The field of candidates for Barnstable County Board of County Commissioners continues to grow.
Republican Eric R. Steinhilber of Barnstable is apparently going to formally announce his candidacy later this month, bringing the current tally up to four: incumbents Mary L. (Pat) Flynn of Falmouth and Sheila R. Lyons of Wellfleet, and Ronald K. Beaty Jr. of Barnstable.
If the name sounds familiar, it’s because in 2010 Mr. Steinhilber ran for State Senator of the Cape and Islands District — and lost the primary, to my mind inexplicably, to James H. Crocker Jr.
(Nothing personal, Crocker fans, but I really thought Eric was the better candidate.)
Before I move on, let me take a minute to clear up some misconceptions as to how this particular race is going to go…
Once the field of candidates has been established, all the Democrats appear on the Democratic primary ballot, all the Republicans on the Republican ballot, and non-party candidates get to cool their heels for a while because they don’t get primaries.
The top two candidates from each primary race then moves on to the general election ballot, at which point the race becomes totally non-partisan and something of a free-for-all — which is to say, for example, Mr. Steinhilber would not run directly against Ms. Flynn. Everyone runs against everyone, and the top two vote-getters in the general election each win one of the available seats.
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Dover attorney James King has gotten his US Senate campaign underway. Mr. King is running as a Democrat, which pits him in a David-versus-Goliath fight against Elizabeth Warren, and while choice is always good for voters, I have a hard time imagining Mr. King making any real headway in the primary.
Mr. King is actually not alone in challenging Ms. Warren. Marisa DeFranco, an immigration lawyer from Middleton, is also running, although she’s further along in her campaign: she’s already reached the point where she’s accusing Ms. Warren of ducking debate challenges.
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It’s official! Thomas F. Keyes is running for State Senate!
Okay, it’s not, you know, 100 percent straight-from-the-horse’s-mouth official, but it might as well be. In addition to issuing position papers for the past several months, holding fundraisers, and teasing announcements, the Sandwich Republican’s supporters planted some campaign signs at polling locations on Super Tuesday.
…even though he’s not an official candidate and he appeared nowhere on Tuesday’s ballot so what was the point?
Anyway, Mr. Keyes has announced an event at the Radisson in Plymouth for Sunday, March 18, where he will make an “announcement for State Senate or (the) return of donations” to his campaign. Considering the event comes with a $35-per-person admission fee, I think it safe to say that he’ll confirm his candidacy. Finally.
(This may be twisted of me, but I kind of hope this sort of false, manufactured non-drama becomes the motif for his campaign, because this column THRIVES on that stuff.)
If you’re interested to see whether Mr. Keyes announces his candidacy (wink) or returns his donations (wink wink), call 774-208-3480 to make reservations for the March 18 event or buy your tickets at the door.
Political news and announcements may be e-mailed to Michael Bailey, senior political reporter, at bailey@capenews.net.
