Massachusetts primaries: Resignation of Governor Charlie Baker sets the stage for a big showdown

Despite its liberal reputation, Massachusetts has a long tradition of electing Republican governors. Deval PatrickThe two-term Democrat is the only Democrat to hold a corner office in Beacon Hill since Michael Dukakis left here in 1991. one of the country’s most popular national leaders.

His resignation came in the face of opposition within the party to criticism of his former office. President Donald Trump And the prospect of the first challenge paved the way for former Rep. Jeff Deal to claim the front-runnership for the Republican nomination. Deal argues that despite complementing the former president, his political brand is toxic in the Gulf State and statewide candidates like Deal are destined to lose in the general election. It’s Trump’s nomination in the primary against fellow businessman Chris Doughty.

Mr. Trump, who endorsed Mr. Deal last year, lashed out at Mr. Baker. Baker, who had yet to announce that he would not run again, accused the governor of being a “Reno” or a titular Republican, and his climate policy views “just out of the AOC playbook” and progressive. A reference to the New York representative. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez.

So much of Tuesday’s intrigue will come from two primaries that may not have been close or even contested if Baker was seeking a third term.

On the Republican side, Diehl is stuck in an increasingly controversial contest with Doughty, who he claims represents the Republican party’s best chance of defeating Healy in November. Although it has the support of the state party, Doughty secured enough delegates to vote at the party’s convention in May.)

Meanwhile, Deal and his allied candidate for lieutenant governor Leah Allen held a call with Trump on Monday night.

“That process will take years, but voters are doing it by choosing Doughty, the gentle voice of a more pragmatic conservatism, over Deal, the devoted valet of former President Donald Trump. We can start all at once,” the committee wrote.

“He’s too extreme for our state. He pursues conspiracy theories and has beliefs that don’t align with Massachusetts,” Doughty said of the deal. “It makes him ineligible.”

Deal sidestepped the claim when asked about it, focusing on the primary and spring Republican conventions.

“So far he has a 0-1 record,” Deal said. “In the competition, I think I beat him by 71% to 29% of him. So, of course, that claim will come up from any challenger.”

Healy, who is backing Campbell, was embarrassed for her during the run-up to the first day. It had the signatures of all the women.

“We need bold, fierce, visionary and inclusive leaders like Andrea Campbell,” Presley said. “People deserve it. The moment demands it. is”

Voters split progressives in key states as the third candidate, attorney Quentin Palfrey, dropped out last week in favor of Campbell, joining Healy, Presley and US Senator Ed Markey. I was thrown a curveball late in the competition. (Palfrey was an active candidate when early voting began, and his name is on the ballot.)

“Shannon Rhys Riordan is the progressive champion Massachusetts needs as its next Attorney General,” Warren announced her endorsement late last month. We know first-hand what beats corporations and special interest groups that take advantage of working families.”

The winner will face Republican attorney James McMahon, who lost to Healy in 2018 and ran unopposed on Tuesday.