By Mande Wilkes || One of eleven states in which independents outnumber Democrats or Republicans, Massachusetts is hardly the liberal haven it is reputed to be. In fact, with more registered independents than registered Democrats and Republicans combined, “uncommitted” is the most accurate description of the state.
Of course try telling that to our founding editor, who slaps the liberal label around like a used car dealer slaps numbers on windshields. Sic Willie can’t
Consequently, whoever becomes the next Massachusetts Senator – whether the liberal Martha Coakley or the conservative Scott Brown – will owe the victory not to liberals or conservatives, but rather to independents.
If Massachusetts – a political sure thing if there ever was one – can be swayed to this extent by Independent influence, what of the “swing states” themselves?
A Republican win today in Massachusetts would elevate independents to “determinant demographic” status, which would consequently establish the independents as a viable political party. And that could change the very essence of American politics, the face of which has been heretofore characterized by polarity – the duality of a two-party system.
Then, maybe, change would have some hope.
Hey, Massachusetts independents: No pressure or anything, but today you can ignite a revolution. Let’s call it “Independents’ Day” …
By Toyota Kawaski January 19, 2010 at 8:51 am
More great journalism by Man-d! Independent is another name for Liberal guess they did not teach you that at ITT Tech
By Todd January 19, 2010 at 9:07 am
Good Point. I lived in Massachusetts for several months two years ago. They should pass a state law requiring their people to put the letter “r” back into their speech patterns. That would help this socialist state alot.
By GMan January 19, 2010 at 9:11 am
Right on Mande. It’s the independents that will help shape the 2010 elections in SC and the USA.
By lance January 19, 2010 at 9:52 am
Everybody knows Coakley is gonna win.
It’s Massachusetts, people.
Obama wouldn’t have bothered coming were not victory already assured.
Brown has had a good showing, at the very least, however.
Regardless, Coakley’s victory will be spun as a mandate for health care and all the blue dogs will roll over for Obama.
By lance January 19, 2010 at 10:09 am
Incidentally, Zogby is predicting a Coakley win.
By LowcountryGamecock January 19, 2010 at 12:52 pm
Lance,
Zogby has been so off-base the last few elections cycles that his polling is probably most useful for crowning the loser. Remember that Massachusetts voters ALREADY have universal health care…further national reforms will only jack up the tax burden in an already over-taxed state. In what should be an Independent-driven landslide, Brown will win this one only by a hair, thanks to the Democrat GOTV strategy of registering Disney characters and the deceased.
By Wordwaryor January 19, 2010 at 6:15 pm
Massachusetts finds itself with another historic opportunity to fire the shot (er Vote) heard round the world. As the birthplace of the American Revolution….and the site of the Original Original Tea Party …. Massachussets can once again restore hope in our Consitution, by electing Scott Brown…. and Stopping Obama and Congress’s runaway health care take over and their messy stinking back room deals, and bribery buy offs of legislative votes. Oh Yes, and their more smelly handouts to Unions and Banks.
Way to Go Bay Staters ! Let’s start the New American Revolution by throwing Coakley’s tea into the harbor this time !
Whaddayasay ? Huh ?
By No Name January 19, 2010 at 7:57 pm
Hey Lance Hope you have your TV on.
Statist pols everywhere ….you are next…..if the Bay State can turn on the Kennedy Mafia….why can’t we get Lindsey.
Better take that Sec Def job Lindsey.
By T4 January 19, 2010 at 10:31 pm
Mande,
Thanks for the piece. From the looks of the posted comments, most underestimate the number of registered independents in many states, notwithstanding their impact on elections.
Lance,
Obviously you misunderstand the purpose of Obama’s trip to Mass. Obama’s is going because the election is predicted to be a close one. If Cloakley’s victory was certain, there would be no need for Obama’s presence/influence.
By T4 January 19, 2010 at 10:48 pm
Lance,
In the future, write one of your conservative representatives in Washington, demanding a presence in the forum state. I realize there are few SC representatives worth ink and paper, but it is more effective than bemoaning the fundamentals of politics (take what you can, anyway you can).