BOSTON — At Boston’s Convention Center, Governor Charlie Baker attends the Boston Semper Fidelis Society’s Marine Corps 247th birthday celebration.
The popular two term Republican Governor is stepping away from political life, leaving many pundits speculating about what’s next for Baker.
Nationally, a centrist group called “No Labels” is reported to be considering a bi-partisan presidential ticket in 2024, one that would include a Republican and a Democrat.
And among the Republican names being floated: Charlie Baker.
Massachusetts Republican strategist Lizzy Guyton is not surprised.
“He’s proven that he can be a centrist Republican in a blue state and maintain really high approval ratings that voters really like,” Guyton said.
Governor Baker’s state-wide popularity in the deep blue state of Massachusetts, at a time when national politics seem to be driven by extremes, is not escaping the attention of Democrats.
“Governor Baker has always been attractive to that middle. It’s why he found success in Massachusetts. And found success in a state that has also elected very progressive Democrats on the same ballot, when you think about Senator Warren,” said Annissa Essaibi George, a Democratic strategist.
The 2024 presidential race could come down to a rematch of Trump vs Biden in 2020.
Could an alternative ticket, with a centrist like Baker at the top, actually have a chance of winning, when other third-party candidates served as spoilers in their races?
It’s an open question.
But one that’s being asked, even as Governor Baker himself is saying very little about what he might do next.
“He’s proven that he can be fiscally conservative, socially moderate and has had a tone of decency and professionalism on Beacon Hill that’s cut through a lot of the political bomb throwing that people are really fed up with and that’s allowed him to stand out on the national stage,” Lizzy Guyton said.
“He’s now a free agent, I guess you could say. He’s leaving the governor’s office. It will attract a great deal more conversation following Tuesday’s election,” said Annissa Essaibi George.
This Tuesday, for the first time since 2015, Massachusetts voters will not see Governor Baker’s name on a ballot.
Whether that will change in two years, is anyone’s guess.
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