Potential Candidates – Part 2: Mike Ross

Image from Boston.com

Mike Ross – Boston City Councilor, District 8

Somewhat contrary to the title of this post, Mike Ross  is no longer a potential candidate. On December 8th, Ross made the necessary first step towards announcing his candidacy for the MA 4th district congressional seat.

The Boston Globe reported that Ross “has formed [a federal campaign] exploratory committee as he weighs a run.” Of course, he has already made the decision to run. It is noteworthy that he wishes to enter first. He has to play catch-up with 4th district politicians who have higher name recognition and stronger ties to the district. He’s already spitting the campaign talk, telling his story to a district that is just starting to get to know him.

“The bottom line is I have been following in the example that my father set for me,” the Herald reported Ross said after his announcement. “I have been committed to public service and getting results for working people for many years. It’s something I was taught from a young age.”

So first– who is Mike Ross? Boston district 8 might know him well, but the 4th district hasn’t had the pleasure since he left to do his undergraduate at Clark University. This is, of course, his biggest obstacle. The field will be stuffed with candidates who have had an intimate relationship with the district for years. Newton TAB reporter Chloe Gotsis makes a good point that “the power base for the Democratic primary will remain in its northern Democratic strongholds like Newton and Brookline.”

As I am sure he is aware, Ross will really need to push his Newton roots just as Setti Warren did in his race against a life-long Newton politician (Rep. Balser). Setti, who had been working in DC and serving in Iraq, moved back into his parents’ home and continually pushed his Newton education. As much as this race will revolve around national issues, all politics is local. Ross should be well versed in the municipal issues throughout the district, even if they are strictly matters of state, city, and town government. This all seems to be his strategy already, as shown by his prepared remarks: “The district has always played a special role in my life. It is where I grew up, where I was educated, and where my family’s home remains.”

Ross should strongly consider moving from Mission Hill back to Newton if he is to run a strong campaign. If he loses, however, he would have risked ending his Boston political career. When asked by the Globe if he would move into the district, Ross replied: “It’s really the purpose of this exploratory committee. For the foreseeable future, I’ll continue to work for the people I represent.”

With that all said, we cannot forget that Barney Frank was Member of the MA House of Representatives from the 5th Suffolk District, aka–the Back Bay. The 4th elected a Boston politician once…why not again?

Positives: His credentials are solid, and he has a strong track record on issues such as innovative education reform. He also has demonstrated political ability and strong rhetoric. Watch this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urXpWwfx40c&feature=related) and tell me that does not sound like a democratic congressman. (Even though he was wrong about Occupy Boston being protected by the 1st Amendment)

Negatives: Much of his work has been for the benefit of Boston: revitalizing Boston Commons, youth violence prevention programs in the city, etc.  He might fare better waiting for Capuano’s seat  to open if Kerry become Secretary of State, and if Capuano decides to run and if he wins (but that’s a lot of ifs).

Interest Level: It looks like he is going to take the plunge. My guess is he will wait until January to officially announce (Let’s say…January 16th).

Ross’ exploratory committee will act as a catalyst for this race. His announcement has undoubtedly pushed other candidates to start throwing together teams, calling supporters, and securing contribution pledges. It looks like the race for the Democratic nomination has officially started.

Say Goodbye to Barney

At a news conference at City Hall in Newton, Barney announced that he would not run for reelection in 2012. His statement was exactly what you would expect: rambling, unapologetic, and blunt.  He cited the byproducts of redistricting, namely the potential hardships of campaigning in a district with 30,000 new constituents. The loss of New Bedford removed a key constituency for him, and the addition of conservative towns in Blackstone Valley and Norfolk County slightly impacted the political leaning of the district (In 2008: old district was 62% for Obama, new district was 60% for Obama).

“I would’ve had to work very hard,” Barney said, noting his distaste for raising money and hard campaigning. “I would have to start now raising another couple million dollars.”

He was never the plastic politician; always the no-bull-shit wonk. He was never the charmer, but always the crowd-pleaser.

Frank summed it up a statement that his constituents understand all too well: “One of the advantages of not running for office is that I don’t ever have to pretend to be nice to people again.” To which Newton TAB Editor Gail Spector remarked, “Listening to him, I couldn’t help but think, ‘This has been what being ‘nice to people’ looks like?’ I can’t wait to see how he treats people when he’s not nice.”

Perhaps the most articulate assessment of his political force came from an unlikely source.  The New York Times quoted former congressman and Wall Street lobbyist Steve Bartlett: “He’s the smartest guy in the room. In a debate, you want to be on the same side as Barney, and if you’re not on the same side, you should re-evaluate being in the debate at all.”

Barney was a great political mind, one of the most respected (and despised) politicians in Washington, and touted a distinct character. I have been proud to call him my congressman for my entire life (2/3 of his congressional career). Replacing him is impossible, but I have faith that the best possible candidates in the district will step up and try.

I am creating this blog to cover the race to replace Barney in 2012. In congressional elections, I have often found a lack of clarity and consolidation in reporting. I see “Replacing Barney” as an unofficial go-to source for keeping up to date with the race. I will cover the race, as well as the coverage of the race. My analysis will inevitably enter, but I will make sure to distinguish between fact and opinion. I hope my take on the race as it progresses will add to readers’ understanding, rather than just distorting it.