I stood in the freezing December cold this morning holding signs for Martha Coakley. My observations and experiences might tell something about the results of this primary election. More below the fold.
For those of you who don't know, Massachusetts is holding Democratic & Republican primary elections today to determine who will fill the US Senate seat vacated upon the death of our beloved Senator Ted Kennedy. Given this is Massachusetts, the winner of the Democratic primary will in all probability win the general election.
I ventured to downtown Boston this morning to grab signs for standing out at my polling place in the South End. There were very few Coakley signs left. This is good if they were in high demand. This is bad if they didn't make enough. I stood outside my polling place for two hours in the cold holding two Martha Coakley signs. There were signs for the other candidates there, but no one else holding signs...I was by myself. This is good since I had the place to myself and no else's candidate was inspirational enough to get people to stand in the cold holding signs. This is bad since no other Coakley supporters bothered to join me. When I returned the signs to HQ there were dozens of people phone banking...this is good.
Turnout for this primary election will be low. There was a steady trickle of people, but in the 2 hours I was there I bet less than 100 people voted. Turnout may be as low as 10%. It was gratifying however to meet my neighbors, make small talk, and get a few thumbs up from people.
My take on the race now:
Steve Pagliuca - millionaire owner of the Boston Celtics. It was embarassing to watch him debate as he knew nothing of policy and did not present himself well. He will probably come in last.
Alan Khazei - lots of experience in the non-profit sector. A very decent man with lots of good ideas. Lack of name recognition will doom him to third place. Two women I love and respect voted for him.
Mike Capuano - currently a Congressman from Massachusetts. Experienced politician but with a rough exterior that rubs me the wrong way. He should come in second.
Martha Coakley - currently the Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I met Martha several years ago when she was the Middlesex County District Attorney General, and I was impressed with her intelligence, passion, and committment to progressive values. As Attorney General she is always fighting the good fight and standing up for the little guy, such as defending victims of bank fraud. She got my vote, and I think she will win today.