Three questions for Charlie Baker

Number 3 is the only important one (6.00 / 2)

The first one isn't going to change in massachusetts, and the second one is so 2000-late.  

What his view, and the view of the other candidates on number 3 is the only thing that will ever have an actual impact on Massachusetts citizens in the future.

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by: JoeTS @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 11:10:07 AM CDT

agree (5.00 / 1)

I am a DLP-backer, and I'm happy to slam Baker on his Welducci record.  But I don't think screaming about social issues is wise, relevant, or fair.  I feel like that was the O'Brien campaign strategy in 2002.  We don't need a retread of that.

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by: Ed Poon @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 11:24:29 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

au contraire... (5.00 / 1)

...  

Number 3 is the only important one   (6.00 / 2)

The first one isn't going to change in massachusetts, and the second one is so 2000-late.  

As a leading figure in the healthcare industry, I'd like to know about his views, and what they say about him, regarding two issues, whole or in part, that are significantly tied to the issue of health care.  

Personally, I see abortion as wholly a healthcare issue: It's a medical procedure.  And the marriage equality debate orbits around the abstracts of 'benefits' and 'spouses' both of which are integral to the issues he, presumably (as the head of a major health care conglomerate), deals with daily.

In the same way I was interested in Deval Patricks views as a lawyer, litigator and corporate, I'm interested in Bakers views as a health care industry leader.   I very much think the questions, and his answers, are very much germane.

 

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"Providing health care to the uninsured is a job killer, while not providing health care is merely a people killer....   Bonus: Job Openings!!"

--Stephen Colbert

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by: petr @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 15:06:20 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

To be trivial... (0.00 / 0)

Personally, I see abortion as wholly a healthcare issue: It's a medical procedure.

Is cosmetic surgery a health care issue?  I'm not talking about reconstruction after tragic accidents or diseases; I'm talking about "plastic surgery" in the Hollywood sense.  Definitely a medical procedure, but only a health care issue in as much as we as a society want to ensure that those procedures aren't overly dangerous.

In no way am I comparing an abortion to plastic surgery except to point out that nearly 100% of heart surgeries occur because a doctor says to the patient "you need this surgery."  This is distinctly different from both cosmetic surgery and from abortion, where the percent of "you need this procedure" is a far lower percentage of the total number of procedures.  Areas where the doctor doesn't say "you need this surgery" are far more complex, and may entail far more than simply calling it a medical procedure.

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by: stomv @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 15:51:50 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

umm... (0.00 / 0)

Is cosmetic surgery a health care issue?  I'm not talking about reconstruction after tragic accidents or diseases; I'm talking about "plastic surgery" in the Hollywood sense.  Definitely a medical procedure, but only a health care issue in as much as we as a society want to ensure that those procedures aren't overly dangerous.

Safe, legal, rare.   Sounds like we might be near the same page.  In the panoply of medical procedures there are 'elective', 'options' and required procedures.  The elective procedures are the ones you're discussing.  I think they form a small portion of the debate.  'options' are where several treatments might overlap or choices might have to be made based upon mitigating factors. But relegating the debate about health care to only those procedures required by the medical profession seems kinda loopy.

There are instances, too, where abortion is required: In the case of ectopic pregnancy, or other form of fetal defect, there is very often a case of a doctor saying "you need this medical procedure."  That's why the debate, such as it is, circles around issues like 'health of the mother,' or 'incest' and other instances where a doctors expertise is germane.

I have very little to say about 'abortion on demand' as elective abortion is paraded, and parodied, by the pro-lifers.  As far as I'm concerned, there hasn't been a system devised by humans that wasn't abused somehow, somewhere. But the perfect isn't the enemy of the good.  

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"Providing health care to the uninsured is a job killer, while not providing health care is merely a people killer....   Bonus: Job Openings!!"

--Stephen Colbert

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by: petr @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 16:31:43 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Nobody is attempting to make cosmetic surgery illegal (6.00 / 1)

There are certainly comparisons to make in areas like availability of insurance benefits.

