1978 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

none January 2025 September 2023 1978 Massachusetts gubernatorial election Massachusetts presidential no 1974 Massachusetts gubernatorial election 1974 1982 Massachusetts gubernatorial election 1982 November 7, 1978 78.97% 4.33Massachusetts gubernatorial election, 1978 https://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=51797 File:Edward_J._King.png Edward J. King Democratic Party (United States) Thomas O'Neill III 1,030,294 52.51% File:1967 Francis Hatch Massachusetts House of Representatives.png 150x150px Francis W. Hatch Jr. Republican Party (United States) William I. Cowin 926,072 47.19% 300px County results 300px| Municipality results 1 250px King: #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% #584cde 70–80% Hatch: #ffb2b2 40–50% #e27f7f 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% #d72f30 70–80% #C21B18 80–90% Tie: #D2B1D9 40–50% Governor Michael Dukakis Democratic Party (United States) Edward J. King Democratic Party (United States) The 1978 Massachusetts gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1978. Former Massachusetts Port Authority executive director Edward J. King was elected to a four-year term, from January 4, 1979, until January 6, 1983.http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=51797 Our Campaigns - MA Governor Race - Nov 07, 1978 King won the Democratic nomination by defeating incumbent governor of Massachusetts Michael Dukakis in the Democratic primary.http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=51795 Our Campaigns - MA Governor - D Primary Race - Sep 19, 1978 Democratic primary Governor Candidates Barbara Ackermann, former mayor of CambridgeTurner Robert L. Ackerman ponders Dukakis challenge The Boston Globe December 15, 1977 Michael Dukakis, incumbent governor Edward J. King, former executive director of the Massachusetts Port AuthorityKenney Charles Ex-Massport chief King plans to run for governor The Boston Globe December 15, 1976 Declined David M. Bartley, former speaker of the Massachusetts House of RepresentativesTurner Robert L. Bartley says 2 key Democrats want him to run for governor The Boston Globe October 15, 1977 Charles Flaherty, state representative from CambridgeMichelson A.A. When challengers leave the race The Boston Globe February 4, 1978 Paul Guzzi, secretary of the commonwealthSurkin Carol Guzzi may join race for governor The Boston Globe January 12, 1978 (ran for U.S. Senate) Kevin Harrington, president of the Massachusetts State Senate Robert H. Quinn, former Massachusetts attorney general and candidate for governor in 1974 Alan Sisitsky, state senator from Springfield Robert Coldwell Wood, president of the University of Massachusetts Campaign On October 25, 1977, Edward J. King announced that he would seek the Democratic nomination for governor. King also considered running as an Independent or a Republican.Turner Robert L. King or Hatch? The Boston Globe November 5, 1978 King attacked Dukakis for not keeping his promises, specifically his pledge not to raise taxes. A fiscal and social conservative, King was anti-abortion and supported capital punishment, offshore drilling, increased nuclear power, greater research on solar energy, less business regulation, raising the drinking age to 21, and mandatory sentences for drug dealers.Turner Robert L. King opens campaign with blast at Dukakis The Boston Globe October 26, 1977A final blitz for votes The Boston Globe September 17, 1978 Nick King Laurence Collins On March 30, 1978, Ackerman announced her candidacy for governor. She positioned herself as the party's liberal alternative to Dukakis. She criticized the governor for failing to deliver adequate human services, not cutting the cost of government, and not attracting new jobs.Robinson Walter V. Ackermann of Cambridge is running for governor The Boston Globe March 31, 1978 During the primary race, King was critical of Dukakis, Ackerman attacked Dukakis' record and King's positions on the issues, and Dukakis focused on his accomplishments and ignored his two opponents. Due to his incumbency, Dukakis held the early lead in the race. King was able to raise more money than his opponents due to his support from the business community. King focused his spending on extensive media advertising, while Dukakis spent more money on organization than advertising. Ackerman struggled to raise money throughout the campaign and could not afford to advertise on television or in a daily newspaper.3 Democrats get ready for the final push The Boston Globe August 13, 1978 Nick King Walter V. Robinson Results thumb|Democratic primary results by municipality|center King upset Dukakis 51% to 42% with Ackerman receiving the remaining 7%. 1978 Massachusetts Democratic gubernatorial primary Democratic Party (United States) Edward J. King 442,174 51.07% Democratic Party (United States) Michael Dukakis (incumbent) 365,417 42.20% Democratic Party (United States) Barbara Ackermann 58,220 6.72% Write-in All others 48 0.01% Lieutenant governor Candidates Thomas P. O'Neill III, incumbent lieutenant governor Declined Jack Backman, state senator from BrooklineLockman Norman May 12, 1978 Dukakis aide '99%' sure Lt. Gov. O'Neill will run for Senate The Boston Globe John L. Buckley, secretary of administration and finance Paul Guzzi, secretary of the commonwealth (running for U.S. Senate) Philip W. Johnston, state representative from Marshfield Michael McLaughlin, Middlesex County commissioner Ronald Pine, state representative Lois Pines, state representative from Newton Rosemarie Sansone, Boston city councilwoman Alan Sisitsky, state senator from Springfield Results Incumbent Thomas O'Neill III was unopposed for renomination. Republican primary Governor Candidates Francis W. Hatch Jr., minority leader of the Massachusetts House of Representatives Edward F. King, businessman and anti-tax activist Withdrew John Buckley, Middlesex County sheriff Declined Donald R. Dwight, former lieutenant governorHenry III William Where are they now--Sargent, Dwight, Davoren and Quinn? The Boston Globe May 4, 1975Patterson Rachelle US position turned down by Dwight The Boston Globe September 7, 1975 Elliot Richardson, former Massachusetts attorney general and member of the Ford administrationLockman Norman State GOP's view from the bottom The Boston Globe November 7, 1976Patterson Rachelle Richardson weighs bid for Presidency The Boston Globe December 11, 1976State House? Richardson to say no The Boston Globe October 4, 1977 Campaign On October 27, 1977, