MA-SEN: Kennedy Holds Huge Lead Over Markey

[RandySF]

A new Change Research poll in Massachusetts finds Rep. Joe Kennedy III (D-MA) leading Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) in a possible Democratic U.S. Senate primary, 42% to 25%.

Businessman Steve Pemberton earned 7% and attorney Shannon Liss-Riordan got 5%.



https://politicalwire.com/2019/08/29/kennedy-holds-huge-lead-over-markey/

[aikoaiko]

1. That's surprising. Markey has a good rep in MA.

[Green Line]

2. It is surprising

I like Markey, but if Joe runs, I’ll probably vote for him.

[aikoaiko]

29. I used to live a couple houses down from his official Malden residence on Townsend St

It was always a big deal when he visited. It appeared he would hold some meetings there with MA bigwigs given the dark suits and limousines that would pull up on this decided working-class family street.

I only lived there a year but people loved him.

[hughee99]

62. Not really. Markey isn't named Kennedy and Kennedys

Don’t lose elections in Massachusetts. It’s not about Ed Markey’s reputation, he’s just not a Kennedy.

[aikoaiko]

63. I suppose. When I lived there in the 1990s, the Kennedy luster had dulled quite a bit.

[Blue_true]

3. Does not make sense for Kennedy to get into that race.

He can instead run for Governor in 2022 or if Senator Warren becomes President, run in the late 2021 special election for her seat.

[NewJeffCT]

22. agreed on Governor

I posted the same below - you beat me to it.

Massachusetts is arguably the most liberal state in the country, but they've had Republican governors all but 8 of the last 28 years, and it will be 8 of 32 years once Republican Baker is up for re-election again. (Deval Patrick was the 8 year Dem governor)

[Blue_true]

41. Most states have a one or two term limit.

States that don't that I know of are Arkansas and Wasington State. Iowa has a two consecutive term limit, but a person can rub again after sitting out.

I think Massachusetts is a state that has a two term limit, so Baker can't run again unless it is for some other office.

[NewJeffCT]

60. according to wikipedia

Mass does NOT have a term limit for governor. Wikipedia is not the most reliable, however

[Blue_true]

65. You could be right. nt

[Thekaspervote]

34. Agree!! I really wish he wouldn't do that. Markey is a good man. I like Joe, smart young but

Why primary a really good dem? I get that he wants to advance his career, but that’s coming regardless

[Blue_true]

42. Joe III is smart. Hopefully that includes being able to wait for a good opportunity.

If he is being advised to primary Markey, that is very bad advice.

[PoliticAverse]

53. It's not bad advice if he'd win. n/t

[Blue_true]

67. Markey is a great Senator. nt

[Takket]

44. if Kennedy wants to adance his career in politics he can't hedge is bets on what warren does

[a kennedy]

4. What's Markey's record??? I could find it, but how do his people feel???

[UniteFightBack]

8. Well he recently did that green new deal thing with AOC and of course there is some

speculation that was a wise political move.

[NewJeffCT]

21. Markey is rated the most liberal in the entire senate

by Progressive Punch

https://progressivepunch.org/scores.htm?house=senate

[Blue_true]

43. He is very liberal from what I have read about him.

He and AOC introduced the Green New Deal.

[smirkymonkey]

5. I'm really torn over this.

I really love Sen. Markey, however I think Kennedy has a great future. I think I am just going to wait and see how this plays out.

[GaYellowDawg]

40. I hope Markey pastes him.

I have no use for Kennedy or any anti-vaxxer. There are enough science-denying shitwits elected by Republicans without the Democratic Party adding to that.

On edit: whoops. Wrong Kennedy, apparently. Maybe I should be more careful before opening my own stupid mouth.

[Blue_true]

46. What is a Yellowdawg?

I am from Florida, we get the unfair Florida Man / Florida Woman rap, but there is one thing we are certain of, Georgia is beneath us.

[GaYellowDawg]

50. Lol, it's a completely fair rap.

And Georgia is superior to Florida. Period.

A “yellow dog Democrat” is someone who never votes Republican, as in, I’d vote for a yellow dog before a Republican. I spell it “dawg” in honor of my Dawgs. You know, the clearly superior team from north of you who has whipped the Gators by a combined 67 points the last 2 years and has a double digit lead in the series.

[Blue_true]

51. Oh, you had to bring in football. BTW, which team won a national championship last? nt

[GaYellowDawg]

61. The more important question is...

Which team will win a national championship next? Ain't gonna be Floriduhhhh...

