The Horse Race

Latest Episodes:

Episode 27: The Ballot Stakes Apr 26, 2018

Show notes

4/25/18 -- It's a busy week in the bunker with Voter Choice Massachusetts' Adam Friedman on ranked choice voting, and -- in a return to the pod -- our senior campaign finance correspondent Sean Curran on the funding behind ballot question campaigns. Then, Steve and Lauren dig into the latest polling and upcoming debate in the race for the MA-3.

Episode 26: North of the Wall Apr 19, 2018

Show notes

4/18/18 -- We head north of the wall - a.k.a. New Hampshire - with special guest host and former pod correspondent Ben Downing. First, The Boston Globe's James Pindell describes what he's seeing up north, now that we know Rep. Joe Kennedy III will be heading there in the fall. Then, Salem News' Ethan Forman breaks down the Republican challengers to Rep. Seth Moulton, and our local poll master and host Steve Koczela calls in to discuss the polling related additions to the AP Stylebook.

Episode 25: Conventional Wisdom Apr 12, 2018

Show notes

4/11/18 -- Former MassGOP chair Jenn Nassour is sharing her "conventional wisdom" with us this week as we get closer to the MassGOP convention. Then The Dorchester Reporter's Jenn Smith returns for the latest on a surprisingly competitive race for Suffolk County DA. Plus Steve and Lauren talk money! FEC reports for the Senate race are in, and we have updates on the candidates' financial standings.

Episode 24: The Senate's Chaos Theory Apr 05, 2018

Show notes

4/4/18 -- Former State Senator Ben Downing is back! He reappears this week as the body's mountain of bad press has us testing a State Senate Chaos Theory. Then we look west with Matt Szafranski of Western Massachusetts Politics & Insight, checking in on the unexpected primary challenge to Former Senate President Stan Rosenberg. Plus, it's almost caucus time! Steve and Lauren break down what it means when the largest number of delegates are "uncommitted."

Episode 23: Ballot Question Questions Mar 29, 2018

Show notes

We're answering your questions on ballots and questions on ballot questions this week on The Horse Race First Pam Wilmot, head of Common Cause Massachusetts, explains Automatic Voter Registration and why it's a big deal. Then political reporter Shira Schoenberg joins us for an update on the final version of the criminal justice reform bill. Finally, Steve and Lauren look at the impending decisions on three big revenue issues: the minimum wage, the "millionaire's tax" and the sales tax ballot questions.

Episode 22: The Revolution Will Be Polled Mar 22, 2018

Show notes

It's all about polls and emerging political power this week. First, Nichole Mossalam, Co-Chair of Our Revolution Massachusetts' Coordinating Committee, joins us to discuss ORMA's rise and what the brand new organization sees in its future. Then, Steve drops some serious polling insight -- courtesy of his most recent WBUR poll -- on Warren's Republican challengers and major policy initiatives on Beacon Hill.

Episode 21: Hindsight is 2017 Mar 15, 2018

Show notes

We're looking back on five months of #mapoli coverage this week. Reporter/MA-3 hawk Chris Lisinski of the Lowell Sun recaps the race for the open seat, and Emerge Massachusetts Executive Director Ryanne Olsen touches on the wave of women running for office. Plus, Steve digs into a highly topical segment we like to call "storm politics."

Episode 20: Wild, Wild West Mass Mar 08, 2018

Show notes

This week we continue our tour of the commonwealth with hot takes from Suffolk County and western Massachusetts. The Dorchester Reporter's Jennifer Smith and MassLive's Gin Dumcius join us in the studio, and "West Mass" correspondent/MassINC Polling Group Research Director Rich Parr calls in to break down all the movement. PLUS, what animal is featured in former Governor Bill Weld's official state house portrait? Tune in next week to find out. **West Mass video and audio created by Steve Porter, PorterHouse Media (on behalf of The Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts).

Episode 19: Suffolk Downing Mar 01, 2018

Show notes

Former State Senator Ben Downing joins us this week to explain the turmoil on Beacon Hill, its impact on senate function and the significance of state and local primary challenges. Then, Steve's got a new transportation poll with hot takes on traffic, and Lauren explains why Massachusetts' drop in the U.S. News and World Report ranking is fair game for Governor Baker's critics.

Episode 18: Frugg Life Feb 22, 2018

Show notes

CommonWealth Magazine's Michael Jonas descends on the bunker to explain the recent surprise in the Suffolk County District Attorney race, while political observer Josh Gee calls in from New York to dish on frugging (fundraising under the guise of research). Then, Steve and Lauren break down a potentially confusing ballot question regarding the repeal of the transgender accommodations law.

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