Lelling hints of future run for elective office
Republican U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling, who has carved out a strong law and order image during his tenure as Massachusetts’ top federal prosecutor, is considering a potential run for office in the future.
In an interview with the Herald, Lelling did not specify what office he’s looking at but that after he begins a stint in the private sector he will take a look at making the leap into elective politics.
“Yeah I’ve thought about that,” Lelling said. “I wouldn’t foreclose it. I think it is possible I could pursue something in politics.”
He has led the prosecution of gang leaders and drug dealers — as well as the wealthy in the “Varsity Blues” college cheating scandal — but jumping into politics would be his toughest assignment yet.
“These days you really have to think twice before getting into elective politics,” he said.
Especially as a member of the Republican Trump administration in Massachusetts.
There are a few high profile races in the years ahead, including the governor’s race in 2022. While still over a year away, potential candidates are already emerging.
Former U.S. Senate candidate Geoff Diehl, a former Republican state lawmaker, has said he’s looking at the gubernatorial race, and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito would likely run if Gov. Charlie Baker isn’t in the race. Baker has not said whether he’ll be seeking a third term.
“I think it’s likely Governor Baker runs again,” Lelling said.
The top federal cop in Massachusetts said “it’s been an honor” to do his job but recognizes that it was tough to serve as a Republican appointee in a deep blue state.
“It’s a hard job in this state if you’re a representative of a Republican administration … . Despite that I’ve had a good run,” Lelling said.
As a member of the Trump administration “you inevitably wind up pursuing law enforcement policies that are not popular,” Lelling added. “You have to do that. This job is not a popularity contest.”
Lelling says he thinks the biggest successes he’s had in office ‘are the ones that really change the national conversation on a given subject’ — like the “Varsity Blues” investigation that raised public awareness of how college admissions are conducted.
“I’m pretty philosophical about that the new U.S. attorney will come in with a new set of priorities from D.C.,” Lelling said. “I’m sure there will be changes on hot button issues.”