Defected: Cahill’s Running Mate Leaves to Support Opponent in Mass. Gov. Race
- Posted on October 1, 2010 at 4:53pm by
Jonathon M. Seidl
- Print »
- Email »
BOSTON (AP) — Independent Timothy Cahill, seeking to draw energy from the surprise defections of his running mate and two top staffers, vowed Friday to remain in the Massachusetts gubernatorial race until Election Day and said the “unprecedented insiders’ play” proved he is the true outsider in the race.
Flanked by his wife and father, Cahill jabbed at former running mate Paul Loscocco just hours after he announced he was ending his own independent campaign for lieutenant governor and endorsing Republican candidate Charles Baker.
Loscocco said, “Tim cannot win,” and continuing their campaign would split the anti-incumbent vote and give Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick a second term. That echoed a sentiment expressed last week by Cahill senior adviser John Weaver and campaign manager Adam Meldrum when they submitted their resignations.
All three formerly worked on the campaigns of Republican presidential candidate John McCain.
“When they try to silence me, they are trying to silence you. This is an unprecedented insiders’ play to try and stop change,” said Cahill, the state treasurer and a former Democrat. “Well Charlie and Paul, if you thought this backroom deal would be the one to push me out of the race and facilitate your desired coronation, then you are sadly mistaken.”
Cahill added: “They don’t understand honor and commitment. I will continue running, and continue honoring my commitment to everyone who believes that we cannot continue business as usual on Beacon Hill.”
The announcement was cheered in a campaign headquarters filled with staffers and supporters.
Despite Loscocco’s defection, the former lawmaker‘s name will still appear alongside Cahill’s as an independent candidate on the Nov. 2 general election ballot.
“The ballots are already printed,” said Brian McNiff, spokesman for Secretary of State William F. Galvin. “Loscocco is locked in as Cahill’s running mate.”
If Cahill were to win, Loscocco would still be entitled to serve as lieutenant governor, a constitutional office whose occupant oversees the Governor’s Council and assumes command when the governor is out of state.
Rather than have the executive branch headed by two open political enemies, however, Cahill said he would demand Loscocco’s resignation, though he cannot compel it even as governor.
“As for not having a lieutenant governor, I don’t plan to die. And we can save money on that useless job,” Cahill said.
The most recent poll in the race showed Baker and Patrick about even, with Patrick at 35 percent and Baker at 34 percent. Cahill lagged at 11 percent, only marginally better than Green-Rainbow Party candidate Jill Stein.
During a news conference with Baker on Friday, Loscocco said, “Our message has not resonated with the voters.” He said it was clear that Baker and his running mate, Richard Tisei, have the best chance of beating Patrick.
“I cannot and will not let my ego get in the way of doing what’s right for Massachusetts,” Loscocco added.
A stern-faced Baker told reporters, “I think at this point, the next governor of Massachusetts is going to be Deval Patrick for four more years of the same, or Charlie Baker for a change and a different direction.”
Loscocco said he told Cahill on Friday morning that he was quitting, after meeting with Baker on Thursday night. Loscocco denied leaving Cahill in a lurch. He said he had been equally responsible for collecting the signatures that qualified them for the ballot.
Cahill said he was surprised to get Loscocco’s phone call, adding, “I don’t know what kind of job he was promised to do this.”
Patrick, a close ally of President Barack Obama, responded through a statement issued by his campaign manager.
“Voters know that this kind of political scheming is a distraction from the issues that truly matter in their lives, like job creation, education and health care,” said Patrick campaign manager Sydney Asbury. “Today’s news is just one more indication that Charlie Baker is a Beacon Hill insider who is more interested in the same backroom deals, and politics as usual that we have worked so hard to change.”
Loscocco denied any deal, but also refused to rule out working in a potential Baker administration.
“I have not been offered anything, nor have I asked for anything,” he said. At another point, he said: “This is not something that we have discussed.
Comments (26)
Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In
Popular Stories
Does Misstated Marathon Claim Prove Paul Ryan Is Dishonest? (POLL) 706 Comments
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 550 Comments
‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 367 Comments
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 363 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 361 Comments
Faith
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 363 Comments
Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 367 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
- President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 281 Comments
- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 149 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 302 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 363 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
wonderbug
Posted on October 2, 2010 at 12:16pmIt only makes sense that if Loscocco and Cahill really care about the Commonwealth that they would withdraw. There’s no need to assume that a deal had to have been made.
Cahill — you‘re the one who’s looking like he’s cutting a deal here. I‘m sure that’s not your intention, but that‘s what I’m left to conclude if you take this all the way to Nov. 2.
Cahill, if you want to help the Commonwealth, write a book! I’m sick of living in hand-out heaven to the detriment of honest and hard-working taxpayers. It’s not right. Use the knowledge that you’ve gained and do what you can. Dividing conservative voters will only get Patrick re-elected, and who’s fault will that be? Please take a time out and consider what’s at stake here. Peace.
Report Post »TulsaYeeHaw
Posted on October 2, 2010 at 11:06amThe governors races are the MOST IMPORTANT races in the country. Here, our worthless jerk of a lose AG (Drew Edmonson) refused to sue on behalf of Oklahoma against obamacare, stating “he thought it was a good law.” Anti liberty bastard.So the state legislature, went around him and voted to sue and appoint an attorney for the state, and Mr Brad “education” Henry vetoed it. I have yet to see a democrat stand against their party when push comes to shove. Even Dan Boren voted for pelosi as speaker.
Report Post »georgio
Posted on October 2, 2010 at 5:36amHow can any Massachusetts voter trust any of these guys???
Report Post »Loscocco bailed on Cahill … and don’t you believe it when he says no backroom deals were made between him and Baker! Guaranteed Loscocco gets a nice cushy job if Baker gets elected. Folks will piss and moan but nothing will be done about it.
