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.
