Massachusetts is one of only 12 states in the nation with two-party rule in which one political party controls the legislature while another is in the governor's seat. That is likely to change with Republican Gov. Charlie Baker out of the race. Experts told Jim Braude on Greater Boston that it raises some concerns about the state of democracy.
Jennifer Nassour, founder and president of The Pocketbook Project, said single party status is troubling for the balance of power in the state. "The most important thing, I think for all of us, should be democracy — making sure that we have a balance of power, making sure that the best people are elected to office."
But Steve Kerrigan, former CEO of the Democratic National Convention, said he isn't worried.
"Regardless of your party, the governor has a responsibility to sell their agenda to the people of the Commonwealth and to the legislature," Kerrigan said. He added that there has always been healthy tension between the governor and the legislature, regardless of party.
"This is really about leadership and not partisanship," Kerrigan said.
Some experts say the state of the Republican party in Massachusetts is in disarray, a point endorsed by Kerrigan but rejected by Nassour.
Kerrigan said for Republicans to regain footing, they should focus on results. "People in Massachusetts want results, they want people with a plan, they want people with a real agenda," he said.
Is Massachusetts on its way to becoming a one-party state?
