I received another possible theory on how the Treasurer’s race is developing from a source who wants to remain anonymous. I think it is interesting and plausible enough to post and get everyone else’s opinion on it.
Simpler could totally win this, in part because of Dem overconfidence and lack of financial engagement.
He’s spent his independent money very smartly. He let the rich R’s attack Sher from the right so he could immediately claim the moderate ground.
Dems had been so focused on the the primary on their side, that they never forced Ken to stake out positions on divisive issues during the primary. So he can say whatever he wants now.
The belief that Dems can’t lose statewide mean nobody’s pinning him down now, either. And he’s got his own money and the relationship with WBOC to get up on TV, which really moves #s.
The counterbalancing financial forces on the D side like AFSCME and Labor don’t seem to take the Simpler threat seriously.
People will regret it.
With issues like prevailing wage in the balance, what will it mean to have a statewide R able to sound off, funded by the people who want to repeal it?
With the Treasurer getting a seat on the state employee benefits board, where does the conversation shift on what happens to state employees?
With Republicans now looking like they can win statewide, what happens to progressive efforts to move existing dems further left?