Just as few doctors know how important "cosmetic" surgery is to a particular patient from an emotional or psychological perspective, so also do few doctors have much insight or wisdom into the full set of issues and concerns around pregnancy and abortion beyond immediate questions of medical impact.

The national GOP is ratcheting up its pandering to rightwing anti-abortion zealots with every passing day. Extremist rightwing anti-abortion groups are ratcheting up both their rhetoric and their violence with every passing week. I think that the GOP gubernatorial candidate absolutely must address his or her stance on question (1) to have a prayer in this state.

Meanwhile, let's not forget that Mitt Romney was pro-choice before he was pro-life (1:26-50):

Now, I want the voters to know exactly where I'm going to stand as governor, and that is that I am NOT going to change our pro-choice laws in Massachusetts in any way. I will preserve them, I will protect them, I will enforce them. And therefore I'm not going to make any changes which would make it more difficult for a woman to make that choice herself.

I am old enough to remember Spiro Agnew running for Governor as a "moderate" Republican in heavily-Democratic Maryland against a racist Democrat named George Mahoney (whose campaign slogan against fair-housing laws was "your home is your castle").

I think all three questions are legitimate and important -- for every candidate, for every office.

"If the Republicans will stop lying about the Democrats, the Democrats will stop telling the truth about the Republicans" -- Adlai Stevenson

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by: BrooklineTom @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 18:40:24 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Nobody is trying to make elective cosmetic surgery illegal (6.00 / 1)

but nobody is trying to ensure that it's covered in a national health care plan either.

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by: stomv @ Thu Jul 09, 2009 at 12:01:53 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

marriage and work status (3.00 / 1)

should have zero impact on health care.

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by: dcsurfer @ Fri Jul 10, 2009 at 15:54:15 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I'm glad to see that you have your priorities in line. (3.00 / 2)

People have little money for anything other than necessities and soon may have no money---but slots and gambling will save Massachusetts? Are there any sane people remaining? Does anyone thing that abortion and gay marriage will matter a whit to anyone if there are food riots? You had better wake up. If people start starving or freezing----people will be looking for someone to blame and revenge---ya know---like Europe in 1925.

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by: MCRD @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 21:33:40 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

A guess (4.67 / 3)

His answers will be the same as Gov Patrick's, and Mihos, and Cahill.  Except with regards to #3 and Baker won't likely endorse the 3 casino central planning of Gov Patrick.

Not a terribly distinguishing set of questions.

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by: gary @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 11:28:26 AM CDT

"Not a terribly distinguishing set of questions." (6.00 / 2)

Only if you're right that his answers are the same as the other guys.  That's why I'm asking!  Baker has been very cagey over the years on his views on social issues.  Time for him to 'fess up.

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by: David @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 11:41:17 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

More questions (5.69 / 13)

Gee Mr. A&F secretary, how'd we end up with this $15 billion Big Dig thing?

Gee Mr. Gubernatorial Candidate, how are you going to pay for it now?

Gee Mr. HMO CEO, how are you going to keep health care premiums down?

Gee Mr. Republican, how are you going to get anything you want with the legislature?

Gee Mr. Conservative, how would you plug a $5 billion budget gap -- without raising taxes, of course?

Oh, we got questions.

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Blue Mass. Group
So what politics do you deserve?

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by: Charley on the MTA @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 11:29:28 AM CDT

Yeah, yeah, we'll get there. ;-) (5.00 / 2)

The three I posted are a basic test of viability.  If he flunks those, the rest are interesting but not game-changers.

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by: David @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 11:42:50 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Answers (6.00 / 4)

1. The Big Dig was managed by the MTA via Bechtel. The office of A&F oversees 16 agencies, but the MTA is not one of them.
Source

2. That is a question for all candidates. Mr. Baker at least has a track record of turning around a failing company. Mr. Patrick, not so much.

3. How refreshing to be able to ask someone who might know the answers. HPHC's track recent track record: Lowered premiums for seniors in 2004. No change in rates for BC. More innovation for competitive premium pricing in 2009.

