Burstein for Senator!

Popular SF author Michael Burstein is thinking about running for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of Senator Ted Kennedy.

This is no gag. If he runs, it won’t be a publicity-seeking candidacy of those filed in the recall election for California governor of 2003. Burstein is actively interested in public service and already holds elected office in his hometown. He has represented Brookline residents in Town Meeting since 2001, and was elected a Public Library Trustee in 2004.

Massachusetts law currently states the special election has to be held between 145 and 160 days after a seat is vacated.

Who would he be up against? Possibly a thundering herd of well-heeled opponents:

Just about every member of the state’s 10-member all-Democratic congressional delegation has been mentioned as a potential candidate, particularly Reps. Edward Markey, Richard Neal and three others who have already banked more than a million dollars in their House accounts.

Update 08/20/2009: Fixed a broken link – thanks to the Crotchety Old Fan for the head’s-up.

5 thoughts on “Burstein for Senator!

  1. I believe that it isn’t a gag, but it is quixotic if he thinks he has any chance.

    Michael writes in that entry: “The question is, as a local politician who has never held a state office, would I have a chance at all at convincing the voters of the commonwealth that I would be their best choice for senator?”

    I’m going to, with the greatest respect for Michael, use my Cosmic Brain, and answer: no.

    But if it’s his idea of fun, hey, there are endless sorts of good results that could come without winning.

  2. Gary, I’m somewhat realistic about my chances of winning. The question is, would such a campaign be at all beneficial to my political career in the long run, and (more importantly) would it help get my issues on the table? Right now, my big concerns on the federal level are universal health care and the need for more funding for NASA. If I run, will I help bring a spotlight to my issues? That’s my main question.

  3. “The question is, would such a campaign be at all beneficial to my political career in the long run, and (more importantly) would it help get my issues on the table?”

    Those were among the possible benefits I had in mind as regard running without a serious chance of winning. It’s hardly an uncommon strategy, as you know, sometimes used with more success, sometimes with less.

    All best luck and good wishes to you, Michael!

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