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Some Local Election Thoughts

--I think Michael Flaherty ran a terrific campaign. Not much more that he could have done. It just wasn't in the cards.

--Ditto for Tito Jackson. And Carlos Henriquez. And Alex Selvig.

--And yes, I was wr.. wr... wr.... I was wr... wr... Damn! I was wrong about Boy Wonder Felix Arroyo.

--Biggest surprise, to people I spoke with last night (and to me): Steve Murphy's outstanding showing, nearly topping the at-large field.

--Nevertheless, John Connolly did  top the ticket (as I long ago predicted!) in impressive fashion. Everything he does now will be viewed through the "potential mayoral candidate" prism; which also means that a target is fixed permanently to his back. (One has to wonder, did Menino boost Murph to try to deny Connolly the top spot?)

--Speaking of potential future mayors of Boston... anyone notice that there are at least four black women who legitimately belong on that list? Charlotte Golar-Richie, Linda Dorcina Forry, Andrea Cabral, and Ayanna Pressley. I think I would put Marie St. Fleur on that list as well.

--About that Setti Warren win in Newton: is campaign manager Deb Shah the hottest property going or what?

--Anyone realize that come January John Tobin will be 6th in seniority on the Boston City Council?

--Tobin and Rob Consalvo, who both turned 40 this year, will also be the elder statesmen among the youthful half of the council. There will be six councilors between the age of 30 and 40, and seven age 50 and up.

Update: I would be remiss if I did not bow in respect to Jay's superior prognosticatory prowess.

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5 Comments

  • ObservingBoston said:

    Can't agree with you more about Connolly. He's a great guy who had a very, very effective first term as City Councillor-Way more effective than those who were MIA due to personal goals. While others campaigned, Connolly listened- He is in a good position if he maintains his hold on Education and Environment to make a great impact in Boston.

    I'd have to put Cabral at the top of the list of candidates. She was EVERYWHERE the Mayor was-it seems like an easy transport of organization but name recognition would be an issue in higher voting percentage areas.

    I think Connolly would be well advised to wait until the 2017 elections to cement his place. He is all over the city and it wouldn't surprise me if he had met a high percentage of the populace by that time.

    Was dissapointed, but not surprised, by Kennealy's performance yesterday. He has A LOT to offer but had the undue fortune of being seen as the 3rd Irish guy on ballot. I wish him luck in the future.

    The most promising part of yesterday's results are that due to the increased knowledge the public has, I believe that those in power from the top down will be more accountable for the work they perform-there is no such thing as a back slapping, smiling politician on the city level. The voters showed they are all about results and effective leadership.

    Thanks for all the great analysis.

    November 4, 2009 10:28 AM
  • Alex said:

    Did John Tobin tell the Boston Herald that he was running for Mayor in 2013?  The Herald wrote that he was, but i'm not sure if it was a grammatical error on their part.

    November 4, 2009 11:07 AM
  • NewtonGal said:

    To be sure, Deb Shaw is one hot ticket, but look at who she had to work with. What a strong candidate Mayor elect Warren was - he clearly demonstrated his  strong leadership abilities and unprecedented coalition building skills during the campaign; things we know he'll bring to city hall. Congrats to Mr. Warren and especially the citizens of Newton. They made the right choice!

    November 4, 2009 11:35 AM
  • ImFoxed said:

    I really disagree that Flaherty could not have done more.  I think he let the race be framed as FOR or AGAINST Menino, especially considering all his endorsements.

    If Flaherty had found his own voice, I think it would have helped his campaign.

    November 4, 2009 11:54 AM

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