4. The same way as past R governors. Based on Mr. Patrick's record, being a D isn't all that helpful to the governor.

5. That is the question, but why should only Mr. Baker have the constraint of not raising taxes? Afterall, it was Mr. Patrick who campaigned on the unfulfilled promise of lower property taxes.

As a side note, I think your tone detracted from your post of otherwise interesting questions.

Previous signature had been getting more attention than my comments. Removed out of jealousy.

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by: dweir @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 12:47:01 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

pass the buck ain't going to cut it .... (6.00 / 2)

It wasn't my fault it was Bechtel.

Listening to Charlie Baker talk about fiscal responsibility is like getting lectured on abstinence from Paris Hilton - Tim Murray

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by: johnk @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 12:57:18 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

It isn't passing the buck (6.00 / 1)

It's dealing with reality.

If an office doesn't have authority over a project, that is a problem in an of itself that needs to be solved.

If anything you are trying to pass blame for something that was out of the scope of the office. Let's get real.

Previous signature had been getting more attention than my comments. Removed out of jealousy.

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by: dweir @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 13:17:23 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Did Baker Turn His Back When... (6.00 / 1)

Weld/Cellucci turned the Big Dig keys over to the mob, more or less. Maybe Charlie should of used his business smarts to find $700,000 for Celluci to pay off the bookies. it would have been alot cheaper than the billions they stole from the Big Dig.

Really, the Big Dig buck stopped at the Governor's office.

Baker has much splainin to do.

Remeber, Weld is quoted as saying Baker is the heart and soul of the Weld/Celluci administration.

Sort of Like Tom Hagan was to the Coreleones.

Ernie Boch, III is not related to Ernie Boch, Jr. however she does hope to be in his will.

Justice for Tookie

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by: EB3 fka Ernie Boch III @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 13:26:27 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

yeah yeah, my tone always detracts (6.00 / 1)

It's my blog. I get to be snarky :D

4. Actually, I'd say that between the big three reforms this year, and the legislative accomplishments of the past two years, Patrick will definitely have something to run on that no Republican governor did.

Oh by the way, I forgot ...

Gee Mr. A&F Secretary, why did the Carmen's contract seem like such a great idea back in 1998?

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Blue Mass. Group
So what politics do you deserve?

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by: Charley on the MTA @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 13:37:53 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I hope by "we" you mean the voters (3.00 / 1)

and not just Democrats.  If I remember, we have one in the corner office and a hegemony in the lege, and I would say all of them should be putting their thinking caps on to answer all those.  

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by: JoeTS @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 13:10:48 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

The past six months... (0.00 / 0)

... ought to be sufficient to demonstrate the distinct lack of 'hegemony' in this state.

Honestly, this is  just sad.  Only Republicans  think that party == lockstep.  Only Republicans practice the '11th commandment'.  Here in the future America, Democrats feel free to disagree and be fractious.

Once upon a time, Republicans believed that too... before they became fascists.  

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"Providing health care to the uninsured is a job killer, while not providing health care is merely a people killer....   Bonus: Job Openings!!"

--Stephen Colbert

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by: petr @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 14:44:55 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I would rethink that fascist word. (3.00 / 1)

 Words associated with fascism (courtesy Merriam-Webster):
1. Centralized: democrats run everything.
2. Autocratic: have you noticed the governor hiring his friends?
3. Dictatorial Leader: see above.
4. Severe economic and social regimentation: 25% sales tax hike.
5. Forcible suppression of opposition: ok, you got me there.

Now for democrats try: Totalitarian, and Social Darwinist on for size.

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by: billxi @ Sun Jul 12, 2009 at 10:10:18 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

These are all creations of the DEMOCRATIC PARTY and the Massachusetts State Legislature (0.00 / 0)

Governors have been meaningless for almost twenty years.

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by: MCRD @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 21:36:37 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

He's a fool (6.00 / 1)

If he tries to swim against the tide on 1 and 2 (unless he has already taken a position publicly on those issues).  I'll be interested to see where he is on 3.  I don't think he needs to be anti-gambling to win (unless only BMGers are allowed to vote).

And not to nitpick, but isn't gambling a social issue?

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by: Pbrane @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 12:12:07 PM CDT

No. (0.00 / 0)

It can be a social issue. It's also an economic issue. Many small businesses, for example, would go under. It would also greatly eat into state lottery funds, which are far more profitable to the state than the 25% "cut" we'd get in the casino biz.  

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My thoughts are mine and mine alone. They should not be considered representative of any other organization, group or person - save me.

~Ryan.

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by: Ryepower12 @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 15:13:40 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Can be? (0.00 / 0)

When we talk about the impact of gambling addition, is that not a social issue?  Clearly there are economic issues as well, but this seems more like a debate about how gambling impacts us as a society, not whether it makes sense on a strictly fiscal basis.  

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by: Pbrane @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 16:19:57 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

picking nits... (0.00 / 0)

And not to nitpick, but isn't gambling a social issue?

Insofar as Deval Patrick is concerned, gambling is an economic issue with social repercussions that aren't, he says, going to be of impact.   It's being 'framed' (or 'sold') as a revenue generating mechanism with acknowledged, but minimal (ha) side effects.  

Personally, as I've posted here plenty about, I think gambling is a disaster on all levels: political, ethical, social and moral.  There is no upside.  

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"Providing health care to the uninsured is a job killer, while not providing health care is merely a people killer....   Bonus: Job Openings!!"

--Stephen Colbert

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by: petr @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 16:40:29 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Yes (5.00 / 1)

We have each said our peace on this matter, although I can't resist pointing out your reference to gambling as opposed to casinos and noting (yet again) the 7,500 800 pound gorillas in convenience stores across the state.

I did find it interesting that Ryan was concerned about how casinos might infringe on lottery revenues.  He certainly doesn't see the social ills you do.

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by: Pbrane @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 16:51:10 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Not really (5.00 / 1)

I don't think it's feasible to ban all gambling. People will gamble. It's rather sensible that we would, however, ban the worst forms of gambling. We've banned slots because they're by far the most addictive and worst for small businesses. We banned dog racing because it was horrible to dogs.

I think we can also look at the lengths we go to advertise and 'push' people to play the state lottery. I think there's room to alter how we sell scratch tickets and employ Keno, but I don't think it's feasible to completely ban them. Banning all gambling would just drive it underground.

I simply pointed out how the lottery would be impacted because, if it were to take a hit from slot machines (and it would, big time, if we legalize them), then we're going to have to make up that money somehow. Know where it's going to come from? Almost inevitably from cuts to services and legalizing more slot machines. Remember, there's a reason why Cahill's slot plan included privatizing the state lottery, taking a big lump sum when we could - and it wasn't because he thought the state lottery would do just fantastic with slots in the hood.  

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My thoughts are mine and mine alone. They should not be considered representative of any other organization, group or person - save me.

~Ryan.

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by: Ryepower12 @ Fri Jul 10, 2009 at 14:33:15 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Gambling with what? Plastic poker chips? Who has money? (0.00 / 0)

Are gamblers authorized to use State of California notes of credit ?

I just want to know when the tsunami is about to strike---because strike it will.

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by: MCRD @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 21:39:44 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

C'mon davi.. Who cares? (5.83 / 6)

Gay Marriage, abortion. Who gives a shit. The next gov can't do anything about it.

Jesus Christ. Abortion and gay marriage should be at the bottom of the list.

WTF

But i guess if we want to sit at the cool kids table we have to be all about abortion rights and gay marriage and nothing else matters.

Get real!

Ernie Boch, III is not related to Ernie Boch, Jr. however she does hope to be in his will.

Justice for Tookie

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by: EB3 fka Ernie Boch III @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 12:15:49 PM CDT

DITTO and furthermore (5.00 / 1)

Gay marriage and abortion are resolved issues in this state.

I wouldn't even put gambling at the top of the list. I find it to be more symbolic than anything.

