GloucesterTimes.com, Gloucester, MA

Letters/My View

Discussion

PLEASE NOTE CHANGES IN POLICY: Commenters are required to have a username with a valid and verified email address. Gloucestertimes.com reserves the right to ban the IP address of any commenter (person) found using multiple aliases under multiple e-mail addresses in a deceptive manner. Posts that do not meet site standards, which can be found here, will be removed.


If you are experiencing problems logging in or posting comments, please contact Disqus' help center by clicking here.
comments powered by Disqus
February 23, 2013

Letter: Challenges for post-Scott Brown candidates

Gloucester Daily Times

To the editor:

Regarding the editorial “Tarr deserves credit for tough call” (The Times, Monday, Feb. 18), although state Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr announced he’s not running, it’s suddenly a very crowded Republican field for the upcoming Senate race.

We may see even more entrants before next week’s filing deadline.

But this chorus of contenders faces very real challenges: First, the eventual nominee will need to overcome the perception of being the party’s “second choice” after Scott Brown. This requires both carving out a unique identity and maneuvering beyond the distracting media comparisons to the former senator.

Second, name recognition may be a problem, particularly with the condensed schedule before the April 30 primary and June 25 general election.

Third, and most daunting, outside fund-raising dollars could dry up if national Republicans see the race as a long shot — particularly if Congressmen Ed Markey, D-Malden, and Stephen Lynch, D-South Boston, come roaring out of the gate.

Then again, anything can happen in an off-year special election, where voter turnout tends to wane and earned media can boost an underdog.

ADAM SILBERT

East 78th St., New York, N.Y.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Letters/My View

NDN Video
Raw: Tornadoes Spotted in Kansas Twiggy, the Water Skiing Squirrel Sailor Surprises His Mom At Her CU Denver Graduation Ceremony Official: ‘Amazing’ No One Was Killed In CT Train Crash Lotto Fever Sweeps the Country Coffee Stop Leads To Arrest Of YouTube Sensation Wanted For Murder Bearded Dragon Reunited With Owner Marine Reunited with Warzone Companion Raw: Crash Sends Car Into Fla. Pool Beyonce Is Pregnant! SF baseball player overpaid $500,000 RETURNS money -- and team says KEEP IT $1 Million in Jewels Stolen at Cannes Film Fest Dad returns from Afghanistan, surprises family during Rays' first pitch See Jennifer Lopez's New $10m Hamptons Mansion Woman tricked into taking abortion pill Emma Watson Goes Pantless IRS scandal: Republicans seek to tie Obama to agency's woes Play of the Day: Flipping to Safety Pregnant Kim Kardashian Squeezes Her Swollen Feet Into Stilettos Top Videos of the Week: Angry Taco Bell Guy, Glacier Moves on House, Dog Hates Baths