Our Guide to the Massachusetts Gubernatorial Candidates
Massachusetts voters take to the polls on Tuesday to choose a new governor from among these five candidates. Not sure who that woman is? Or the guy with the beard? Which middle-aged white guy is Charlie Baker? Here’s a rundown of who’s who in the race and what each candidate is all about.
Martha Coakley, Democrat
Martha Coakley.
Why you might’ve heard of her: Democratic candidate for Senate, 2010 (she lost). Mass. Attorney General, 2007-14. Middlesex County district attorney, 1999-2007.
What she’s all about: Strong proponent of women’s reproductive rights. Following many of Governor Deval Patrick’s positions. “I’m open to it’’ has been her go-to answer in a campaign that’s been mostly non-committal on policy changes so far.
What else you need to know: She has heavily promoted her positions on women’s rights in contrast to and in attacks against Charlie Baker’s campaign. Would be the first elected female governor in state history. Lost the 2010 Senate special election to Republican Scott Brown, a surprise upset in the heavily blue state. Four years later, Democrats are worried Coakley could lose to a Republican again.
Charlie Baker.
Charlie Baker, Republican
Why you might’ve heard of him: Republican candidate for Massachusetts Governor, 2010 (he lost). CEO of Harvard Pilgrim health care company, 1998-2008. Mass. Secretary of Administration and Finance, 1994-98. Mass. Secretary of Health and Human Services under Governor Bill Weld, 1992-94.
What he’s all about: Social moderate who supports gay marriage and abortion rights. Opposes drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants. His plan for job creation includes tax cuts for businesses, which would cost the state about $250-$300 million in revenues.
What else you need to know: Baker hopes to use his history as a health care executive to show his business bona fides. He fashions himself as a Republican in the Bill Weld mold, socially moderate and fiscally conservative. He has heavily targeted the female vote in his campaign messaging, which was slightly undercut when he called a female reporter “sweetheart’’ earlier in the campaign.
Evan Falchuk.
Evan Falchuk, Independent
Why you might’ve heard of him: United Independent Party candidate. Former executive for the health care company Best Doctors, 1999-2013. His brother, Brad Falchuk, created the TV show “Glee.’’
What he’s all about: Liberal reformer intent on ending partisan political battles. He is pushing for a more progressive income tax and cutting corporate subsidies. Falchuk has promoted better services for the poor, including more funding for affordable housing.
What else you need to know: Falchuk is hoping to gain 3 percent of the vote, which would make the United Independent Party an official party, with a primary and everything!
Jeffrey McCormick, Independent
Jeff McCormick
Why you might’ve heard of him: Venture capitalist. Founded Saturn Partners, 1994-2014.
What he’s all about: Wants to create “enterprise zones,’’ or areas with tax incentives for businesses. Pushes pro-business, low taxes, and more governmental entrepreneurship. Describes his social views as “hands-off.’’
What else you need to know: McCormick has played it low key, but planned a late ad blitz for the days just before the election. Several top advisers have left his campaign last month, a bad sign for his fledgling campaign. Still, his candidacy could pull some pro-business votes away from Baker.
Scott Lively.
Scott Lively, Independent
Why you might’ve heard of him: Christian minister in Springfield, author of “The Pink Swastika.’’
What he’s all about: Hard-line social conservative with emphasis on pro-life positions, keeping LGBT proponents out of government, and denying gay marriage.
What else you need to know: Running as the self-named “Miracle Ticket.’’ Has gone to Uganda to fight the “gay agenda’’ and is suspected of influencing the country’s harshly anti-gay law. He is being sued for crimes against humanity for that work in Uganda.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com