Today there are two very important special elections taking place in Massachusetts. Both are being closely watched in and outside of the state, and should be bellweathers on the current strength of progressives in Massachusetts.
The first is the race for the 12th Suffolk seat (to replace former speaker of the house Thomas Finneran): Progressive candidates are Linda Forry and Stacey Monahan.
The other race is 18th Suffolk (to replace that slime ball conservative-republican-in-democrat-clothing, Bush supporting Brian Golden). This race is complicated by an overabundance of good progressive candidates which might end up dividing the vote and leave room for the conservative candidate (and former republican and Brian Golden aid) Greg Glennon to steal the seat. The progressive candidates are Tim Schofield, Mike Moran and Joe Walsh. Tim has the support of Massequality, and Moran has most of the local unions. This is my district, and I'm still not sure who I'm voting for. I'll be making my decision in the booth. I think Schofield is the best candidate, but think Moran stands a better chance. On a head to head between Moran and Schofield, I'd take Schofield but the more important issue here is making sure Glennon does not win. Glennon opposes Gay Marriage, women's choice, and embryonic stem cell research. He supports school vouchers. Dispite his declared party affiliation, he is no democrat.
Anyway, if you live in one of these districts, please go out and vote today. Remind your neighbors to vote, drag your friends! These elections will be decided by a few hundred votes (the Suffolk 18 seat was won by a mere 87 votes in 1998). If you are unsure of your district or voting place, go to this website and check:
http://www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.php
for other information on the races, check these links:
http://www.massequality.com
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2005/03/14/legislative_races_come_to_a_head
Oh, by the way, there is also a special election in the Pittsfield area, but I must admit I don't know the details on that one. If you are in that area, of course go vote, but please post information as well.