by Paul R. Bergeron, III
The storyline and result could not have been better suited for cable news headline writers: “Mass-acre,” “Mass Backwards,” “Critical Mass” appeared on screen as the nation tuned in after last month’s election to determine who would fill Massachusetts’ vacant U.S. Senate seat.
A virtual unknown outside of the state only months ago, Scott Brown’s stunning and decisive election victory gave the GOP a 41st member in the U.S. Senate. It, essentially, enables Republicans to filibuster legislation through a party-line vote. In replacing deceased Ted Kennedy, Brown is the first Republican to represent Massachusetts in the Senate since 1972.
Units magazine asked several Massachusetts-based apartment executives and key government affairs-related persons for their thoughts on the election and its impact.
Jim Arbury, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, National Multi Housing Council (NMHC): “The results will have a profound effect in Washington. It is amazing how one Senate seat can change the entire political landscape. Now, the Republican Party has 41 senators and is able to successfully filibuster most legislative issues. The GOP does not have to be concerned with trying to get a Democrat to help it filibuster. The effect will filter over to the House of Representatives. House Democrats now know that legislation they pass must eventually be agreed to by Republicans or that legislation will not be enacted into law. The shift in legislative power will have a huge impact on many of the issues of concern to the multifamily industry.”
Peter Donovan, Senior Managing Director, CB Richard Ellis, Boston, and 2010 NMHC Chairman: “Being a Massachusetts resident, the effect in our state is seismic. Brown was 30 points behind Coakley and carried little name recognition. But in 60 days he went from being the obligatory Republican opposition candidate to mobilizing the state. Apparently, Massachusetts is not nearly as blue a state as we all thought. In the distance, I think I see hell freezing over. These results are truly remarkable. Brown’s election, quite frankly, now forces the Democrats to do what they should have been doing all along--practicing bipartisan politics.”
Terry Danner, CEO, Riverstone Residential, Dallas, NAA Legislative Committee Chair: “From a property management perspective, in listening to Brown’s acceptance speech, he is a proponent of small business. Democratic initiatives surrounding Card Check and Carried Interest have suffered blows because they will now need major revisions that could go in our industry’s favor or be dismissed altogether. I hope this election result doesn’t paralyze legislative progress, but simply provides a bipartisan solution to our problems.”
George McHugh, President, Chestnut Hill Realty, Chestnut Hill, Mass., and Greater Boston Real Estate Board, Rental Housing Association President: “Chosen to replace an icon like Ted Kennedy, Brown’s election shows that the people of Massachusetts are willing to take a chance on change.”
Bill Wollinger, SHCM, President, WinnResidential, Boston: “Replacing a beloved senior statesman like Edward Kennedy with a young, aggressive, issue-oriented legislator, who happens to be a Republican, is clearly a message from the people. Change is not only necessary but demanded. The important issues of the day must be addressed and the concept of business as usual is not satisfying the voters.”
Political Pundits to Discuss 2010 Election at Capitol Conference
Stu Rothenburg, Editor and Publisher, Rothenberg Political Report, told Politico days before the Jan. 19 election that should Brown defeat opposing Democratic candidate Martha Coakley, it would be the greatest political upset in his lifetime.
Rothenburg and Charlie Cook, Publisher, Cook Political Report, are two of the most respected political analysts in Washington, D.C. Both are scheduled to present during NAA Capitol Conference, March 7-10, in Washington. NBC News Political Director, Chief White House Correspondent Chuck Todd also is scheduled. Visit www.naahq.org/events for details.