Here's what I think will be the most important campaign "issues". They are in order of electoral importance, not level of distinction between candidates.

1.Economy/taxes
2.Health care (driven by national debate and local progress)
3.Charisma (ongoing levels, not fixed in 2006)
4.Education
5.Administrative management/responsiveness
6.Transportation/infrastructure

Wild card--a ballot question(s) that catch fire could climb the charts quickly.


------------------------------

I am noternie.

More than a full year's worth of blogginess at  Someday I Will.

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by: noternie @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 12:25:27 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

uh oh. (0.00 / 0)

not hope?  

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by: Migraine @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 21:19:14 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

You're missing the big picture, Ernie. That's unlike you. (6.00 / 4)

I want to know how many indies and disaffected Dems Baker can get.  If he's reliable on 1 & 2 (i.e., pro-choice and pro-gay marriage), and gives anti-casino Dems some hope on 3, then all of a sudden Baker is not only bringing in the half-dozen or so Republican voters left in this state, he's bringing in a lot of anti-Deval indies plus some lefties who hate casinos and who see an anti-casino Governor as their last best hope.  That becomes a serious threat.

If, on the other hand, he goes all Romney on us re social issues, forget it.  He won't clear 40%, so with Cahill getting 15%, Deval wins.

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by: David @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 21:24:43 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Christy Mihos (0.00 / 0)

Can get a lot of them. You folks aren't choosing this candidate, Republicans are! The Ogo days are over!

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by: billxi @ Sun Jul 12, 2009 at 10:15:46 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

The Ogo days are over! (0.00 / 0)

I don't understand what you mean by that.  Can you clarify?

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by: Patrick @ Sun Jul 12, 2009 at 10:22:51 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Three questions for Charlie Baker (0.00 / 0)

1: Together, can we?
2: Is a 1.8% budget cut from 2009 to 2010, "ugly, ugly", "ugly" or 1/5th of what we really need?
3: Harvard Graduate.  Another?

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by: gary @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 12:31:12 PM CDT

Can I start the rumor that Ogonowski will throw his at hat in the ring? (6.00 / 1)

Not true, but an Ogo/Mihos/Baker three ring circus would be entertaining.  I might even watch the debate.

Listening to Charlie Baker talk about fiscal responsibility is like getting lectured on abstinence from Paris Hilton - Tim Murray

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by: johnk @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 14:37:32 PM CDT

Instant Poll - Republican Primary (0.00 / 0)

Baker 50%
Mihos 49%
Ogo    1%

Mihos then runs as an independent!

You can't run a Cadillac on a Chevrolet budget, and GM can't either!

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by: fdr08 @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 15:12:26 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Could he do that? (0.00 / 0)

I don't think it's possible to pull a "Lieberman" in MA, i.e., run as an independent after you lose the primary.  (Example: Joe Moakley's first election for congress, where he chose to bypass the primary, which Louise Day Hicks won IIRC, and run as an independent.  Wouldn't he have taken shots at both the orimary and general if that had been legal?)  But someone correct me if I'm wrong...

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by: DaveMB @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 16:41:41 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Immpossible (0.00 / 0)

Massachusetts election law says that non-party candidates cannot be enrolled in any political party in order to qualify to have their name printed directly on the general election ballot. This requirement kicks in in the Spring.  Furthermore,all candidates must chose and submit nomination papers to appear on either the primary ballots (for D's and R's only - due in late May 2010) or directly on the general ballot (non-party candidates - due late August 2010).  Primary qinners get on the general election ballot but it would be too late after the September primary for anyone to get on the general election ballot.

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by: theloquaciousliberal @ Fri Jul 10, 2009 at 12:01:20 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Ogo comes in low (0.00 / 0)

because he's not on the ballot and it's all write-ins?

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by: KBusch @ Fri Jul 10, 2009 at 17:52:05 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Weld: The Redux! (0.00 / 0)

He'll come in on all three of these the same way Weld did... Pro-choice, pro-gay, pro-casino.

As said above, those will not be the issue of this election.  The issue will be size and scope of government.

