The Sanders Backlash
Oct 23 – Vermont Senator/Cult Figure Bernie Sanders is scheduled to appear this morning in Somerville for the purpose of endorsing candidates in local elections in Cambridge (and Somerville) based solely on the advice of the newborn group "Our Revolution Cambridge". This not-yet-registered political action group has endorsed a slate of 5 candidates (who just happen to coincide with the slate endorsed by the Cambridge Residents Alliance) based on a process that seemed to have the outcome determined well before the questionnaire was even sent to candidates. Sanders is apparently adding a sixth name – Jeff Santos – whose primary qualification is that he’s had Sanders on his radio show on several occasions. Many view the "Our Revolution Cambridge" group primarily as the local political machine of newly-minted State Rep. Mike Connolly – a Sanders disciple.
It was Sanders who last year railed against what he saw as a political machine who rigged the Democratic Party presidential nomination process against him. It is ironic, to say the least, that he is now using his cult-like status to influence the election of local candidates about whom he knows essentially nothing. It was refreshing to see this morning a letter co-signed by a substantial list of Cambridge activists and prominent political figures questioning Sanders’ judgment.
I will read the candidates statements and vote based on who I think will best serve the needs of Cambridge and Cambridge residents based on their track record. I do not allow any groups with catchy acronyms to supersede that responsibility and I certainly do not think that Senator Sanders knows or truly cares who sits in the town halls of Cambridge and Somerville.
Comment by Sarah — October 23, 2017 @ 12:26 pm
I don’t agree with the characterization of ORC, but I did want to say that Mike Connolly is more like a one-man political machine — I rarely see someone work so hard on behalf of his constituents and their values! We are really proud of him.
Comment by Frank Gerratana — October 26, 2017 @ 1:06 pm