Cahill bailed on the Dems … but Caill says “They don’t understand honor and commitment.” ???? c’mon Tim, you are as flawed as the rest of them.
But, given the choices on the ballot, I’d take anyone but Deval … anyone.
independentvoteril
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 9:07pmdo away with the Lt.Governors position?? sounds like candidate QUINN in IL guess if your running mate gives you a problem just do away with the office..
Report Post »Flannery
Posted on October 2, 2010 at 7:22pmThe Chicago way is to do away with the problem person and not wrry about the office.
Report Post »walkwithme1966
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 8:41pmhttp://wp.me/pYLB7-9a
Report Post »pamela kay
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 8:41pmNothing annoys me more than any politician that flips back and forth between parties if they think it will be to their advantage. Especially when the stakes are so high.
Report Post »Prospero
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 7:20pm“All three formerly worked on the campaigns of Republican presidential candidate John McCain.”
Nuff said….
Report Post »Contrarianthinker
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 7:51pmMaube this is a sign that both the progressives and neoCons will be history?
Report Post »WireWizard
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 7:07pmWhere is John Galt?
Report Post »megansmom
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 7:45pmSomewhere laughing his booty off at us. his
Report Post »Psychosis
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 6:56pmWe need to reverse the path the potus and political elites has set, cut all social programs and yes those union pensions will have to go. we can save what we can for those that are near retirement but those with the ability to rebuild will have to accept it . BUT YOU WILL NOT HAVE TO DO IT ALONE WE ARE ALL AMERICANS AND WE WILL HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER. Union non union black white male female we are one nation and we must never be divided. we can survive this by working hard, and taking it upon ourselves to help those who are in need ourselves and not let them only depend on the government. that is why we are where we are we need to help each other because that is what is required. I will start by taking my own advice. I am unemployed myself, been for 8 months but i am disgusted with myself for wallowing is self pity. i no of many who are having a harder time and i am going to do something about it
i am capable of fixing anything so im starting with a neighbor who cant get her car fixed she is 67 a widow and cant afford the repair bill. so tomorrow im going to go fix it for her then im going to my church and putting up a notice on the bulletin board and at all the local grocery stores offering my services to those in need for free. If we look out for those in need our needs will also be met by divine providence
MY PLEDGE TO AMERICA IS TO GO FORWARD HELPING THOSE WHO CANT HELP THEMSELVES AND TEACH THOSE WHO CAN TO STAND ON THERE OWN
WHO WILL JOIN ME ?
Report Post »Flannie
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 8:30pmThat’s a good thing to do, Psychosis. I already joined you – yesterday! I volunteered to help with a project that didn’t pay anything, but it’s important for us all to help one another. I’m eager to get started and am awaiting a call from the coordinator.
We really are all in this together. See a need, fill it. Share the love. When you can’t give money, you can still give of yourself.
Who else? Let’s do it!
Report Post »starman70
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 6:48pmMassachuetts, the cradle of American liberty, has now become the bastion of anti american thinking. The name of the state should be changed to TAXACHUETTS!
I hope the voters of the state will realize that many corporations have fled the state for other stated or overseas because of overbearing taxes, outrageous government regulations and unmeetable union demands.
It’s a shame to see a once great state destroy itself. VOTERS, WAKE UP!
Report Post »DSTSS2010
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 7:09pmObama and his cronies would change the entire Country into one big TAXACHUSETTS! Vote to get/keep all these Socialist/Progressive/Communists out of office across the Country. November 2nd is just the beginning, a new Independence Day!
Report Post »BigPaulie
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 6:33pmVoters just need to use their heads this year.
Report Post »S_Malc13
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 6:12pmThat state is being held hostage and there are good people trapped there.
Report Post »jimmet
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 5:27pmAdd your comments
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 5:25pmYAY, that puts Obama’s Chi town buddy, Deval Patrick, in a tough spot! Cahill (the EX DEMOCRAT) was taking a percentage away from Baker, making it possible for Patrick to win with less than 34% of the vote at one point! This is GREAT news!
Report Post »Now if Barney, the king of Freddie and Fannie, can just lose his bid, MA might have a fighting chance. http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/politics/A-GOP-unknown-is-in-striking-range-of-Barney-Frank-1063388-104114343.html Things are looking up.
CoFX
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 5:24pmI hope this is that little extra push needed to get Baker past Obama’s buddy.Come on, Mass, make us proud! Vote!
Report Post »FreedomOfSpeech
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 5:15pmDoh!
Report Post »AmericanPatriot01
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 7:28pmBe cautious of the turn coats, He may have seen the light but i say keep an eye on those that will fight hard then change sides when the going gets tough. He left after making commitments and promises, what were those promises and what does he really stand for. Many that will turn that way will turn again when the going gets tough no matter what side they are on. Be wary of fair weather friends.BE VIGILANT!!!
Report Post »untameable-kate
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 5:14pmGreen-Rainbow????
Report Post »FreedomOfSpeech
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 5:19pmPlease don’t forget the Ground Zero mosque story. Imam Abdul Rauf is still working towards desecrating Ground Zero with his victory mosque.
Human remains struck the location (see video, not graphic):
Report Post »http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUn552ZZmc8
tintiger78
Posted on October 2, 2010 at 2:52amThank you for asking the same question I had as I read this. What the heck is the Green Rainbow Party?
Report Post »PostProgressiveAmerican
Posted on October 2, 2010 at 5:59amhttp://www.massgreens.org/
The MA affiliate of the Green Party. Based on the name alone, I would say it is a fusion of the eco-fascists and the socialist Rainbow-Push Coalition…but I admit I did not waste my time reading anything about them.
Report Post »