Markey My Words

So, you're probably wondering, now that Democratic U.S. Representative Edward Markey of Massachusetts has been nominated by his party to run in the Bay State's special Senate election to complete Secretary of State John Kerry's term, he's a shoo-in, right? Maybe not. According to one poll, Markey leads Republican opponent Gabriel Gomez by only four points. Gomez, a suave, young Latino who is a Navy SEAL veteran and a successful businessman, is seen as a Republican who can appeal to registered voters in both parties. He already has a lot of appeal among independents; in fact, in this same poll, he outpolls Markey among independent voters by sixteen points, 47 to 31.

Markey, be contrast, is a long-time Washington insider who's seen as something of a jerk; he's known for his clumsy, pseudo-intellectual speaking style, and he's also viewed as a self-absorbed type who thinks he's far more distinguished than he actually is. The conservative Boston Herald came right out and said it; this special election may be Markey's to lose, but he doesn't have to try so hard to lose it. Markey is already viewed far more unfavorably in Massachusetts than Gomez, though that may be because Gomez isn't as well-known. The campaign between now and the June 25 special election might change that a bit, but looking at the numbers as they now stand, I'm certain that Markey can still lose. I'm not saying he will; I'm only saying he can.

And a man who goes for photo-opportunities like this doesn't re-assure me. 

This is Ed Markey.  Gee, what could possibly go wrong for Massachusetts Democrats in a special Senate election this time? :-O