MA-SEN: Kennedy Holds Huge Lead Over Markey

[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.