It’s election day eve in Boston and as formidable contenders Marty Walsh and John Connolly prepare to cast their own ballots, to make a plethora of appearances, and to host an evening engagement of the celebratory or consolatory variety tomorrow, both have taken to social media to make one last plea to Boston voters.
This afternoon, Marty Walsh posted a video, presumably shot in the comfort of his own home, in which he outlines his vision for the future of Boston one last time before voting begins promptly at 7 a.m. ET. Just over a minute long and far from groundbreaking, the clip has the State Representative sitting alone in front of the monitor, presenting his familiar case for his bid for mayor and barely making mention of his opponent John Connolly.
Succinct and concise, Walsh notes how he will stand up for the people of Boston to make sure everyone receives a quality education, can take advantage of progressive neighborhood development, and has the ability raise a family and plant their roots in Boston should they so desire.
The Connolly video, though, appears as almost a response to the Walsh footage; it was uploaded to YouTube roughly 4 hours after Walsh’s. A clip from his Moms vs. The Machine rally yesterday, the approximately 4-minute bit depicts the City Councilor in an impassioned speech explaining how education is the foundation for the future and that the solution to all of Boston’s issues begin in and around the classroom.
Similar to his opponent, Connolly makes little mention of Marty Walsh. He does note, however, that Marty means well but is “too beholden to a narrow set of interests” to run Boston in an unbiased fashion. He then makes mention of Walsh’s outside contributions, most notably from labor and trade unions, which have amassed close to $3 million. A ‘Boston’s not for sale’ chant started resounded shortly after.
While it’s perfectly okay to be undecided at this stage in the game, take a look at what’s stirring in the Twittersphere, for some might make a compelling case as to why you should cast your ballot with one candidate over the other.
Of $3.6M in super PAC spending in #bosmayor, Walsh has benefited from $2.5M, Connolly $1M.
— Paul McMorrow (@paul_mcmorrow) November 4, 2013
The buzz (and the beeps from cars) at Holy Name rotary in West Roxbury is all @marty_walsh for #BosMayor! #BosPoli pic.twitter.com/losflfl3cC
— Coppinger 4 Marty (@4Coppinger) November 4, 2013
Only one #bosmayor candidate made p.3 of the Metro today. @JohnRConnolly #vote #boston pic.twitter.com/wp1K2GyDS4”
— Sheila Starr Boston (@sheilastarr) November 4, 2013
I am voting for the candidate that I feel will work with us, rather than for us. @marty_walsh for #bosmayor
— Eroc Arroyo (@ErocUrbanShaman) November 4, 2013
@MWS38: Canvassers from New York? Money from who-knows-where? Boston is NOT for sale. Vote @JohnRConnolly for #bosmayor
— Mary Churchill (@mary_churchill) November 4, 2013
If I could vote in the #Boston mayoral election tomorrow, I’d cast a solid vote for Marty Walsh. #votewalsh
— Miles Howard (@MilesWHoward) November 4, 2013
holy fuck don’t forget to vote for john connolly tomorrow you guys.
— sarah (@sarahwestvold) November 4, 2013
I bet John Connolly will feel real good about turning down outside money when he loses big tomorrow. Walsh by 12 points.
— Barney Keller (@barneykeller) November 4, 2013
Proud to be supporting Marty Walsh for Mayor of Boston! Join with @1199mass caregivers to vote or volunteer: http://t.co/gqVnI0GSr8
Planning to vote for John Connolly for Boston Mayor tomorrow.
— Kevin Handly (@KJHandly) November 4, 2013
— Veronica Turner (@VeeTurner1199) November 4, 2013
John Connolly worked at Dukakis’ presidential campaign HQ in ’88. That’s just so awesome. http://t.co/IDDzPWcrhB #bosmayor
— Zac Estrada (@zacestrada) November 4, 2013
Boston Public School mother right here voting for @marty_walsh .. Not a machine just a mom who knows who is the best person 4 thejob#bospoli
— Kerry 1040 (@Kerry1040) November 4, 2013
Take a moment to give both videos a look as well. There’s no need to make a decision now as to who you’ll vote for, but keep in mind that polls open early tomorrow at 7am, locations available here, and that turning out to the polls can have massive implications for the city now and in the future.