Lucas: The Charlie Baker effect looms large
In the evolving landscape of Massachusetts politics, Mike Minogue, a newcomer to the Republican scene, is navigating the complexities of party identity and voter appeal as he prepares for a gubernatorial run. Drawing comparisons to former Governor Charlie Baker, who was often labeled a “Republican In Name Only” (RINO) by figures like Donald Trump, Minogue’s approach to governance appears to echo Baker’s pragmatic style. Baker, despite his moderate Republican stance, successfully won two terms in a state dominated by Democrats, demonstrating that a more centrist approach can resonate with a diverse electorate. His ability to collaborate with a Democrat-controlled legislature has made him a benchmark for future candidates, including Minogue, who must now contend with both party loyalty and the broader independent voter base in Massachusetts.
Minogue’s recent comments about not identifying strictly with the Republican Party have sparked debate among his fellow candidates, Mike Kennealy and Brian Shortsleeve, who argue that he is distancing himself from the GOP while seeking its nomination. In a WBUR interview, Minogue stated, “I don’t identify with a party,” which, while appealing to the state’s significant independent voter demographic—over 3 million compared to 1.2 million Democrats and 402,000 Republicans—could jeopardize his chances of securing the party’s endorsement. His assertion that he prioritizes constitutional values over party politics resonates with many voters, yet it raises questions about his commitment to the Republican base, especially as he aims for the GOP convention and primary, where independents will have little influence.
Moreover, Minogue’s financial backing of Trump-related initiatives, including a $100,000 donation to the Trump 47 Committee, adds another layer of complexity to his candidacy. While this suggests a connection to the former president, the political climate in Massachusetts may not favor overt Trump endorsements, which could alienate more moderate voters. As he navigates these waters, Minogue must balance his appeal to independents with the need to solidify support among Republicans, particularly in a state where the political narrative is shaped significantly by the progressive left. The upcoming election will test whether Minogue can carve out a unique identity that honors his principles while effectively engaging with both party loyalists and the broader electorate.
Mike Minogue need not worry about not being much of a Republican.
Former Gov. Charlie Baker was not much of a Republican either, yet he was elected twice and probably would have won a third time had he run in 2022.
Baker, according to President Donald Trump and others, was not only a RINO (Republican In Name Only), but a RINO’S RINO.
“He shouldn’t even be considered a Republican,” Trump said of Baker.
But it worked. Baker was a popular and — with exceptions — an effective governor in progressive and heavily Democrat Massachusetts, and he found ways to work with an overwhelmingly Democrat controlled Legislature.
Baker looked Republican but talked Democrat.
The stumbling around of Democrat Gov. Maura Healey, Baker’s progressive successor, makes Baker, in retrospect, appear to be an even better governor than he was.
Healey is running for a second term.
Baker was just not Donald Trump’s kind of Republican, which is why Democrats liked and supported him, and why the Trump faction of the divided GOP did not.
Baker may be gone now, as is much of the division in the GOP. But Trump is still here, and the three quite qualified Republicans running for governor must figure out how to deal with him.
They are Minogue, 56, of Hamilton, Mike Kennealy, 45, of Lexington, and Brian Shortsleeve, 52, of Barnstable. None has run for public office before, although both Kennealy and Shirtsleeve worked for Baker.
While all three are successful in the business world, Minogue’s success has been most impressive. Before leaving Abiomed, creator of the world’s smallest heart pump, he earned $3 million a year and has a net worth $90 million.
An early but interesting development in the three-way contest is that Minogue has come under fire from Shortsleeve and Kennealy for apparently appearing to distance himself from the GOP.
In a WBUR interview, Minogue said, “I don’t identify with a party.” He added, however, that he aligned with the party on his principles, though.
After he was attacked by the Shortsleeve and Kennealy campaigns for keeping the party at arm’s length while running as a Republican, Minogue told the Herald, “I swore an oath to the Constitution at West Point, not to a political party. I won’t put party politics ahead of what is best for Massachusetts or America.”
Minogue, a political newcomer, is right. And his comments will appeal to independent voters, who make up the bulk of the voting public.
However, Minogue made his remarks too soon.
There are 3,119,486 independent or unenrolled voters in Massachusetts compared to 1,236,762 Democrats and 402,327 Republicans
Minogue must first make his case to Republicans, not independents, if he plans to win the GOP convention endorsement or prevail in a Republican primary. There will be no independents at the convention and few voting in a GOP primary.
Then there is the Trump or the White House factor
While Minogue has been an important Trump contributor, coming up, for instance, with a $100,000 contribution to the Trump 47 Committee, this does not translate into an endorsement, which Minogue may or may not want.
This is Massachusetts, after all, where progressive Democrats and their leftist media allies treat an endorsement from Trump like a slap on the back from Hitler.
While Trump may stay out of the race, it does not mean that the White House will stay out, too.
Minogue, after all, did host a high-end Massachusetts fundraiser for Vice President JD Vance last July. That could mean a lot.
Veteran political reporter Peter Lucas can be reached at: peter.lucas@bostonherald.com
Former Gov. Charlie Baker may be gone, but he’s not forgotten. (Nancy Lane/Boston Herald)
