On a Tuesday night to kiss rings and make kings, Democratic Town Chair Mario Testa received two more years as party chief but with some key leaders casting protest votes–among a dozen others–such as City Council President Aidee Nieves and East End councilman Ernie Newton.
It was a strange night in some ways for the 90-member Democratic Town Committee. Testa had no opposition, but the point was made by political operatives who feel he’s not paying attention to business. Testa received yes votes from about 75 members.
Retired Superior Court Judge Carmen Lopez, returning to the town committee after more than 30 years, got the no-vote ball rolling against Testa during the roll call requested by Newton.
Testa even declared in his acceptance speech some fences must be mended.
Why?
Testa cast the tie-breaking vote last year that cost Nieves the endorsement in her council reelection as Testa acquiesced to City Clerk Lydia Martinez’s primary candidates. Nieves crushed them.
In addition former Public Facilities Director John Ricci, upset he was shown the door by Ganim after his 2019 reelection, campaigned against Nieves and Newton’s reelections. Ricci ate the dust of Nieves and Newton, but they’ve not forgotten.
“Ricci, Mario’s right hand man, was allowed to come into my district and run a nasty campaign,” said Newton after the meeting. “I’m tired of it now. I feel it’s time to reevaluate who our friends are, so yes I voted no but the message is loud and clear.”
Ricci has maintained his relationship with Testa despite Ricci’s strong confidence with administration critic number one City Councilwoman Maria Pereira. Now word is Testa, and others close to Ganim, want Ricci to return to the administration in some capacity. Careful what you wish for.
“Bringing Ricci back will be the noose around Ganim’s neck,” according to Newton.
Testa has some work to do to repair his relationships with Nieves, Newton et al.
Guess who was working the room? State Senator Marilyn Moore who’s not known as a schmoozer among town committee members. Several operatives took note of her appeal to the party insiders.
Ganim won reelection in 2019, albeit a major primary scare from Moore who appears poised to tee up another run in 2023. If she runs, Moore is the biggest threat to take out Ganim next year.
In this 2022 gubernatorial and state legislative cycle, Testa will focus on keeping the party together to return his Democratic friends to office with his eye on Ganim’s reelection next year.
Ganim’s on the cusp of filing a candidate committee and kicking up fundraising for the municipal election next year. Blessed with an infusion of state and federal funds he’ll not raise taxes in his next budget and could cut them a bit.
Based on Tuesday night’s vote, however, Testa and Ganim have political priorities to consider.
I’m glad to hear this, “Guess who was working the room? State Senator Marilyn Moore who’s not known as a schmoozer among town committee members. Several operatives took note of her appeal to the party insiders.” I truly hope that one the person Senator Moore was schmoozing with was Retired Superior Court Judge Carmen Lopez, someone who Senator Moore didn’t reach out to on the last election for mayor.
Ron, Moore’s last campaign was a total disaster, I don’t think she wanted to win.
I think Judge Lopez would be a great Mayor for this city.
The Judge vs. the Felon, now that would be a race!
Jimfox, I agree with you I didn’t like a number of in her campaign but even with all of that Moore did beat Ganim at the polls but lost by 270 votes because of AB’s. Moore had Ed Gomes, Max Medina and Chris Caruso on her team but not Judge Carmen Lopez. Everybody knew at the last election that Lopez was not going to support Joe Ganim so why not sit down with Lopez and bring her on board especially with the respect she has her own supporters. I would support Judge Lopez to run for mayor, I still would support Moore, Chris Caruso but NEVER Bil Finch.
“On a Tuesday night to kiss rings and make kings, Democratic Town Chair Mario Testa…”
Very nice turn of a phrase. Gilmore would be proud.
Denis, here’s to lifting a pint in heaven as we approach St. Pats. I’m sure he’s hitting a slice and bellowing “What’s shakin’ and bakin’?
“Testa even declared in his acceptance speech some fences must be mended.” Lennie, he is talking about sending Joe Ganim back to mend the fence at Beardsley Terrace. Judge Lopez must start early and get key people involved in fundraising, strategy and of course, the dream AB team.