Robert Reich Running for Governor of Massachusetts

AP via NYTimes.com ^ | 1/8/02

[GeneD]

Filed at 4:47 p.m. ET

BOSTON (AP) -- Former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich is entering the race for governor of Massachusetts, a campaign adviser said Tuesday.

Reich, a Democrat and professor of social and economic policy at Brandeis University, planned to formally announce his candidacy Wednesday, the adviser said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Reich left President Clinton's Cabinet in 1997 and has never run for elective office.

Republican acting Gov. Jane Swift, Massachusetts' first woman governor, is seeking re-election this fall.

Former national party chairman Steve Grossman and former state Sen. Warren Tolman are the only other Democrats so far to have formally announced their candidacies.

Reich raised his profile in Massachusetts in November when he criticized state lawmakers' budget proposals as ``inhumane'' and called Swift ``an embarrassment in terms of her incompetence.''

Last month, Reich circulated an e-mail asking for support and contributions.

[Sungirl]

Small state...small man.

[KantianBurke]

How man ex Clinton kneepadders are running for some form of public office now? Bowles in SC? Richardson in NM? I forgetting any?

[Maceman]

God help our benighted Commonwealth. Not that our current dead governor walking is any better.

[veronica]

Mayor of Munchkinland.

[TravisBickle]

I predict he'll be a few votes short.

[babble-on]

I have to imagine that even the People's Republic would want someone more credible than this showboating dwarf. Governors actually have to do some work, I think. Anyway, there's more to it than just going on television and asserting that you are both saintly and brilliant once a week as he's been doing since Bubba sacked him for being too far left.

[doctor noe]

I hear he's got the midget vote.

[TwakeIDFins]

Small state...small man.

Small state in area, yes. In population...not so small. In political influence and economic impact on the country...not very small at all.

Similarly, Reich is a large political figure. Ms. Swift has her work cut our for her.

[Saundra Duffy]

He will be a formidable opponent! For victory & freedom!!!

[Common Tator]

Reich left President Clinton's Cabinet in 1997 and has never run for elective office.

She just needs to debate him. At the opening she should walk up to him. Then pat the top of his short little head and looking away as if talking to someon else say, "This Reich is not nearly as big as the third." Then turn to Reich and ask, "Do most women find you wimpy or just me?"

That should end his vote getting power with both men and women.

[Timmy]

To tell you the truth, I hope he wins. He is much more conservative (I know he is EXTREMELY LIBERAL) than that dolt of a RINO they have now.

[dfwgator]

I am not saying Reich is short, but he makes Tom Daschle look like Shaquille O'Neal.

[montag813]

Hmmm...The Munchkin, or a woman who deliberately named a totally inexperieced staffer as her running mate just because he is gay.

What a choice.

I thought living in New York was bad, but at least we have a Governor to be proud of. That will not be possible in Mass. whoever wins.

[TwakeIDFins]

Anyway, there's more to it than just going on television and asserting that you are both saintly and brilliant once a week as he's been doing since Bubba sacked him for being too far left.

Are you sure Bubba "sacked" him? I thought he voluntarily left the Bubba Admin, disgusted either with the Monica thang or with Bubba's feints toward the center.

[subterfuge]

Reich raised his profile in Massachusetts in November when he criticized state lawmakers' budget proposals as ``inhumane'' and called Swift ``an embarrassment in terms of her incompetence.''

Liberal Reich using the old propaganda technique of self-evident content, better known as name calling. How can he run for office in Mass., he's not gay is he?

[ambrose]

The comments re Reich's size seem to be small-minded. Hah!

Seriously, is that all you have against the man? His size? Is this what we at FR have become?

I expect to see these sort of petty personal attacks from the liberals. Attack Robert Reich's small-minded ideas, not his short statute. </ rant>

[ambrose]

statURE

[ambrose]

She just needs to debate him. At the opening she should walk up to him. Then pat the top of his short little head and looking away as if talking to someon else say, "This Reich is not nearly as big as the third." Then turn to Reich and ask, "Do most women find you wimpy or just me?"

Gee, that sort of childish intimidation tactic really worked well for Al Gore in the debates?

[balrog666]

I forgetting any?

Reno is running for Florida gov against Jeb Bush.