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by: MyBaby'sMama @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 14:57:41 PM CDT

I think you're right (0.00 / 0)

I mean correct

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by: Judy Meredith @ Fri Jul 10, 2009 at 13:38:14 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Those three questions are important... (0.00 / 0)

Well, at least the first two in terms of blunting efforts to paint Baker as more a Romney than a Weld. The last poster hit it right on the head: the race will be about the size and scope of government. Which is the only way Republicans win in this state. And the only way to make the race about that is to take social issues right off the table.

In fact, it's in Deval's interest to make this race about gay marriage and other "social tolerance" issues; otherwise in a choice between two socially tolerant, socially liberal guys who starts to look more competent.....

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by: Charlamagne @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 15:43:39 PM CDT

Cahill to the rescue? (5.00 / 2)

Baker will crush the farcical Christy Mihos in the primary.  Then, I'm sorry to report, the Governor's best shot lies with his good friend Timmy Cahill siphoning off Baker votes, thereby allowing Deval a second term.  It sure will be interesting what kind of fundraising numbers Baker can put up.  

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by: cater68 @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 15:58:58 PM CDT

I'm glad you're not a Repuglican (0.00 / 0)

 I mean Republican. It was a typo but it looks good. The dem days of picking the Republican lamb are over.

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by: billxi @ Sun Jul 12, 2009 at 10:19:49 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

You do remember, don't you... (5.67 / 3)

...that Baker is seeking the REPUBLICAN nomination.  I find it interesting that the BMG editors think we're the ones in a position to judge viability from that side.  Also, is nobody else concerned that since Cahill was a Democrat it will be he and Patrick spliting votes thus delivering the victory to the Republican?

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by: Christopher @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 19:29:21 PM CDT

Of course we are the ones. (0.00 / 0)

GOP party registration in this state is about 12%, IIRC.  To win, a GOP candidate needs a ton of indies and some disaffected Dems.  You can't get those with national GOP-style views on hot-button social issues.  That's why I want to know where he is -- because it will tell me a lot about whether he can win next November.

To your second question, no.  Deval is running as an incumbent.  There are pro- and anti-incumbent voters.  If the anti-'s are split, that helps Deval.

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by: David @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 21:19:32 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Not necessarily (0.00 / 0)

While I agree with you that the math, conventional wisdom, and the likely fact that both alternative candidates will target the incumbent with their ads, all bode well for Deval if Cahill and Baker run in the general election. That said Cahill could take away votes for Deval.

My mother and father (and I) were all big Deval supporters back in 06, but they are both leaning towards Cahill now. Relatives of ours up on the North Shore are also headed in that direction. For them Republicans are still associated with Dubya whom they abhor and Weld who they felt betrayed them and the state. Now this is certainly not scientific evidence, but previous polling suggests that Deval's support within the Democratic party is weak (40% disapproval according to the last SurveyUSA poll), not to mention that the majority of primary voters in 06' voted for one of his opponents, demonstrates that a Cahill candidacy could draw a lot of anti-Deval voters who hate voting for R candidates.  

A year makes a big differences and its likely Baker, if he is perceived as more electable, eats into that vote as well. But outside of BMG and the solidly liberal parts of the party, I do not think democratic loyalty to Deval should be assumed or assured, and having Tim run outside the primary might end up hurting rather than helping Deval.    

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by: jconway @ Mon Jul 13, 2009 at 14:45:35 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Glad someone still thinks it's useful to ask these questions. (0.00 / 5)

This is DP kool-aid land. :-(

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by: Migraine @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 21:22:49 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Well.... (0.00 / 0)

You guys did try designating Ogo as the opponent of choice vs, Kerry. He just couldn't get 10,000 signatures at the Chelmsford market Basket.

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by: billxi @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 22:43:00 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Huh (0.00 / 0)

So, a sneak-around of the question :
"Are you willing to allow hot-button social-issues become important in this election?"

Of course, the hope is that "NO" means that Baker loses to primary, and "YES" means that Baker loses the general.

