Worcester’s District 16 Special Election Preview: Claros v Donahue

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

GoLocalWorcester Politics Team

Can she score the touchdown on Special Election Day? Republican contender Carol Claros.

In today's special election, Worcester voters will head to the polls to choose who will win former Massachusetts State Representative John Fresolo's absented District 16 seat.

The final election pits two newcomers to elected office and each with deep Worcester roots, against each other. The Republican contender, Carol Claros, is a single mother and nurse, a graduate of Worcester's North High School and Montachusett Regional Vocational Tech in Fitchburg, and was unchallenged in her party for the nomination. The Democratic challenger, a Holy Cross alum who emerged from the August primary with the nomination, Dan Donahue brings a background in campaigns and policy for various local politicians, including former Lt. Governor Tim Murray and Worcester Mayor Joe Petty.

In a race considered very close by insiders, both candidates have picked up substantial endorsements up until the final days of working Worcester's sidewalks as well as the telephone. Most recently, Claros earned the support of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, while Donahue was endorsed by NARAL, a pro-choice organization.

GoLocalWorcester consulted a spectrum of political commentators, academics and organizers for their assessment of the day, and outcome.

David Schaefer, Professor of Political Science, College of the Holy Cross

Given the politics of the state and the district, the Democrat Dan Donohue of course has to be heavily favored over Carol Claros. Nonetheless, one might think that voters, upset over rising taxes and the mediocre

Emerging from the Democratic pack as the nominee, can Dan Donahue go all the way today?

condition of the state's economy, would give serious consideration to electing Claros, who has a most impressive "up by her own bootstraps" life story, thereby buttressing the tiny Republican delegation in the legislature, and sending a message to Governor Patrick and the Democratic majorities in both houses that it is time to think of more effective ways of improving our economy than taxing computer services - thus driving such businesses out of the state - or building casinos and slots parlors to boost government revenues by taking advantage of the poor.

Robert Eno, Red Mass Group

This is a tough district for a Republican to win. The Republican high-water mark was Scott Brown in his 2010 special election. Brown got 39% of the vote. Carol Claros, however, is not your typical Republican. She grew up in Worcester, knows the residents of this district, many personally, and has been an active member of the community for many years. She is connecting with these residents who are starting to see a clear choice between business as usual on Beacon Hill, represented by her machine endorsed Democratic opponent, and Carol who offers a fresh voice and will not be beholden to the will of Party bosses. There is a strong possibility that we will see an upset of epic proportions on September 10, 2013.

David LeBoeuf, Interim Director, The Initiative for Engaged Citzenship

While the race appears to have been quiet since the primary, both candidates are taking this election very seriously and have been running extremely robust campaigns. Since day one Dan Donahue has had a grassroots focus, and this certainly will pay off on Election Day. The numerous candidates in the primary only strengthened the Democratic party, not fractured it, and I see this as a decisive victory for Dan. Unfortunately due to the odd timing I do not expect there to be a large turnout, and probably will see voters going to the polls than we did in the primary.

Brad Wyatt, Republican Activist

I'm really excited to see a female Hispanic represent and articulate the benefits in terms of jobs, education, and safety consistent with the Republican Party views of smaller, more transparent efficient government.

I'm thrilled with the effort Ms. Claros has made to put her job-creating ideas out in the public domain while she competes in a tough political campaign against a well, connected, politically savvy opponent, who can afford to take a leave of absence from his job at City Hall to campaign.

Worcester wins when there is civil debate, not just amongst the candidates, but driven by the campaigns unto the coffeehouses, and dinner tables of the district, as citizens can discuss the problems facing our city, and the potential solutions. Very glad to see a contested campaign for a change.

Tom Finneran, Former Speaker, Massachusetts House of Representatives

The Massachusetts economy is not good and people are very anxious about their economic security. The candidate who most successfully addresses such economic anxieties will have an edge with the voters. And the candidate with the best field organization will harvest votes all day long as their organization breaks through the difficulties and distractions associated with special elections---i.e.---confused voters who don't fully realize that there is an election underway.

Chris Pinto, Treasurer, Worcester Republican City Committee

Hopefully voters will support the fresh face who is only obligated to the people of Worcester not the insiders. It is time to elect a woman who knows how to manage a family budget. She is the only candidate against taxes and that is being well received by voters. We are very energized. It will be a tight race.

Michael Graham, Host of The Natural Trust radio show

Democrats are right when they say this district is a tough one for a Republican to win. But they also haven’t given voters any reason to vote Democrat. Another political insider who can’t wait to collect his per diem? Been there, done that. Voting for Carol Claros, on the other hand, is a one-two punch against the Beacon Hill good ol’ boy network. It helps bring a little balance to state government and sends someone to represents Worcester’s working families who actually works for a living.

If the Democrat machine delivers, then this election was over before it started. But if hard work by a smart candidate can win this race, it will go to Carol Claros.