“It’s a great night to be a Republican!” was the rallying cry at the election night party for Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker &- yet despite the widespread success of Republicans across the country, Baker fell short of winning the race for Massachusetts governor.
While the race was tight until the end, Democratic incumbent Deval Patrick won with a substantial lead, 49 percent to Baker’s 42 percent, with 97 percent of precincts reporting.
As the night dragged on, many supporters slowly began to lose hope for the Baker-Tisei ticket.
“Honestly if [Patrick] wins I’d start my own Tea Party movement in my area,” said Jonathan Delarosn of Charlestown.
Shortly after 10:30 p.m., lieutenant governor candidate Richard Tisei announced to the crowd of hundreds that Republican victory was impossible.
Baker thanked the somber crowd for their support, many of whom looked as if they were on the verge of tears.
“The way things turned out, the most important thing I have to say to all of you and everyone who fought with us and stood with us and supported us over these long months is thank you, thank you, thank you,” Baker said.
He urged the people of Massachusetts to support Patrick in his efforts to improve the economy.
“We fought the good fight folks,” Baker said. “And it’s important that all of us get behind the governor and do all that we can to make sure that he succeeds in pulling our economy out of the doldrums.”
Many Baker supporters blamed Treasurer Tim Cahill for splitting Baker’s votes, yelling out sarcastic “thank you’ comments aimed at the independent candidate.
Baker nonetheless expressed his respect for all candidates.
“All of my opponents, the governor, the treasurer, [Green-Rainbow party candidate] Dr. Jill Stein, they made us all give our best every single day for the past 15 months,” Baker said. “I never…doubted that any of them didn’t have the best interest of the commonwealth and its wonderful people at heart.”
In his concession speech, Baker hinted at his political ambitions in the future.
“We have no cause to hang our heads,” he said. “There will always be another fight and we’ll be stronger for having fought this one.”
“He has a lot of class. I think he’ll be back,” said one supporter who asked to remain anonymous.
Acknowledging Tisei, his family, his staff and all of his supporters, Baker ended his concession speech by expressing pride in being from the state of Massachusetts.
“This was the craziest job interview I’ve ever had,” he joked. “But it’s a great state, and I appreciate the chance that all of you have given me to get to know it a bit better than I did before, as we walk down this long and wonderful road together. Thank you all very much.”
The speech offered little consolation to those at the party who saw the midterm election as a pivotal moment for the future of the nation as a whole. With frustrations abound regarding the current leadership in Washington, many voters were looking for a change.
“This is a seminal moment for both the state and national government,” said Herb Capron of Boxford. “The state wants some change across the board.”
Republicans in Massachusetts had hoped that if Baker were elected, he would take steps to lower taxes and the unemployment rate, help businesses and work to cut down on corruption in government.
Supporters at the Republican’s election party were not only those of voting age.
For some young supporters, such as 12-year-old Jack Dejong of Weston, the reason for backing Baker was simple.
“He’s not Deval Patrick,” said Dejong.
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