Political favoritism can change over the course of an election

Congratulations to Congressman Richard “Richie” Neal (D-Springfield) on his election in the new 1st Congressional District, composed of parts of the former 2nd Congressional District and the old First Congressional District, of which John Olver (D-Amherst) is the current representative.

Also congratulations to Patsy Harris of Hinsdale, who was elected register of deeds in a stunning defeat of two other politically-connected candidates.

Rep. Neal pulled the election from Bill Shein of Alford and Andrea F. Nuciforo, Jr. of Pittsfield by a margin of two-to-one.

From the beginning it was clear that based on population numbers that Rep. Neal would gain more votes from Hampden County over the two Berkshire County residents. He out polled with 65 percent, compared to current Register of Deeds Nuciforo’s 25 percent and progressive activist Mr. Shein’s 10 percent.

The tally for Mr. Neal was 38,424, Mr. Nuciforo 14,605 and Mr. Shein 5,915.

What was not clear was the fate of apparent early front-runner, Scott M. Pignatelli, in the register race, who ended up third in the three-person race losing his hometown of Lenox by a three to one margin. Also he lost in Lee, where his brother, William “Smitty” Pignatelli, state representative from the 4th Berkshire District, lives.

Many people were shocked by the results for the community-minded man.

There was a potential candidate in Jody Phillips of Pittsfield based on being an insider with support from other elected officials along with the number of signs. Her campaign did not survive.

The vote was Ms. Harris, 6,691; Ms. Phillips, 2,446; and Mr. Pignatelli, 1,832.

The Berkshire Beacon was the first of three county newspapers to endorse Ms. Harris to the post, which included The Berkshire Record and The Berkshire Eagle. The endorsement was based on job experience and not on-the-job training.

The voters chose substance and knowledge in approving her for the job over political connections and popularity.

Mr. Pignatelli will have to consult his internal counsel and figure out if the political limelight is for him? Meanwhile Ms. Phillips will remain in the private sector.

Politics can be revealing if one wins, and puts them on top of the world. When one suffers a loss, it can be a rigorous climb to parity where one has started.

The good news: There will be no on-the-job training and Register Harris will be at her post and ready to assume the job and title on the first of the year.

Posted by George C. Jordan III on September 13, 2012. Filed under Editorials,Opinion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry