State Sen. Steven Baddour met with members of The Eagle-Tribune editorial board today to talk about a number of matters, mostly related to our crumbling transportation infrastructure.
But we are just four days out from the primary for the 5th District congressional seat, so naturally, talk turned to politics.
Baddour supports Lowell City Councilor Eileen Donoghue – as does The Eagle-Tribune’s editorial board. Many polls show Donoghue running behind Niki Tsongas, the wife of the late senator.
So, how does Donoghue win the Democratic primary, we asked Baddour.
Baddour said he thinks a high voter turnout helps Tsongas capitalize on her name recognition advantage. A low turnout helps Donoghue, he said.
But doesn’t a low turnout also favor Tsongas, I asked. A low turnout means only the hard-core party faithful go to the polls — mainly friends and family of elected officials. Many office holders have endorsed Tsongas.
Baddour thinks that Donoghue’s get-out-the-vote effort will be strong enough to carry the day for his candidate, assuming a low overall turnout.
It’s an interesting calculation, one I’m not convinced is correct. This much I know for certain — the only vote count that counts is the one after the votes are cast. Please do go out Tuesday and vote for the candidate of your choice.
