Charles D. Baker
Election year 2010 is heating up with a frenzy in the Bay State. Today, Charlie Baker, CEO of Harvard-Pilgrim Healthcare, announced his intention to run for Governor. Baker is a former Secretary of Administration and Finance during the tenure of William Weld. Prior to today's announcement, his political intentions had been the subject of much speculation. Barring the unforseen, he will run as a Republican.
Joining Baker in the Republican mix, is Christy Mihos, former Mass Turnpike Authority board member and gadfly, and one-time owner of the 7-11 convenience store chain. According to South End News columnist Kevin Sworda:
Many in the media sadly ignored Republican Christy Mihos when he blew the whistle on Big Dig corruption. He ran a solid campaign for governor in 2006, and has announced a political second coming with the help of former Bill Clinton confidante Dick Morris. It’s a brilliant move for the convenience store magnate. Mihos bringing Morris on board shows that he’s serious about running a more comprehensive campaign next year; and Morris is no babe in the woods, having given birth to political careers from here to Tel Aviv.
The prospect of a Republican gubernatorial primary may inject some much needed life into the moribund Massachusetts Republican Party, which has suffered stinging legislative setbacks in part as the result of fierce anti-George W. Bush sentiment.
The Democrat/Independent sides of the ledger promise to be no less exciting. Incumbent Governor Deval Patrick is widely expected to run for re-election next year. Current state Treasurer Tim Cahill made news recently with his decision to leave the Democrat Party and run for Governor as an Unenrolled candidate. Cahill's status as a Democrat has not always been well received; he was denied a delegate's spot at the 2008 national convention in Denver. Cahill's support is apt to come from the conservative wing of the Democrat Party (or what's left of it), and from dissatisfied independents.
“I just feel like I don’t fit,’’ he said. “I’m a fiscal conservative and have been railing at the spending and the taxing decisions over the past year. I don’t seem to be getting anywhere from inside the party, so maybe I can be more effective outside the party. We’ll see.’’
Rounding out (for the moment ) the roster of announced political candidates is Steve Grossman, long-time Democrat Party activist, fund-raiser and eminence gris. He announced his intention to run for the job Cahill now holds - Treasurer:
“I’m planning to seek the Democratic nomination for treasurer of the Commonwealth, and I have made a series of calls to some of the leaders in the party as well as to some of the people who have been helpful to me over the years to let them know I am in the treasurer’s race and I am looking forward to this,” Grossman told the News Service.
The 2010 political calendar is just heating up, and it's only July 2009. Stay tuned for additional developments.
Comments
Charles Baker leaving a multi-million dollar job at Harvard Pilgrim to take a massive cut in pay to be governor? I welcome his statements on all he has advocated for the insurers not in the interest in those in need of healthcare or businesses attempting to provide affordable health care to their employees.
Imagine Baker in the race, he is the face for ungovernment reforms,no accountability, no oversight inefficiency, waste, and mismanagement in government. Look at his dismantling record in the Human Services Secretariat State Delivery System that lacked care, compassion, concern,and fiscal accountability. As State Chief Budget Guru, look at his decision making and enabling the Big Dig to flourish with a lack of accountability and oversight. We need to hear all Baker did not do.
The Harvard-Pilgrim almost demise with an insider state Government Bailout, that Baker became the head? Private Sector Worker to Government Manager back to Private sector company once under his purview
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!