LENOX â By my count, there are 634 days to go until the 2022 election.
Despite my decision to avoid commenting on state or national politics for the rest of this year, the official entrance of Pittsfieldâs native son, former state Sen. Ben Downing, into the race for governor is remarkable so far ahead of time. No surprise that, for the moment, he has the Democratic field to himself.
Itâs hard to imagine a more impressive candidate to challenge the Teflon Republican governor, Charlie Baker, who hasnât revealed whether heâll seek a third term. But, Downing faces formidable odds to secure the Democratic nomination, much less prevail over one of the nationâs most popular governors.
Speaker Mariano? Western Massachusetts lawmakers line up behind Quincy Democrat as likely successor to House Speaker Robert DeLeo
Updated Dec 21, 2020;
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Several Western Massachusetts lawmakers committed to backing Majority Leader Ron Mariano’s bid for House speaker should Robert DeLeo step down.
“Without hesitation, I’m supporting Mariano,” said Rep. Smitty Pignatelli, a Lenox Democrat who was first elected in 2003.
Pignatelli is one of eight Western Massachusetts lawmakers who have committed to the Quincy Democrat, a key leader through DeLeo’s 12-year tenure as speaker.
As rumors of DeLeo’s departure grew, Mariano quickly reached out to lawmakers across the state asking for their support. DeLeo acknowledged in a disclosure letter that he planned to start negotiating employment opportunities with Northeastern University, his alma mater. He didn’t say he was stepping down just yet, but Mariano has gotten verbal commitments from representatives across