I didn’t expect to be writing any diaries about the Massachusetts Senate Race, but I have been suspecting for some time that John Kerry might be wearing out his welcome. And now, according to a Suffolk University Poll, it appears to be just the case.
Senator John Kerry, who recently left the door open to a Presidential bid in 2008, could have problems staying in the US Senate. When voters were asked whether Kerry should run for another six-year term in 2008 or if it is time to give someone else a chance, just 37% indicated that he should seek re-election while 56% said that it was time to give someone else a chance. Among political parties: 76% of Republicans, 62% of Independents, and 39% of registered Democrats said that it was time to give someone else a chance.
“This poll is showing us the early warning signs of a political storm for John Kerry,” said Paleologos. “He may best be served by coming home to Massachusetts and taking care of business.”
Personally, I don’t think that coming home will be enough because Kerry has had a tough time before, and I’m not talking about 2006. Even before his legendary race against William Weld, he ran into a touch one six years earlier against James Rappaport who was, for a while, able to paint Kerry as a do-nothing Dukakis clone. Kerry fought his way partially helped by the fact that it was a Democratic year (and an excellent debate). What he has going for him heading into 2008 is a limp Republican Party with no one put against him. However, Massachusetts has never warmed to him the way they have with Ted Kennedy. If the Republicans somehow find someone al a Weld, he could be in serious trouble. It may be time for him to stand down.
The Massachusetts Republican Party is so weak, they have no hope to mount any challenge though clearly there is Kerry Fatigue.
…the people of Massachusetts don’t think much of Senator Kerry as a party leader (eg. totally bungled the ’04 election, embarrassed himself with a “botched joke”, etc). I think he’ll be fine. Kerry looks good compared to anyone with an R beside their name.
is like a Democrat winning a Senate race in Utah.
he lost 2004, his inarticulate nature will continue to hurt us in elections (i’ll bet we would have gotten a couple more seats if not for that joke). I say we send another democrat against him, and try to kick him out during the primary. the one sided nature of the state means that primary battles are to be expected. even dukakis lost the nomination in 1978, only to regain it and the governorship in 1982. besides, senators who run for president and lose (i.e., almost all of them) and stay in the senate usually face backlash during their next election.
was in 06, right before the election. it may have energized republican partizans who weren’t planning on voting over the whole Foleygate scandal.
…that before Dean’s media-induced implosion, he was leading Kerry in Massachusetts, by a sizable margin, I believe. Even Kerry’s own perceived base didn’t like him!