[Blue_true]

64. Stranger things have happened, but you're right, Florida is not there yet, The Dawgs are. nt

[True Blue American]

56. I was wondering:)

Not this Kennedy. Joe campaigned for O’Rourke.

[Blue_true]

45. He is young enough to wait until 2021 or 2022.

There is no justifiable reason for him primarying Markey, in fact it is potentially damaging to his political future since it will alienate people that he will need down the road.

Senator Warren could win the Presidency and have to resign her Senate seat in late 2020. I doubt that the republican governor will appoint Kennedy to the seat, but from talking to friends there, he would be obligated by state law to appoint a democrat to fill the seat. The governor would likely appoint a weak democrat, but a special election has to take place within 90 days of President-elect Warren vacating the seat, so Kennedy can throw his hat into the ring in early spring 2021. Or Kennedy can choose to run for Governor in 2022, when the current governor term limits. Either way, he would be a virtual lock to win.

Like I wrote, Kennedy primarying a strong progressive like Markey is a horrible idea if he goes through with it.

[eissa]

6. Why is he challenging Markey?

I always thought Markey was one of the good guys. Agree with others that maybe wait and see how Warren’s run plays out, or maybe the governorship.

[DFW]

10. He isn't

Joe III has stated that he is (so far, anyway) not interested in challenging Markey in the primary. There has been a lot of "what if" speculation, but so far, that is the extent of it. As Markey was one of the ones who urged Al Franken to resign, I have no particular desire to see him continue in the Senate, but his voting record seems pretty solid, so I have no particular desire to see him leave, either. Joe III is still young and doing a great job as a congressman. I think he has wisely decided not to challenge Markey in the primary. Kennedy seems not to have gotten on the "let's-eat-our-own" bandwagon of wanting to primary good incumbent Democrats. That is level-headedness in the Obama vein, and a commodity we need to nurture and conserve.

[NewJeffCT]

20. Progressive Punch rates Markey as THE most liberal senator

https://progressivepunch.org/scores.htm?house=senate

ahead of Warren, Harris, Sanders, Booker, etc

[Celerity]

23. Every single Democratic Senator but 5 told Franken to resign, either in public or private

the 5 were

(1) Manchin (the ONLY one who said no, do not resign)
(2) Menendez, who was under Federal corruption indictment and trial (ended in a mistrial and the prosecutors decided to not re-try) and at that time and chose to say nothing
(3,4,5) The 3 Democratic members (Shaheen, Coons, and Schatz) of the Senate Select Committee on Ethics, who could not legally comment

All but Manchin out of those 5 would have done so if they were not under the legal constraints, I am positive of that.

43 (and more like 47 if you remove blockages) out of 48

Even Klobuchar told him to resign in private and then publicly said he did the right thing.


'The right decision,' Amy Klobuchar, others say of Franken's resignation

https://www.twincities.com/2017/12/07/amy-klobuchar-mark-dayton-others-react-to-al-franken-resignation-announcement/

U.S. SEN. AMY KLOBUCHAR

“Today Senator Franken acknowledged that he could no longer serve in the Senate and resigned. As he and I discussed yesterday, this is the right decision. Senator Franken has worked for years on behalf of the people of Minnesota and he has been a leader on issues that are fundamental to Americans’ lives, including education, privacy, healthcare and mental health. He has been a friend to me and to many in our state.

“As the women who have come forward to tell their stories across America have made clear, sexual harassment is never acceptable. In every workplace in America, including the U.S. Senate, we must confront the challenges of harassment and misconduct. Nothing is easy or pleasant about this, but we all must recognize that our workplace cultures — and the way we treat each other as human beings — must change.

“For Franni, the Franken family, Senator Franken’s friends and supporters in our state, it’s a very tough day. I want you to know I remain as committed as ever to working together and standing up for people, for common decency, and for our democracy during an incredibly difficult and divisive time in our country. And as we go forward together, we must never forget the words of Senator Paul Wellstone, whom Senator Franken quoted in part today, ‘Politics is not about power. Politics is not about money. Politics is not about winning for the sake of winning. Politics is about the improvement of people’s lives.”

snip


https://www.bizjournals.com/bizwomen/news/latest-news/2017/12/why-democrats-pushed-franken-out.html?page=all

snip

A contrast is just what Democrats likely want to focus on, according to The Washington Post. Forcing out Franken, along with Rep. John Conyers, shows the party is “willing to sacrifice their own in the interest of staking out the higher ground,” per The Post.

Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar called Franken Wednesday and privately urged him to step down, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported. While she plans to uphold Franken’s legacy and the work he’s done for the state, she thought his speech was “short.”

“I know that he didn’t really apologize to the people and that would have been nice,” Klobuchar said, per the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

snip


http://www.startribune.com/sen-amy-klobuchar-says-franken-s-legacy-will-last-but-adds-he-should-have-apologized/462628583/

snip

As for the farewell speech itself, Klobuchar said: “I thought the speech was short. ... I know that he didn’t really apologize to the people and that would have been nice.

“I think the bigger deal for me was that he was able to talk ... with a lot of love for our state, what he liked about his job and what he wanted to be his legacy.”

That legacy, she said, would include Franken’s work on issues like health care and privacy.

But the legacy will also be shadowed by more than half a dozen sexual harassment allegations against Franken. On Wednesday, Klobuchar said, as a seventh accuser came forward and other Senate Democrats began calling for his resignation, she called Franken to privately urge him to do the “right thing” and step down.

snip

[DFW]

24. I am well aware.

Their cowardice and gullibility stains many otherwise stellar reputations. I support none of their presidential ambitions, and now toss their solicitations for contributions into the trash without opening them. If they are foolish enough to fall a simple Republican scam, they are certainly not worthy of being trusted in the Oval Office to deal with the likes of Putin or Xi.

Some people take the allegations against Al Franken as gospel. I do not.

[Celerity]

25. Manchin for POTUS

lolol

I am jesting

he is doing something far worse IMHO

endorsing Susan Collins (I wager he will campaign for her too)

[DFW]

30. Scared me there for a second!!

Manchin campaigning for Susan Collins in Maine would be a bad move for him, given the current growing disaffection with Trump in WV. I think Collins is sinking faster in the polls than a freed lobster from a cutter, and I only give her an ever-diminishing 50% chance that she will actually run for re-election. I think Maine is positively fed up with her. Her pal LePage set a different tone for Maine Republicans, and Bill Cohen is long forgotten.

As fate had it, I was an event in Bath, Maine, in 2014 where most Maine politicians were present and giving speeches.**
Angus King was wonderful, Chellie Pingree was fairly good. Collins was dismally lame, and LePage was downright awful. ANYBODY that can hold people's attention for more than two minutes ought to be able to beat her, and I think she is becoming aware of it.

** If you're ever in the neighborhood, do NOT miss Sunday brunch at the Harraseeket Inn in Freeport, Maine. We happened on it by chance only because there were no more hotel rooms to be had in Bath during the ship christening we were at. I've never seen anything like it, and I've been lots of places in this world. $26.95 for all you could eat, including assembly line crepes from the grill to your plate with boysenberry sauce and unlimited lobsters (!!!). Oh, and about 95 other things to choose from, too. I may have underestimated that number. Don't eat for three days beforehand!

[Celerity]

32. thanks for the rec, next time we are on the East Coast I will try and get up there

I think Sara Gideon is going to pound Collins into a lobster trap

[DFW]

33. Wouldn't break my heart! n/t

[UniteFightBack]

7. So Robert is the one who is anti vaccine...Not Joe Kennedy.......right? nt

[a kennedy]

9. Yes, it's Robert, NOT Joe.

[DFW]

11. Sometimes, it can feel like you need a scorecard to follow their family tree.

My dad was friends with Bobby Kennedy in the 1960s, and I went to school with two of his sons, Joe II and Bobby, Jr.

Joe III is the son of Joe II, and thus the nephew of Bobby, Jr., who is the anti-vaccine advocate. I haven't spoken to Bobby, Jr. in over ten years, and have no idea why he is on this kick. À chacun son goùt.

[ChoppinBroccoli]

12. But Robert, Jr. Is His Dad, Right?

Joe is Bobby's grandson, I thought.

[DFW]

14. You are batting .500

Joe III is RFK's grandson, but RFK had more than one son. Joe III is the son of Joe II, who is the brother of Bobby, Jr.

Therefore Bobby, Jr. is the uncle of Joe III.

[Yavin4]

13. It's like the Targaryens n/t

[DFW]

15. Now you made me look up Targaryens

I am not familiar with Game of Thrones, so I have no clue about the family tree of the Targaryens. I'm betting it's complicated, right?

[Yavin4]

16. Pretty complicated

https://www.vox.com/culture/2017/7/17/15982450/house-targaryen-family-tree-fanart

[DFW]

17. I see what you mean

That reminds me of the old Caribbean song, Shame And Scandal In The Family ("your Daddy ain't your Daddy but your Daddy don't know" ).

