Baker immediately abandoned his principles in order to avoid a primary race against that political juggernaut, CHRISTY MIHOS.
Multi-millionaire Mihos, to that point, had barely been able to keep enough funds in his campaign account to cover the morning Dunkin' Donuts run. He's not the first candidate sunk by the failure of donors to follow through on their pledges, but he may be the first self-funded candidate to do so. Note to self: where's that check I promised me?
I suppose we shouldn't be surprised that Baker wanted to duck a fight with Mihos — this is the same guy who, four years ago, was scared out of the governor's race by Healey herself. If he doesn't have the stomach to take on Mihos and Healey, just how weak does the competition have to be for Baker to jump in?
Patrick's patronage
Yeah, laugh it up, Democrats. You're doing just great choosing your candidates. Right, Senator Coakley?
But, hey, I'm sure the party has learned its lesson now, and understands that, this year, voters don't want party-hack Beacon Hill insiders. Yep, the state's Democratic Party leaders, as always with their fingers on the pulse of the electorate — rallied to nominate for statewide office a former party chair and former political director of the governor's campaign: STEVE GROSSMAN and SUZANNE BUMP.
Plus, of course, eternal Beacon Hill insider WILLIAM GALVIN, and, yes, Coakley herself rounding off the ticket topped by Patrick.
But at least Patrick would never be guilty of any insider hackery and patronage. Although, does anyone else here look at Patrick's attempt to take control of the Probation Department and think: new commissioner MARIAN WALSH?
Hey, hey, it's just a joke! And with that, I'd better get out of here. But I have a feeling there will be fresh meat to roast next year — see you then!
To read the "Talking Politics" blog, go to thePhoenix.com/talkingpolitics. David S. Bernstein can be reached atdbernstein@phx.com.
