Backing Lyons could boost Charlie’s GOP credentials
Gov. Charlie Baker — apparently fearing a backlash from his right flank in the primary and even the general election — spent last night burnishing his GOP credentials at a private fundraiser with conservative firebrand state Rep. Jim Lyons.
“He’s reminding people that he’s a Republican,” GOP consultant Brad Marston told the Herald yesterday, referring to widespread disgruntlement on the right that Baker has governed to the left, seemingly agreeing with his Democratic counterparts on Beacon Hill more than he fights with them.
Baker’s name will be on the ballot next Tuesday in a primary race for the GOP gubernatorial nomination against controversial hard-right rival Scott Lively, a pastor from Springfield, at a time when their party’s activists have shifted right. Baker campaigned with Lyons, who’s caused controversy with his conservative stances on LGBT issues and abortion, at the Lanam Club last night in Andover.
Baker campaign spokesman Terry McCormack told the Herald in a prepared statement, “Governor Baker and Representative Lyons share a personal commitment to combating the opioid epidemic, recognizing the crisis knows no boundaries as to the families and communities it impacts. The governor has long supported marriage equality and women’s health, does not expect that everyone he works with on Beacon Hill will share his position on every issue and believes in working past political differences to deliver the best results for the people of Massachusetts. The governor has been proud to enact nation-leading bipartisan legislation to combat the opioid epidemic, extend additional protections to the Commonwealth’s transgender community, and protect women’s healthcare and access to family planning services.”
The Herald was kept off the Lanam property — and away from its parking lot up a long driveway — by Andover police officers. Outside, several Democratic hopefuls rallied about 50 people, booing cars driving up to the fundraiser and speaking to supporters.
“Gov. Baker can’t have it both ways,” said state Sen. Barbara L’Italien, who’s running for Congress in the 3rd District. “He’s afraid to take risks.”
“Charlie Baker is much closer to Jim Lyons and Donald Trump,” insisted gubernatorial hopeful Bob Massie.
Baker has been highly critical of Trump, famously refusing to vote for his party’s standard bearer in the 2016 election. But Marston noted the state’s GOP voters, reacting to the virulent reaction to Trump’s election in Massachusetts, have shifted right.
“The Republican Party of Massachusetts is a more Trump Republican Party,” Marston said. “The attitudes are hardened a bit.”
Marston said Baker is unlikely to lose to Lively, but wants to make sure he wins convincingly rather than just squeaking by.
Lyons, a four-term state representative, didn’t respond to a message seeking comment yesterday.