The Switcher

Here's a picture I swiped from the Hampshire Gazette of 3rd Hampshire District State Rep. Solomon Goldstein-Rose, left, as he is introduced to speak beside other state representatives, the late Peter Kocot and the now retiring John Scibak and Stephen Kulik, in the Coolidge Room at Forbes Library in 2017.

All four of these dudes have been in the news lately, with Scibak and Kulik both announcing that they are not seeking re-election. In a tragic development, Rep. Kocot died recently of cancer. As for Solomon Goldstein-Rose, he too is going through some changes, but is not intending to leave the legislature, at least not voluntarily.

Some observers are suggesting he has placed his seat in danger, primarily because Goldstein-Rose has unexpectedly left the Democratic Party to become an independent. That move has already complicated his road to re-election in the form of newly announced challenger Eric Nakajima, who clearly stated in his announcement that he thinks party affiliation matters, "Our district needs a tireless and effective advocate, who will listen, work with you, and partner with colleagues on Beacon Hill to meet the needs of our towns. I believe I can do that best as a member of the Democratic Party," Nakajima said. Here he is posing with early endorser Dave Narkewicz. Of course Narkewicz is mayor of Northampton, which is not part of the district, but he is also a longtime major figure in the Democratic Party organization, so his endorsement sends a message to other party operatives that it is time to abandon Golstein-Rose.

It's generally true that the most difficult time for an incumbent to run for re-election is when they seek their second term. That is because they are still a fresh face, and not yet entrenched through deep insider relationships and bulging campaign chests built up over the years. This will be especially true for Goldstein-Rose, who competed in a six person field in 2016, winning with less than 40% of the vote. Unless other contenders enter the fray to help divvy up the vote, in a one on one race Goldstein-Rose will face an electorate where over 60% did not support him two years ago. Still, the advantage of his incumbency, short as it is, cannot be discounted, as well as his reputation for relentless door to door campaigning. Therefore, Goldstein-Rose must still be considered the front runner, but it's only March in what promises to be an unexpectedly competitive race.

The drama of the Goldstein-Rose/Nakajima contest is just part of a much larger upheaval among the Western Mass North Valley delegation. The departure of old timers Kulik and Scibek are quickly attracting a competitive field, and so will the race to replace the late Representative Kocut. Yet another unknown variable is the ultimate fate of Semi-senator Stan Rosenberg. I call him a semi-senator because, although he can still vote on completed legislation that comes to the floor, Rosenberg is currently working out of a basement office in the statehouse and has no committee assignments. The cubicle in the cellar is a humiliating demotion for someone who just a few months ago occupied the palatial Speaker's office, but Rosenberg's lack of committee assignments is a bigger deal because committees are where all legislation is actually written.

By having no assignments, Rosenberg has been essentially shut out of the lawmaking process. It is a legitimate question whether Rosenberg can still accurately even be called a full senator and whether he can adequately serve his constituents in such a crippled role. The Senate has twice had the opportunity to give Rosenberg committee assignments, yet declined to do so both times, thereby seeming to send a message to the effect, "Stan, it's time to go." Although Semi-senator Rosenberg has taken out papers for re-election, it is by no means impossible, especially if the report about his husband's alleged misconduct is as damning as some suspect it will be, that his Northampton senate seat may very well be wide open this fall and no doubt attracting an all star cast of contenders.

Whatever goes down, this much is for sure - 2018 is going to be one of the most interesting and entertaining election cycles in a long time for North Valley voters.

Full moon over KFC/Taco on King Street.

Rooftop revelers at UMass.

Of course I would see this in Amherst.

I'm comin' outta my cage.