Ten years ago, in an open seat, Ernie Newton was the Democratic endorsed candidate to recapture the State House seat he maintained for more than a decade.
The political operation of then Mayor Bill Finch had other ideas: prevailing upon City Council member Andre Baker, a local funeral home operator, to challenge Newton in a Democratic primary.
Funeral home directors collect friends. Nature of the nurturing work. Baker won and is now the longest-serving member of the city’s state legislative delegation.
City Councilwoman Eneida Martinez also knows how to collect friends via solid constituency work, representing the East End.
On Tuesday, the likable, low-key Baker faces his toughest test in 10 years against a ferocious campaigner.
Four precincts are in play: Beardsley, Dunbar, Harding and JFK, a stretch from the East End to the Upper East Side.
It’s the fire versus ice matchup.
Baker is toast. Put the nails on that coffin ⚰️ Eneida Martinez.