Some people believe that politics is a sport, especially in Boston. But politics has also taken the form of a high-stakes game in the race for Boston mayor. With 12 candidates running, a lottery took place to determine the order in which the candidates will appear on the ballot.
About a hundred voters, campaign workers and candidates for mayor and city council gathered in City Hall to watch what was essentially a Bingo game, led by election official Geraldine Cuddyer.
“As the hunger games say, may the odds be ever in your favor,” Cuddyer said.
The atmosphere was light, but suspenseful, as the top spot on the ballot was selected.
“For mayor, Charles L. Clemons, Jr. 60 Rosetta St. District 4,” Cuddyer said.
Clemons says winning the top spot on the ballot doesn't matter much easy to say now that he's first.
“Super," he said, laughing. "I’m happy. You can see – I’m excited."
Clemons says he's not superstitious, either.
“I don’t believe in luck," he said. "When people say good luck on this campaign, I say there’s no luck involved here, it’s all skills and blessings.”
The coveted #2 ballot spot was next.
“For mayor, Bill Walczak, 20 Rockmere St., District 3,” Cuddyer announced.
For a candidate whose name starts with the letter "W," winning the second spot was big. If the ballot had been in alphabetical order, Walczak would have been third-to-last.
“I’m feeling great," Walczak said. "It’s going to be a crowded field and I appreciate being in a place where people are going to see me early. I think we’re in somewhat uncharted territory here where there’s so many candidates.”
Now the stakes really heated up, starting with the third spot up for grabs.
“For mayor, Charles Calvin Yancey, 3 Hooper Street, District 4 …For mayor, Rob Consalvo, 18 A Chittick Road, District 5 … For mayor, Charlotte Golar-Richie, 29 Percival Street, District 3 … Michael P. Ross, 214 Parker Hill Ave. District 8 … Martin J. Walsh, 12 Tuttle Street, District 3.”
One backdrop to this free-flowing lottery was potential confusion. What happens if two candidates with similar sounding names, John Connolly and Dan Conley, appeared back to back on the ballot?
And then the #8 pick:
“For mayor, John R Connolly, 12 Shaw Street, District 6.”
Would Dan Conley be next?
“For mayor, Felix G. Arroyo, 93 Wachusett Street, District 6 …For mayor, David James Wyatt, 62 Weaver Court, District 7.”
Then with the 11th pick …
“For mayor, Daniel F. Conley, 265 Corey Street, District 6.”
There was zero suspense for the final pick … with just one candidate remaining to be called:
“For mayor, John F. Barros, 48 Virginia Street, District 3.”
In the end, this lottery may not have much bearing on who becomes Boston's next Mayor, but 12 names remind us this isn't just a lottery, but a horserace that will last into September.