[Blue_true]

47. Robert Kennedy Jr. I think he is also very anti legal Pot, along with Patrick Kennedy.

Both have had substance abuse issues (which tragically seem to strike post JFK, RFK generations with a depressing frequency).

[Thrill]

18. He's very impressive. Potential President impressive

He needs to do something to raise his profile. The Governor idea is intriguing.

[comradebillyboy]

52. He's got to have more than the name. What makes him

someone I should take seriously at the presidential level? I just don't see it.

[NewJeffCT]

19. Markey's been one of the most liberal members of the Senate

Kennedy is 35 years younger, but I'd be a lot more impressed with Kennedy if he challenged the Republican governor of Massachusetts instead of challenging a sitting liberal Democrat. Massachusetts is one of the most liberal states in the country, but they've had Republican governors for all but 8 of the last 28 years.

[DFW]

26. The Massachusetts Governor's position has often turned into a political dead end.

Even for Mike Dukakis, and certainly for successors like Republican Bill Weld and Democrat Deval Patrick. Even Romney was out in the wilderness before doing his Don Quixote routine against popular incumbent Obama, and finally leaning on Mormons in Utah to put him in the Senate for his last hurrah. Republican governors of Massachusetts have often had a hard time going anywhere, habitually accused by other Republicans of being "Democrats in any other state," including the current Charlie Baker.

If Joe III wants to raise his national profile, he can better do so in the House. The Kennedy family is certainly not without the connections to give him competent political advice if he decides he wants to "move up." Senator is the next logical step. I don't think he wants to start a party brawl (at least SOME Democrat with a profile feels that way!) by trying to primary Markey or Warren. On the other hand, should Warren be nominated and elected to the Executive branch, there is nothing to stop him for running in the special election to replace her. Kennedy has nothing to lose by waiting a year to see how that plays out.

[NewJeffCT]

28. If Warren ends up as President or VP

I think Kennedy would be a good choice to run to replace her.

[DFW]

31. I fully agree on that n/t

[onetexan]

57. +1 -K&R

[Blue_true]

48. My friends say that the Massachusetts constitution has a two term limit for governor.

The republican is in his second term.

[NewJeffCT]

59. according to Wikipedia

not always the most reliable of sources, there is no term limit for governor in Mass

[Blue_true]

66. Thanks. Will be checking with the person that said it did.

Maybe no governor has run for more than two terms.

It seems that in a vibrant state, being a 3 term governor could be hard. Maybe a person in Iowa or Idaho can do it, but not a state like Massachusetts, New York or California. It will be interesting to see whether Inslee does it in Washington State, looks like he has a good shot if Trump does not sink the economy everywhere (but if Trump does, Inslee should not hesitate to blame Trump).

[Vinca]

27. I like both Kennedy and Markey. Too bad they're aren't 2 slots open.

Maybe there will be at some point if Warren happens to move up. If she's not the presidential candidate it would be wise to have her as Veep to bring in the leftier voters among us.

[UTUSN]

35. So MARKEY rose from nothing, has been an excellent Dem, & needs to get out for a KENNEDY. Got it.

[Raine1967]

36. Joe Kennedy III, at this moment, is not challenging Markey.

I suspect this is a strange trial balloon.

Does anyone have anything (links) from the Kennedy camp that indicates he is going to challenge Markey?

[Mc Mike]

37. Bad move, Joe.

[book_worm]

38. Nothing new--a Kennedy deciding he wants the seat and running against another Dem.

[DFW]

39. It would take a LOT more than some "what if" poll to get Kennedy to make a rash move like that

Especially since Joe III doesn't give the slightest impression of being interested.

If you have solid information that Joe III has decided "he wants the seat," you are far better informed than I am. The only statements I have read coming from Joe III indicate he has no interest whatsoever in challenging Markey in the Primary.

[Blue_true]

49. I would not bet against your view, since you seem to rub elbows with democratic Pols.

I think that our democratic officeholders across the board are far superior to any republican, but I have to admit that I like my politicians like I like my Florida rattlesnakes, no closer that 25 feet from me.

[DFW]

55. Well, I have never been bitten yet

But there are some of them that I would not want any closer to me than you like them.

Some of them are downright pleasant, good people, but you definitely do have to separate the rattlesnakes from the garter snakes.

[Sewa]

54. Markey is a good man and has my respect

At least he isn’t an anti-Vaxer.

[OnDoutside]

58. And neither is Joe III.