What if he says "NO" and wins the primary?  That's the only reason Deval would have to worry.

~~~~
Believe it or not, I have even more to say...

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by: sabutai @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 20:39:19 PM CDT

A sneak-around? (5.00 / 1)

What are you talking about?  I'm asking the questions as straightforwardly as I can, because I'm interested in how many indie and Dem voters Baker can get.  The answers to those questions will tell me a lot about that.

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by: David @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 21:20:41 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

A smeak-around (4.00 / 1)

We can't ask Baker outright "Are you willing to allow hot-button social-issues become important in this election?" so we sneak around the question by asking about those hot-button issues.  

~~~~
Believe it or not, I have even more to say...

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by: sabutai @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 21:46:10 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

If he reiterates (6.00 / 1)

John McCain's cockamamie idea of taxing employer paid health benefits, I'll do everything in my power to ensure that everyone in this region knows exactly what that means, and it's implications.  

I will be floored if Democrats vote for a Rebublican simply because of the casino issue.

Unenrolled voters are the ones to be concerned about.

Most recent enrollment figures from 2004

Total registered voters  4,098,634
Democrats 1,526,711
Republicans 532,319
Unenrolled 2,000,062

Who are these people and what is important to them?

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by: liveandletlive @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 22:12:10 PM CDT

people have to vote for what they want (6.00 / 1)

frankly, in a state where gay marriage and abortion, are for now settled law, it's pretty irrelevant.  The casino factor will actually affect people, so it's something votes will be decided on, among other factors.  

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by: JoeTS @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 23:30:00 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Guess you missed the part... (0.00 / 0)

... where the Massachusetts State AG is suing the FED due to discrepancies between settled law in MA (SSM) and settled Fed law (DOMA).

frankly, in a state where gay marriage and abortion, are for now settled law, it's pretty irrelevant.

I don't think marriage equality is settled so long is it conflicts with Fed law.  That's part of the 'settling' process, I should think.  I'd want to know where the Gov might come out if the Fed gives pushback on this...  

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"Providing health care to the uninsured is a job killer, while not providing health care is merely a people killer....   Bonus: Job Openings!!"

--Stephen Colbert

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by: petr @ Thu Jul 09, 2009 at 10:56:32 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Why use numbers from 2004? (6.00 / 4)

There are more recent ones available (PDF)

From October 2008:

Statewide Total: 4,220,488 registered voters
Democrats: 1,559,464 (37.0%)
Republicans: 490,259 (11.6%)
Unenrolled: 2,141,878 (50.8%)

.08 Acres
.0000016% of Massachusetts Political Commentary

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by: sco @ Thu Jul 09, 2009 at 11:32:57 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

I see (5.75 / 4)

Baker as complicit in the Big Dig fiasco through his work in the Weld/Cellucci administrations. I know he fixed his insurance company, but where was he when the Big Hole was being dug? That doesn't give me any confidence that he even has the right attitude about what state government should be doing, much less how to manage it. Speaking of his insurance company, with the mess that health care is in this country, I don't see making a bundle of money in a health insurance organization as anything to convince me to vote for him.

As for Christy Mihos, he was an embarrassment in his debate performances, and his interviews were nothing to be proud of either. He may be fun to listen to, but as a candidate for governor, he's still not up to it. I don't care what the polls are saying about his strength.

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by: af @ Wed Jul 08, 2009 at 23:05:23 PM CDT

Well clarified n/t (0.00 / 0)

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by: JimC @ Fri Jul 10, 2009 at 12:40:10 PM CDT

Isn't it really about the money? (0.00 / 0)

Come on, don't pretend those questions are about votes - they are about donations.  An anti-marriage candidate would get about fifty bucks each from a few hundred blue collar people and that's it, while his opponents will receive a few million dollars flown in from around the country.  In fact, if they were smart, they'd hire someone to be an anti-marriage candidate, just to activate the Tim Gill donation robot.

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by: dcsurfer @ Fri Jul 10, 2009 at 16:07:36 PM CDT