See Which Staffers Are Running the MA Special Election Campaigns
Saturday, April 06, 2013
Clark University Political Professor, Robert Boatright said that while campaign staffing choices may not be able to throw off the Dems, the Republicans aren’t so secure.
“On the Republican side, perhaps, if only because the race is so fluid that a good or bad campaign decision could matter in the race,” he said.
Srini Sitaraman agreed that the people behind the campaign can make a solid difference, saying, "A well organized campaign is like a well-oiled machine, works smoothly and functions effectively, and gets the job done. I think campaign staff members are critical especially in hard-fought campaigns and in close elections."
Experience on His Side
On the Dem side, Markey clearly has some experienced campaign staff on his side. Sarah Benzing, Markey’s Campaign Manager recently led U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, to a solid win, against outside groups that were pouring money into the race.
"Sarah is the best choice to lead this campaign of big issues and ideas,” Markey said in a statement. “Her proven track-record managing grassroots campaigns shows she has the leadership, know-how and passion to lead this campaign to victory. I am excited to have Sarah join us as campaign manager."
Benzing also managed New York Sen. Kristen Gillibrand’s successful campaign in 2011 and worked with Iowa’s Congressman Bruce Braley after managing his winning campaign in 2006.
"with the near insurmountable lead that Mr. Markey is currently holding, I am not sure if the staffing is going to be a game changer. However, a poorly run campaign with a lot infighting and personality clashes can prove deadly," Sitaraman said. "At this stage, I think all the Markey campaign staff has to do is to make sure they hold it together and if they indeed win the nomination as predicted and potentially win the general elections, then they have to prepare for another big fight--2014 mid-term election--and I think that is where the true test lies."
For Fundraisers, Markey has employed help from Elizabeth Warren’s campaign with Colleen Coffey who headed fund-raising in Massachusetts, and Michael Pratt - Warren’s national finance director.
Markey also has Carl Nilsson on his side, as his field director.
“Carl was the Massachusetts state director for Obama for America, and in 2010 was responsible for organizing the historic coordinated Get-Out-The-Vote operation for Governor Patrick, which saw the building of a precinct level statewide field organization without equal at that time,” Markey wrote on a post for BlueMassGroup.
Lynch's Team
Markey’s Democratic opponent, Stephen Lynch is also packing a punch with his team of staffers. According to Lynch's press secretary, Conor Yunits, the team's campaign manager is Jay Cincotti, ranked by Campaigns & Elections magazine as one of the top 10 Democratic influencers in Massachusetts.
Cincotti also worked for Mayor Menino, Senate President Therese Murray, legislators in Massachusetts, and senate campaigns in Nevada and Vermont.
Joe Rull, Lynch’s field director was Gov. Deval Patrick’s labor director in 2010 and was a top aide to Mayor Menino.
Scott Ferson, who also handles press was formerly a press secretary for Ted Kennedy.
Romney’s Guy
Republican candidate, Gabriel E. Gomez, has a staff filled with Romney reps. Eric Fehrnstrom, Romney’s former spokesman, is helping to create ads for the Committee for a Better Massachusetts, a super PAC that is backing Gomez. According to his LinkdIn, Fehrnstrom is the Communications Adviser at the Free and Strong America PAC.
Fehrnstrom was a top aide to 2012 U.S. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and was also the communications director on Romney's winning 2002 campaign for governor of Massachusetts.
He also has ties to Scott Brown’s campaign, and designed ads for his winning campaign in 2010.
GQ said, “He's Mitt's most trusted adviser and the guy whom Romney turns to when someone's leg needs breaking."
Gomez’s campaign is being managed by Jill Neunaber, who was Romney’s state director in Iowa during his run for presidency. She was also deputy state director in New Hampshire before the primary.
Split Decision
Michael J. Sullivan, another Republican contender, has a staff that includes two former Romney staffers, who work with Gomez’s backer, Fehrnstrom. He, and Beth Meyers (Sullivan’s senior advisor) and Peter Flaherty (another senior advisor) are all part of the Shawmut Group, a Boston-based communications consulting firm.
Myers was a senior adviser to Romney in 2012 after managing his 2008 presidential campaign.
Paul Moore, Gomez’s campaign manager is the former campaign manager for Republican congressional candidate Richard Tisei – his most recent race. Tisei narrowly lost to Democratic U.S. Rep. John Tierney.
Two Failed Campaigns
Dan Winslow’s staff has ties to two recently failed presidential runs – Rick Perry and John McCain.
Matthew Cocciardi, Winslow’s political director was also a Field Representative for Rick Perry during his presidential run. Winslow’s Deputy Campaign Manager, Amber Hillman, was the Massachusetts State Director for John McCain’s 2008 presidential run. She was also Chief of Staff for the Healey/Hillman '06 campaign.
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