Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Five Fighting for the Fifth

There are now five announced candidates for the U.S. Congressional seat representing the 5th MA District.

They are: Incumbent Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (D, Lowell); Challenger Sam Meas (R, Haverhill, and for whom I'm volunteering); Challenger Jon Golnik (R, Carlisle); Challenger Robert Shapiro (R, Andover); and Challenger D.L. Brown (I, Chelmsford).

This should make for a lively time, as the three-way Republican primary unfolds to see who can capitalize on the Scott Brown-induced momentum for the GOP in Massachusetts, the Democrats hope for some kind of palpable employment/general economic recovery by November, and the wildcard factor of an Independent running in a year where we're seeing a potentially viable Indy candidate for Governor casts a shadow over everything.

Another wildcard hanging over the whole thing concerns the fate of the district itself. 2010 is a Census Year, and its results could very well spell the loss of a seat in this state. No matter who wins this November, he or she will be the junior member of the 10-person Congressional delegation in DC.

Things might get shaken up again.

2 comments:

C R Krieger said...

Its a great year for Republicans, just having three candidates out there.

And I have a Sam Meas bumper sticker on my rear window.

Regards  —  Cliff

The New Englander said...

The three-way primary will definitely help bring headlines to the Republicans and give a ton of momentum (and cash) to whoever comes out on top.

I think the addition of another GOP challenger is a huge boost for Sam..