Third Way Statement on the Massachusetts Special Election
January 19, 2010
The dramatic loss of support among moderates and independents in Massachusetts, and earlier in New Jersey and Virginia, signal that there is a real threat to the progressive agenda. State Attorney General Martha Coakley was a poor candidate who ran a weak campaign, but to dismiss the Massachusetts outcome over the poor performance of one candidate would be short-sighted for Democrats and progressives.
The elections of 2006 and 2008 showed that the self-described moderates and independents, who make up a plurality of American voters, are willing to support progressive candidates and ideas. President Obama and leaders in Congress are charting a necessary and ambitious agenda to get America on track for the 21st century, despite conservative intransigence and irresponsibility. Grappling directly with the causes and consequences of the Massachusetts Senate race has the potential to yield lessons that will ensure long term progressive success.
