Article

PLANET CASEBOOK: HARRINGTON FOR D.A. — A FORMULA FOR SUCCESS

0 0 votes
Article Rating

BY DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, THE WEEKEND EDITION OCT. 5-7, 2018) — Will Andrea Harrington become the next Berkshire County district attorney? Here is the case for it. Call it THE PLANET‘s version of “equal time” — our way of playing Devil’s Advocate for both Paul Caccaviello and Harrington.

(1) She won in November — In the September primary, she bested presumed frontrunner and acting D.A. Paul Caccaviello. Cacc came in with the approval of Gov. Charlie Baker, the strong backing of outgoing D.A. David Capeless, and a lot of “establishment” backing. This did not translate sufficiently well at the polls, and he lost.

(2) Poll Position — Campaigns love to commission polls. Such commissioned surveys typically amount to nothing but to tell the campaign what it wants to hear. The best and most reliable poll is an actual tally from real-life voters. Harrington’s win in September can be used as the most telling poll to predict November.

(3) She’s New — Cacc’s team plays the “inexperience” angle. They say that compared to his “5,000 cases,” she can only show a dozen or so. But “experience” can also be seen as a synonym for outdated, anachronistic, and rut-stuck (as opposed to Rut-berg). She can rightfully claim a fresh set of eyes, and many times such peepers see solutions where tired vision sees only problems with no answers.

(4) Stump Advantage — Harrington has proven herself to be the better campaigner. Caccaviello says he’s “not a politician.” That’s too bad, because in Berkshire County, you have to be one to tin. To become district attorney in your own right requires you to win elective office. Cacc has no choice: Become a politician or lose again. Harrington adapts well to campaign mode and shows good instincts on the stump.

(5) Killer Instinct — Her call to Cacc-backer Melissa Mazzeo shortly after winning in November shows she’s not afraid to apply a heel to the neck. In a battle, you do indeed kick your opponent when he’s down. Harrington shows the mettle to get in close and slug. Is that why Cacc has been so quiet? Does she intimidate him?

(6) Something to Prove — Her critics have basically called her an amateur. She has the motivation to prove them wrong.

(7) Gender Bender — She would be the first woman to hold the position of District Attorney in Berkshire County. She’s running against a white, middle-aged male. That lone will drive votes her way in ever-so-progressive Berkshire County. So will the “fresh face” factor. Again, for some voters, getting rid of the incumbent and key lieutenant in the Capeless office will deliver votes for Harrington.

(8) Availability — Compared to Cacc, she has proven more available to the press and more forthcoming. In particular, she has never refused a media request from THE PLANET. She has always been responsive and timely. Harrington also says she will establish a citizen’s advisory board to receive direct input from ordinary people.

(9) Issues — She has provided an alternative view on many key issues, including two of the most devastating in and to the county. We speak of the drug trade and domestic violence.

(10) Ratings — Her opponents and his team have consistently underrated Harrington. They made the mistake the first time around of not taking her seriously and appear to be doing the same thing again. She is to Caccaviello what Syracuse was to Clemson in football — a “trap game” that ended up biting back hard.

(11) Trappings — To campaign seriously, a candidate needs organization and money. Harrington has both. She has a number of “players” on her side — Barry Clairmont, Linda Tyer, Tricia Farley-Bouvier, John Krol, and the like. These are people who have won and know how to win elections. They also know how to raise campaign money, tap it, and spend it wisely. As for organization, Harrington has shoe leather on the ground throughout the county.

(12) Old Mo — Coming off a win in September gives Harrington the momentum. It also frees up more cash than otherwise would have come her way. It also provides one of her strongest pitches: Go with a winner.

What happens in November depends upon a convention of factors beyond definitive analysis. We do know this much: The winner tallies more votes than the loser. For Andrea Harrington and Paul Caccaviello, it’s as simple and as complicated as that.

Have aa great weekend, everybody.

————————————————————————————————

Weakness is provocative” — Donald Rumsfeld.

“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”

LOVE TO ALL.

The views and opinions expressed in the comment section or in the text other than those of PLANET VALENTI are not necessarily endorsed by the operators of this website. PLANET VALENTI assumes no responsibility for such views and opinions, and it reserves the right to remove or edit any comment, including but not limited to those that violate the website’s Rules of Conduct and its editorial policies. PLANET VALENTI shall not be held responsible for the consequences that may result from any posted comment or outside opinion or commentary as provided in Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and this website’s terms of service. All users of this website — including readers, commentators, contributors, or anyone else making use of its information hereby agree to these conditions by virtue of this notice. When PLANET VALENTI ends with the words “The Usual Disclaimer,” that phrase shall be understood to refer to the full text of this disclaimer.

 

 

0 0 votes
Article Rating
175 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
May Hemm
May Hemm
5 years ago

Sad News from Minnesota

The Pillsbury Doughboy died of a yeast infection and trauma complications from repeated pokes in the belly. He was 75.

Doughboy was buried in a lightly greased coffin.

Dozens of celebrities turned out to pay their respects, including Mrs. Butterworth,Hungry Jack, the California Raisins,Betty Crocker, the Hostess Twinkies, and Captain Crunch. The grave site was piled high with many flours.

Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy and lovingly described Doughboy as a man who really never knew how much he was kneaded.

Born and Bread in Minnesota, Doughboy rose quickly in show business, but his later life was filled with turnovers. He was not considered a very smart cookie, wasting much of his dough on half-baked schemes.

Despite being a little flaky at times, he still was a crusty old man and was considered a positive roll model for millions.

Doughboy is survived by his wife Play Dough,three children:John Dough, Jane Dough, and youngest daughter Dosey Dough, plus they had one in the oven. Doughboy was also survived by his Elderly Father, Pop Tart.