'They Suddenly Think Massachusetts is Going to Become Some Right-wing Tea Party State'

Honestly, I don't think there are many folks who believe a deep-blue state like Massachusetts is suddenly becoming a GOP stronghold, or in the words of this Democrat, a "right-wing tea party state." But if a day out from the midterms and a gubernatorial election the Democrats are scrambling to cling to power it speaks volumes about what's in store for them tomorrow nationally.

“The environment has shifted so much that even in strong Democratic states like Massachusetts, Republican candidates are waging successful campaigns,” said Tory Mazzola, spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee, which has spent $662,000 against Democrat Bill Keating in the race for the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt (D-Quincy).

Outside groups, those that don’t coordinate with a candidate but aid their campaigns with ads, e-mails and mailings, have spent nearly $4 million on the 10th congressional district race between Keating and Republican Jeff Perry, more than almost any other House race in the country.

The NRCC’s push for Perry marks the first time the organization has spent money on a Massachusetts House race this decade, according to campaign finance records dating back to 2002. Mazzola credits Brown’s U.S. Senate victory and voter anger, noting that for the first time Republicans are running in nine of the state’s 10 congressional districts. “That’s a clear indication that people have had enough of one-party rule in Massachusetts,” he said.

The 10th district is also a priority for Democrats, too, said Shripal Shah, regional spokesman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “We’re going to make sure voters understand the choice they have on Tuesday,’’ he said.

Democratic media consultant Michael Shea said Republicans are still “intoxicated” by Brown’s win and misreading the electorate: “They suddenly think Massachusetts is going to become some right-wing Tea Party state. I have every hope and belief they are wrong, and so they are throwing a lot of money down the drain.”

If the GOP picks up a couple of House seats and defeat Patrick it's been money well spent. If Sean Bielat finishes off Barney Frank it'll leave the Democrats crushed.