MassGOP's Hughes talks governor's race
Kirsten Hughes, MassGOP chairwoman, joined Boston Herald Radio’s “Morning Meeting” to talk about the gubernatorial race and other races next year.
Q: What are you guys doing in advance of 2018?
A: Certainly we’re working at the MassGOP for Gov. (Charlie) Baker’s agenda ... his success here in Massachusetts speaks for itself. And it is also evident in the poll numbers, in folks’ review of his job performance, so we are working hard to make sure the governor’s agenda has the support it needs, as well as trying to add to the ranks on Beacon Hill ... The Legislature is hugely and overwhelmingly Democratic. Yet I believe that folks in Massachusetts see the value and see the advantage of having that balance, so they elect Republican governors. I also think it’s important to make the case to folks that that also needs to happen in the Legislature
as well.
Q: Is there any chance of a Republican winning one of the constitutional offices?
A: Absolutely. Especially in a year like ’18, with the governor and some interesting races on the ticket. But again I think folks in Massachusetts are open to a message of change and balance. And that carries throughout the ticket.
Q: Apart from Baker’s election there’s (U.S. Sen.) Elizabeth Warren and (GOP
challenger state Rep.) Geoff Diehl. What is your sense in terms of how the Massachusetts Republican Party can help with that?
A: So we are going to be able to put together a field organization for 2018 that is going to include over 35 staffers statewide, 30 field offices, which is an increase from what we did in 2014.
And we’re also going to be able to give candidates up and down the ticket, regardless what they’re running for, data and tools to really utilize in those races.
So we’re going to be able to help on the ground and in strategy and in terms of getting out the vote. And the rest, we’ll see how things go. Geoff is a great guy, and certainly any Republican running against Elizabeth Warren has a plethora of things to pick at, in terms of her record. So excited for that race and excited for whoever emerges as our Republican nominee for that seat.