STAFF EDIT: Stepping Aside

In a quick turnaround from earlier statements accepting the challenge of Republican gubernatorial hopeful Mitt Romney, acting Gov. Jane Swift gave into pressure Tuesday and announced she is dropping out of the Massachusetts governor’s race. The move surprised many, including Romney, who had planned a large campaign announcement for that afternoon. Romney will now have a clear path to the Republican nomination, which should allow him the breathing room to focus on trouncing his bickering Democratic opponents. Indeed, Swift gave Romney and the state Republican Party, the gift of life Tuesday.

Citing Romney’s promising candidacy and her family as two strong reasons behind her decision, Swift promised her constituents she would fulfill her commitments for the remainder of her term. Her announcement was emotional and unexpected, and the governor had difficulty getting through her speech as tears streamed down her cheek. Tough as the decision may have been, her willingness to fold to Romney may just be what saves the corner office for the Republicans, who haven’t lost to a Democratic candidate since Michael Dukakis won in 1986.

Having a single strong Republican candidate will give the GOP a serious leg up in this year’s race. Currently, there are five candidates vying for the Democratic nomination, which is leading to deep levels of division among Massachusetts Democrats. Despite the splintering of voters, Swift was certainly not a sure thing. Romney is coming into Massachusetts with astounding momentum, and he has the potential to exploit the Democrats’ fragility in ways that Swift never did. His performance as president of the Salt Lake Olympic Committee has earned him extensive praise, and he comes without any of the baggage of the current governor. He is an outsider, but Massachusetts is far more prepared to get behind him than it is Swift.

While Swift did get boosts in popularity after the births of her twins last May and following the Sept. 11 attacks, her numbers have slipped dramatically since rumors leaked about Romney’s interest in the job. She has received much flack from her constituents throughout her term over a number of issues, notably the budget, and little more than her youth and gender seemed to make her stand out among U.S. governors.

Swift took on the role of acting governor while pregnant with twins, but she promised it would not have an effect on her ability to serve the Commonwealth. Despite Democratic criticism, the state was inclined to believe her. Swift held strong by running meetings from her hospital room immediately after the birth of her twins, setting a positive precedent as the first governor in American history to give birth while serving as governor. If nothing else, Swift has been a convincing role model for women in politics.

Unfortunately, she ultimately chose family as a deterrent from challenging Romney for the Republican nod. Swift said Tuesday she felt it would be too difficult to run a competitive race in addition to her current roles as governor and mother. As a result, Swift loses a degree of respect from the women she inspired with her determination to succeed both in the governor’s office and at home.

Instead of leaving without giving the race a real chance, Swift should have stuck with her plans to run for governor. She should have put forth the time and energy to earn as many votes possible, to make a real showing in the election, even if a loss ensued. That is the kind of persistence Swift has shown thus far, and that was what she owed her constituents.

For the remainder of the governor’s race, some changes must be made. On the Republican side, Romney has much work to do to maintain his popularity. He must learn as much as he can about the state of Massachusetts and its residents; he must earn their trust and respect.

The Democratic Party, on the other hand, must re-examine its game plan. Too many candidates will frustrate and turn voters away. The party would be wise to narrow down the race so voters can concentrate on the issues, not on figuring out who is who.

All of the candidates have a lot of challenging work ahead of them. It is necessary they do everything in their power to clearly prove to the voters their dedication to fulfilling the job of governor. Massachusetts’ last two governors have chosen to leave office prematurely; the state is in need of leader who will fight for the Commonwealth to the bitter end.