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The Futures Market: Massachusetts

February 8, 2006 2:58 PM | |

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What's the Hotline Futures Market? It's our exclusive look at the up-and-comers in every party in every state. You won't a list like this anywhere else. If you've missed a state, check out our archives.

With 11 Dems in Congress and 2 in the Sen, there's not much opportunity for anyone to move up these days. GOPers seem focused on the Gov race in '06, while Dems with a future seem determined to make it to Middlesex Co's DA office, a stepping stone to just about any office the holder has in mind. Both parties have the talent and the bench, but the Dems on our list are much more likely to crop up in DC in the future, thanks to the state's bluish tint. [REID WILSON]

The stars we've been watching since '03:

  • Harvard Pilgrim Pres. Charlie Baker (R): After considering an '08 Gov bid, he remains in the private sector. Some GOPers still think he's "a future star in the party." and the GOP is "excited" about his eventual bid, but others say he should run sooner than later: "You can’t be an enfant terrible forever because you’ll no longer be an enfant."

  • Ex-MA GOP Exec. Dir. John Brockelman: Back in the private sector with Fidelity Investments, but his star has faded.

  • State Sen. Scott Brown (R): A State Rep. when we met him, he's "a legend in his own mind." He's very aggressive, and some warn: "Don't ever underestimate him." He's currently trying to make his case for the LG nomination.

  • Essex Co. Sheriff Frank Cousins (R): He "ends up on anybody's list for higher office," would "like to take a shot" in the future.

  • Chris Egan (R): The son of ex-Ambassador to Ireland Dick Egan, he's "someone who wants to break into politics." He's known for his fundraising talent and comes from a strong political family.

  • Patrick Guerriero: After a stint in DC running the Log Cabin GOPers, the former State Rep. and mayor of Melrose had been ex-Gov. Jane Swift's (R) nominee for LG before she dropped out of the race.

  • MA Convo Center Authority Chair Gloria Larson (R): Remains in the private sector, but "listed on the power charts" in MA. She reportedly "has her hand in everything."

  • Ex-Suffolk Co. DA Ralph Martin (R): He is no longer considered a star by many, thanks to his support for AG Tom Reilly (D) in the Gov race.

  • Romney CoS Beth Myers (R): "Proven to be pretty capable," she "certainly can have a future" if she decides to run herself or vie for a position in the next Gov's admin.

  • State Rep. Karyn Polito (R): Someone who once had "unbridledly ambition," she's raising a family now and while that may have slowed her down, she may run for higher office in the future.

  • Romney Son Taggart Romney (R): His future plans are up in the air, but his candidacy "would generate some interest." Works for the LA Dodgers.

  • State Sen. Jarrett Barrios (D): A candidate for Middlesex Co. DA in '06. A victory would be "a big step up" to a position that is traditionally considered a springboard for higher office. Has "a wart on his butt" and is never comfortable in one office.

  • '02 LG nominee Chris Gabrieli (D): Currently out of politics and not expected to seek office any time soon. He remains active in non-elective arenas, including Mass 2020, an education foundation.

  • Worchester Co. Sheriff Guy Glodis (D): A former State Sen, Glodis is a good fundraiser and "would have the capabilities" to run for Congress in the future.

  • State Sen. Linda Melconian (D): Has returned to the private sector and is "out of the political scene"

  • MA Women's Political Caucus Exec. Dir. Jesse Mermell (D): A former member of the MA Dems Central Cmte, she's "gotten her name out there a little bit more" and is said to have future ambitions.

  • State Rep. John Rogers (D): Considered a strong candidate for Speaker of the House, his huge war chest makes him "definitely a player."

  • State Sen. Pres. Pro Tem Stan Rosenberg (D): Some believe he'll be a frontrunner for Rep. John Olver's MA 01 seat when Olver retires. Others disagree, saying the second-ranking member in Sen is "an effective" Sen, but not necessarily an up-and-comer.

  • '02 State House Candidate Bridget Simmons (D): After her loss, she's back in the private sector.

  • State Sen. Pres. Chief Policy Adviser David Friedman (D): Having just started a family, Friedman is "content where he is."

And the stars to watch in the future:

  • US Atty Mike Sullivan (R): A former State Rep and Plymouth Co. DA, Sullivan is "on everyone's list."

  • Plymouth Co. DA Tim Cruz (R): Sullivan's successor, he's "pretty well established" in the party.

  • WH CoS Andy Card (R): He "would bring a lot to the table," but some GOPers question his motivation to run because his private sector earnings potential would be so high.

  • Middlesex Co. DA Martha Coakley (D): Running for AG in '06, she's currently unopposed. She's a "definite" Gov or Sen "candidate someday."

  • State Sen. Ed Augustus (D): Formerly Rep. Jim McGovern's (D) CoS, many feel he's someone who could take a shot at higher office in the future.

  • State Rep. Michael Moran (D): Won a special election in '05. A standard Boston Irish Catholic pol, he has "the potential to do something."

  • Boston City Councilmember Sam Yoon (D): The first Asian-American member of the council, he "came out of nowhere" to win an at-large seat. When a bigger seat opens up, "he could make a move."