com/hjessy_/status/1466210535179968515?s=21 Likely D -> Tossup

[Figueira]

While I'm still rating Maryland Likely D out of caution, I think this race probably has to be considered Safe D, unless Democrats somehow nominate Coakley again.

I actually think Coakley would win fairly easily in this day and age, as would several other "failed" candidates from the 2010/2014 cycle (Giannoulias, Udall, etc.). Interesting that you think MA is an ever safer bet than MD for Democrats (I’m inclined to agree, although I have both races as Likely D for now).

Anyway, good riddance to Baker.

Coakley almost beat Baker, so she wasn't the godawful candidate in 2014 that she was in 2010. I don't think she would be a shoo-in though. This conversation is pointless because Coakley isn't running or winning the nomination.

[CookieDamage]

Safe D

[Calthrina950]

https://twitter.com/hjessy_/status/1466210535179968515?s=21 Likely D -> Tossup

That Dukakis is still alive is certainly a reminder of how the past isn't that distant, though it has been 33 years since he lost to the elder Bush.

[JMT]

https://twitter.com/mattpstout/status/1466125048327159811?s=21

[progressive85]

I can not wrap my brain around the idea that the era of moderate R governors in Massachusetts is over, at least for now, and our tiny Republican party did the deed. It's been more than 30 years since Weld was first elected.

A moderate Republican can win in 2026 or 2030 if a Democratic governor raises taxes.....Baker will not be the last Republican governor

Agreed.  There will be another.  I think this is Maura's to lose.

[Suburbia]

Dukakis would lose because the Republicans would run the tax and spend thing.

[GM Team Member and Senator WB]

Dukakis would lose because the Republicans would run the tax and spend thing.

no they'd run the revolving door thing

[Amenhotep Bakari-Sellers]

D's are finally rid of Baker , we can win the Gov mansion again

[smoltchanov]

D's are finally rid of Baker , we can win the Gov mansion again

It will not be any "achievement". Would they win governorship in Alabama - another matter..

P.S. And it wasn't Democrats "getting rid of Baker". They couldn't do it in 2018 and wouldn't do it in 2022. He decided HIMSELF.