June 9, 2008 — The Massachusetts Democratic Party held its state convention Saturday -- it was a warm, warm day, but fortunately the convention planners seated the 2nd Suffolk delegation right in the center of Tsongas arena, so the building was kept cool by the icy chill generated between Dianne Wilkerson and Sonia Chang-Diaz. (It figures to be even frostier at their first debate later this week, sponsored by the 5th Ward.)
The only significant question was whether US Senate challenger Ed O'Reilly would get the necessary 15% to get on the ballot against John Kerry, and by Saturday morning everyone had conceded that he would. His supporters -- primarily anti-war progressives still begrudging Kerry's 2002 authorization vote -- were more motivated to get to Lowell on a sunny Saturday than the do-as-their-told rank and file. That included many of Tom Menino's people, whose absences were pointed out by several observers, sparking some to speculate that the mayor was deliberately dissing Kerry, although others said Menino had simply told his delegates that they need not forego their weekend getaway to the Cape for the essentially meaningless gathering.
