NOT SO GOOD TIME, CHARLIE
Gov likely to face dissent at convention
Gov. Charlie Baker’s vaunted campaign machine faces off against a vocal band of conservatives and Trump supporters at this weekend’s GOP state convention, where the activists hope to embarrass the popular governor by securing a ballot spot for his primary opponent.
Conservative delegates are planning to show their support for President Trump with signs, hats and bumper stickers, a potential image nightmare for a governor who has sought to distance himself from the Republican president.
“I think the convention’s going to be very contentious,” said Alex Veras, a GOP delegate from Haverhill. “There’s an all-out effort to embarrass the governor.”
The small, but aggressive, pack of Baker opponents plans to rally support inside the Worcester convention hall for Scott Lively, who is Baker’s only primary opponent. But Lively needs 15 percent of the vote in order to win a place on the ballot.
Baker is expected to easily win the party’s official endorsement by getting more than 50 percent of the vote. His campaign has also been quietly trying to win enough backing to keep Lively off the ballot, ensuring a drama-free primary campaign.
Republicans expect about 2,300 delegates to flock to the DCU Center in Worcester, the site of the party convention. The vast majority of those delegates are Baker supporters, but there’s also expected to be a strong showing of conservatives unhappy with the way the moderate Baker has been governing.
“You elect a Republican hoping to fight the corruption on Beacon Hill, not to become a party to it,” Veras said.
Baker has been a harsh critic of Trump, but he may speak to a hall that’s partially filled with delegates wearing “Make America Great Again” hats. Some delegates also hope to protest Baker by peddling “Stuck with Chuck” bumper stickers and signs featuring Baker with a Roger Goodell-like clown nose.
“The Governor and Lt. Governor are proud of their bipartisan record, including cutting taxes for working families, building a stronger economy and investing in education — they look forward to rallying grassroots volunteers this weekend in Worcester,” Baker campaign spokesman Billy Pitman said.
In addition to the governor’s race, the three GOP candidates for U.S. Senate will be in Worcester this weekend fighting to win the party’s endorsement and secure a spot on the ballot.
Businessman John Kingston, former party chief Beth Lindstrom and state Rep. Geoff Diehl are battling to come out on top and get a huge boost for their campaign.
Diehl, who was Trump’s state campaign co-chair, is the favorite because of his support among conservatives as well as party regulars. Lindstrom and Kingston are hoping for an upset win — or at least enough votes to break the 15 percent mark.
In the race for attorney general, Dan Shores faces off against attorney Jay McMahon.