Massachusetts – 50.34% of Unenrolled Voters?

An interesting statistic regarding the electorate in Massachusetts: in 2004 the political party designation showed the following:
Of the 4,098,634 total registered voters 1,526,711 were registered Democrat, 532,319 were registered Republican, 2,000,062 were designated Unenrolled and the balance were of another party affiliation. Reference Mass. Secretary of State.

The latest figures show a modest change: ( PDF download and other voter information available click here) out of 4,011,551 total enrolled 1,476,133 are registered Democrat, 486,188 are registered Republican, 2,019,368 are registered as Unenrolled with the balance of another party affiliation.

It should be noted that both major parties lost enrollment (Democrats lost 50,578 voters while Republicans lost, 46,131 registered voters, there was a shift to alternative and unenrolled voter status.) Therefore, the makeup of the state electorate, although touted as heavily Democrat by the media and the party, can actually be classified as “up for grabs” during a general election. Which begs the question: Will the RNC, who undoubtedly has access to these figures, finally turn their attention to the Massachusetts electorate and make a concerted effort to gain both house and senate seats? How vulnerable is John Kerry is Massachusetts? Additionally, are other “blue states” any different?


Kerry Democrat Opponent Ed O’Reilly on NECN “Kerry has no passion on any issue”

The Coming Storm – The Democrats - A Divided and Divisive Party

Ben Adler, writing for Politico ponders the question: “Will Clinton Take the Blame if Obama falls?” – This is a valid question. Once Hillary Clinton was literally shoved out of the primary contest after a remarkable showing, she was expected to “suck it up” and urge her supporters to get back in line with the party that prefers that women stay exactly where they belong – in second place. Her supporters, on the other hand, may just balk at the prospect and either vote for the other guy and or not vote at all. Anyone watching Hillary Clintons brilliant concession speech could take note of the crowd – disappointed in the extreme – not in Clinton, but in the process that allowed a media and party leaders to push a woman to the back while promoting a candidate that was ultimately less qualified to head the party. There's an old adage: Never underestimate the power of a woman. Howard Dean, John Kerry, Bill Richardson, Harry Reid - take note. Vengence is an artform.

Adler notes in his article that many Obama supporters felt that Clinton was unduly harsh in her attacks on Obama – and with this question, the obvious becomes clear. Obama will come under grueling attacks by a Republican machine that is more than capable (Clinton understood this). The debates between Obama and McCain will clearly show a stark contrast to a stunning orator and someone who just knows his stuff – can Obama somehow avoid debating McCain? That is doubtful. So, this is the scenario – with Obama out there on his own, facing a Republican party that can more than throw a fatal punch, with his own party divided, with a message of hope lacking substance, should he someone lose the bid for the presidency – it will be Clinton’s fault? That’s beyond sexist. Women should rethink their affiliation with a party that’s sole platform for women has been “Abortion Rights – giving no thought to equal pay for equal work (women still receive less per hour than their male counterparts). ‘You’ve come a long way baby” – how incredibly insulting. The 2008 political races just became a great deal more interesting.

Jeff Beatty – National Republican Senatorial Committee On-Board

The National Republican Senatorial Committee is finally on-board with the Jeff Beatty campaign (Republican Massachussetts). They woke up and sniffed the Nescafe! Of note on the home page they have a link to a petition in support of John McCain’s “Gas Tax Holiday” (a Holiday Obama does not want those of us he considers “the masses”, to take).
Suggestion: visit the NRSC: get more info on Jeff Beatty and sign the petition.