You know what’s perfect in the summer? Cape Cod.
For all the obvious reasons: sun and sand, gin and tonics on a warm evening, seafood, shark sightings, fireworks, fishing, and sailing.
But for this political scientist, a summer on the Cape brings another joy: the prospect of competitive elections this fall.
Up and down the ballot, Cape Codders will enjoy something too many others in the Commonwealth will lack: real two-party competition.
All statewide offices will be competitive. The Cape’s member of Congress, Democrat Bill Keating, has a primary election and will face off against Republican Peter Tedeschi. The Congressman was first elected in 2010, turning back a strong tea party challenge. He’s had various degrees of competition since but Cape Codders have always had a choice.
Both of the Cape’s state Senators, Vinny DeMacedo (R) and Julian Cyr (D), will have general election challengers.
State Representative Randy Hunt (R) has a primary challenger—the only incumbent Republican in the state to be so challenged, and a general election matchup. Rep. Tim Whelan (R) will face off against one of two Democrats vying for the nomination while Rep. Will Crocker (R) will also have a Democratic challenger. Representatives Sarah Peake (D), Dylan Fernandes (D), and David Viera (R) have avoided general election challenges this year.
So, the Cape’s legislative delegation has a 62.5% challenge rate. Though not ideal, it’s far better than the state average of 47.5%.
When you add in all federal and state offices and county offices, Cape Codders have a real choice 84% of the time. And if you exclude offices that are typically viewed as somewhat less political and a bit more professional or technical (Register of Deed and Clerk of Courts—both of which have Republican incumbents with no challengers), that number rises.
Representation is a tricky thing, and the best way that our public officials can gauge public opinion is through electoral returns. Elections without competition is democracy adrift.
My own state representative, Randy Hunt, will get a double dose of challenges. He’s widely regarded as a thoughtful and approachable guy who is being challenged in his primary by someone decidedly less so. In the general election, he’ll face a spirited challenge by a young Democrat. It’ll be an exciting race in a fairly red district Hillary Clinton managed to win in 2016 48-47% but where Charlie Baker trounced Martha Coakley in 2014 61-36%. Expect to see the Governor. Hunt’s the kind of person Baker will embrace.
The Cape as a whole voted for Hillary Clinton 54%-41% over Donald Trump but 54%-43% for Charlie Baker over Martha Coakley in 2014. It’s a purple part of the Commonwealth moving from red in Bourne (the only town on Cape to vote for Trump) to the bright blue of Provincetown Clinton’s 2nd best town in the state).
Why is Cape Cod an epicenter of political competition? You might think the relaxed setting might lead to a less competitive environment.
Political identity plays a role. We have more registered Republicans on the Cape (15%) than any other county and, as a result, the state’s minority party is more competitive here. That has fueled active political parties organizations at the local and regional level.
Competitive and active political parties help to fuel politics on the Cape. Our voter turnout in the 2016 election was 79%, better than Essex (75%), Middlesex (77%), Plymouth (77%), and Suffolk (67%) counties. Turnout isn’t due just to vibrant parties but they surely plan a role in ensuring an active citizenry.
Now, as John McCain might add, let’s have some straight talk: competition doesn’t mean turnover is likely or even warranted.
First, it’s hard to unseat an incumbent in good standing and the Cape’s delegation is in excellent standing.
Second, the delegation works well together, and their mutual respect is evident when you see them together. They have a healthy regard for compromise and their constituents. On the whole, they are active, present, good-humored, and respectful. We’ve become so numb to the catastrophe that is our national politics and accustomed to the flood of dark money from washashore elements, that is easy to forget that many folks in public life listen, work hard, and are respectful. The Cape’s delegation is comprised of people hard to dislike.
But, it’s a two-year job (or four or six), and competition isn’t just about the incumbent. It’s about citizens’ ability to exercise their right to vote in a meaningful way. It’s about our voice.
And our voice on the Cape is strong. Come down for the salt air and lobster stew and stay for the democracy.
Well said and it is certainly true that we have lively political competition.