Galvin Being Sneaky With Papers?

Published Jan 30 2008, 03:31 PM by David S. Bernstein

Presidential primary day, February 5th, should be a banner day for potential '08 local-office candidates to get nominating signatures. Stand outside polling places with your clipboard, and you're guaranteed a steady stream of registered voters with at least some interest in the political process.

Unfortunately, Secretary of State William Galvin will not be making nominating papers available until February 6th. Sorry folks!

To be fair, Galvin's election schedule said that nomination papers would be available by Feb. 12 at the latest, so he's not technically late. But that was drawn up prior to the state moving the Presidential primary forward to Feb. 5. I've heard, anecdotally, that some incumbents and challengers have been bugging Galvin's office for a while now about wanting those forms before next Tuesday. Could it have been that difficult?

And the news that the papers will be available the very next day sure makes it look deliberate, doesn't it?

The delay will hurt potential challengers, who typically have a much harder time getting signatures than incumbents -- they lack the manpower, the organization, the name-recognition, etc. Since the vast majority of incumbents around here are Democrats, and Galvin is a Democrat, well.... let's just say it doesn't look good.

Candidates for district or county offices -- state rep, etc -- are due by April 29. Federal and state-wide candidates -- US Congress, etc. -- are due May 6. State rep candidates need 150 signatures, and state senate wannabes need 300; sounds easy, but try it sometime. Most county offices require 1000. US Congress, 2000. And Jim Ogonowski (or Ed O'Reilly) needs 10,000 to get on the ballot for US Senate against John Kerry.

Intentional or not, Galvin has now made the task considerably more difficult.

From Super Bowl To Super Tuesday

And Now, The Anti-McCain 527s

1 Comments

sco said:

As I recall, in 2006 they were available very early. I remember having the papers for the first weekend in February. People were passing them around at the Town/Ward Democratic caucuses.

January 30, 2008 3:59 PM

Follow the Boston Phoenix

All Blogs

Laser Orgy (34)
Phlog (1,420)
On The Download (2,163)
Dont Quote Me (518)
Talking Politics (1,523)
Outside The Frame (305)

more by David S. Bernstein

The X factor | November 27, 2009

Ladies' man | November 20, 2009

Has Obama peaked? No, he hasn't | November 13, 2009

The Quiet Storm | November 06, 2009

Taking sides | October 30, 2009

See all articles by: David S. Bernstein

Latest Comments

City Council Forums - <b>GPS оборудование </b> GPS - глобальная система позиционирования, определение местоположения...

By BimaIdedirm on 11-30-2009 in Talking Politics

Khazei Sneaking Up? - As a Capuano supporter, I'm miffed by his TV ads so far. The first, heartfelt and "nice," was...

By ricklapel on 11-29-2009 in Talking Politics

The Guitar Hero/Band Hero kerfuffle considered - Christian Louboutin shoes are available at attractive rates in all outlets across the world. Turn your...

By Gucci Sneakers on 11-28-2009 in Laser Orgy

Khazei Sneaking Up? - Mrs. Kennedy, why wouldn't you prefer Congressman Capuano to succeed the late Senator? Congressman Capuano...

By Ernie Boch, III on 11-27-2009 in Talking Politics

City Council Forums - сын насилует маму всегда на это дрочу!! http://pxgmyzzcug.jimdo.com анорексия фото http://vmpfpxkwxl...

By Homogon on 11-27-2009 in Talking Politics

Latest Comments from Talking Politics

Galvin Being Sneaky With Papers?

1 Comments

sco said:

Leave a Comment