Where is McGovern’s Progressive Machine?
As I watch young(er) progressives run & win elections all across this country on issues that matter to everyone, I am struck by the fact that in arguably the most Democratic state in the country with the OG Progressive Congressman, Jim McGovern, we have some of the most center right and older elected officials on the local and state level.
I’ve been told by many that McGovern controls Democratic (and general) politics in the area; but if that is the case then how is it that our City Council is so regressive? Bilotta & Ojeda are the only real progressive leaning ones. King is faux progressive at best.
On the state level we have real primary challengers from the right against O’Day & Keefe and young candidates like Lazarro in the 7th Worcester or Teabo in the Worcester and Hampshire Senate District get token support and are largely ignored by the party establishment.
Is this a failure of leadership? Is McGovern not really as powerful as people think? If he is powerful, why doesn’t he do more for development of and support for progressive candidates on the local and state level? Or are the big money/corporate Dems like Murray actually pulling the party strings and McGovern is staying quiet to keep his seat?
What are your thoughts, because I’m feeling nothing but disappointment in our progressive leaders in Massachusetts right now.