Mass. Dems Will Not Endorse In Contested Primary For Special Election

[DonViejo]

Source: TPM



TOM KLUDT 3:00 PM EST, FRIDAY JANUARY 25, 2013

Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair John Walsh on Friday issued a statement following reports that Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA) will join Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA) in the field for the special election to fill the seat expected to be vacated by Sen. John Kerry (D-MA).

Although the Democratic establishment has rallied behind Markey, Walsh said the state party will not make an endorsement in the event that there is a contested primary.

The statement:

"The Massachusetts Democratic Party has a deep pool of talent and I believe the more voters see how effective our candidates are the better for us and for the Commonwealth. In the coming weeks, a healthy and substantive primary campaign will give voters all across Massachusetts a chance to learn more about our candidates and our ideas. If there is a primary,the Massachusetts Democratic Party will endorse no candidate and we will remain focused on building a grassroots coordinated campaign to support whoever becomes our nominee to keep John Kerry's ideas and values moving forward."

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Read more: http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/mass-dems-will-not-endorse-in-contested-primary

[HomerRamone]

1. Lynch told the Globe this afternoon that he hasn’t yet made up his mind

"US Representative Stephen F. Lynch told the Globe this afternoon that he hasn’t yet made up his mind about running for the US Senate in the special election to fill John F. Kerry’s seat. Just a day earlier, the strong message from the Lynch camp was that he would definitely be announcing his campaign next week." For more, visit http://bo.st/Wr5hwe

[millijac]

2. As a Mass Dem...

I don't think Lynch has too much of a chance of winning a primary here. All the big names are siding with Markey and turnout will be the progressive/liberal base, to which Lynch is no friend.

He'd have to run as unenrolled in the general to have a chance IMHO. But then we've not heard from ex Sen Pink Leather Shorts either.

[Cha]

3. Yeah, Vicki Kennedy, John Kerry, Steve Grossman,

and even Martha!