Election analysis: Massachusetts keeps blue bright in the rainbow state
0Pro-LGBT candidates dominate the state's midterm elections.
It's the little things that make the difference
It was just after the close of the business day on Tuesday when the main phone line at Bay Windows rang. Co-publisher Jeff Coakley answered the phone to find Governor Deval Patrick on the line. "I'm sorry it's taken me so long to call, but I wanted to sincerely thank you for the endorsement. It means a lot to me," Patrick said.
That's right. In the heat of Election Day, in the midst of a battle, Patrick found time to call Bay Windows to say thank you and apologize for his tardiness in showing his appreciation.
This little anecdote sums up exactly why Patrick, and his campaign, was never really behind in this race. Big picture message with attention to the little details. Voters responded positively.
Patrick's LGBT support strong
What does Patrick's reelection meant to the LGBT community?
Arline Isaacson of the Massachusetts Lesbian Gay Political Caucus (MLGPC):
We reelected the most pro-LGBT Governor in the state's history. Our community will therefore be very well served, yet again, in the next four years.
We reelected a pro-LGBT incumbent. That sends a very important message to the entire political world: That when elected officials support the LGBT community, we will reciprocate and support them in return. That kind of political calculus has helped the LGBT community win legislatively in this state and others. It shows elected officials that it's worth sticking their political necks out for us, because we will be there for them at election time.
We were lucky to have several gubernatorial candidates who supported our community. And we were lucky enough to see yet again, an openly gay candidate for Lt Governor. Hopefully, we are moving closer to the day when gubernatorial candidates will not be considered serious candidates unless they are pro-LGBT.
Kara S. Suffredini, Executive Director, MassEquality:
"There is no governor in the nation who been so uncompromising in his support for LGBT people, or who has a greater record of accomplishment in this area, than Governor Deval Patrick. At a time when youth are turning to suicide as the only escape from crisis levels of anti-LGBT bullying in our schools, and when transgender people are being fired from their jobs and evicted from their houses simply because of who they are, Governor Patrick's reelection is a tremendous victory for all LGBT Bay Staters. MassEquality looks forward to continuing to work with him to finish our work together advancing full equality for LGBT people from cradle to grave."
Tisei on the map
The Charlie Baker/Richard Tisei Republican ticket seemed to run out of steam as Election Day approached, but State Senator Tisei definitely was a winner in this race. The elevation to a statewide ticket is usually good for all politicians, but the elevation of this now openly gay Republican is certainly something the state GOP should mine. As should the LGBT political groups. MassEquality, MLGPC, and every other LGBT political organization should meet with Tisei regularly and include him in as many strategy conversations as possible.
The Senator had this to say about his experience:
"I would like to thank everyone who supported me. This undertaking was a great experience that I will treasure for the rest of my life. Although we were not successful, we were able to bring a lot of important issues to the table for discussion. As far as the future goes I plan to continue to be an active member of our community. I also look forward to working with my partner and building our real estate business."
Grossman, Bump, and Coakley
State Treasurer elect Steve Grossman was one of the unsung, behind-the-scenes heroes for same-sex marriage. He's a good man who has been eager to serve the public.
State Auditor elect Suzanne Bump could have run a better message campaign, but ultimately capitalized on the democratic machine. She's an early supporter of LGBT rights.
Attorney General Martha Coakley, a national leader on LGBT issues, easily won re-election. Coakley certainly learned a lot from her loss to Scott Brown in Senate race and took nothing for granted. She may be poised for another senate race.
Congressman Barney Frank
There were a couple of furrowed brows on Tuesday around Congressman Barney Frank's reelection effort. In the end, the Democratic pit bull was overwhelmingly hired for another term.
Rhode Island
Governor-Elect Lincoln Chafee won as an Independent candidate. Chafee is a pro-gay advocate. Openly gay former Providence mayor David Cicilline won for Congress.
New Hampshire
Democratic Governor John Lynch wins his fourth consecutive term, but faces a Republican controlled Legislature. This could set the stage for an effort to repeal gay marriage.