It’s still early in the race for the Governor of Massachusetts. While the Democratic caucuses are in full swing, intended to round out the ballot for those bidding for Beacon Hill, it’s difficult to contend that any true favorites have emerged from the pack. Recent polls show sentiments leaning one way, though skeptics say they’re based strongly on name recognition. For Juliette Kayyem, an endorsement of sorts from CNN could help tip the scales in her favor.
There’s no question that Kayyem faces some stiff competition: Martha Coakley boasts the most name recognition, while Steve Grossman, Treasurer of Massachusetts, has the most money in the bank. Don Berwick and Joe Avellone are seasoned healthcare veterans, which bodes well considering healthcare costs comprise nearly half of the Bay State’s budget.
But Kayyem may hold the future of the Democratic party, let alone Governor Deval Patrick’s office, within her grasp. A recent CNN opinion piece speculating on the future of the political left-wing suggests that White House hopefuls turn to Kayyem, amongst others, for experience, support and perhaps most importantly, progressive ideas.
” [Kayyem] is tackling structural problems in the economy with ideas for improving public transportation and investing in community colleges,” CNN notes. “Building on her experience in government, she is also looking for better ways to provide physical security by dealing with vulnerable infrastructure that national policymakers have not done enough to protect.”
Kayyem’s impressive resume is anchored by her work with the federal government. As the Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs for the United States Department of Homeland Security, she was able to use her intergovernmental and interagency prowess to help respond to the notorious BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
She was subsequently an analyst and op/ed columnist for the Boston Globe, where she completed work that garnered a Pulitzer Prize nomination. She also contributed to CNN, which could lend to the news publication’s bias. However, her chief competition – early favorites Coakley and Grossman – embody political personas that don’t translate well to a new generation of voters and are really represent of a time gone by. Her grasp of the power of media, for example, has led her to produce a slew of campaign videos that absolutely blow those of others out of the water.
Consider, too, that Kayyem, 44-years old, is a much younger and more formidable contender than Coakley (60), Avellone (65), Berwick (67) and Grossman (68).
But remember, the race is still in its infancy. Once the caucuses are over, there will be a slightly less convoluted view on whose campaign resonates more amongst the voters and things are sure to heat up as the primaries inch closer.
In the meantime, what do you think? Is Kayyem as, if not more, capable than her competitors to uphold the office of governor? Will her competition begin to pull ahead of the pack? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
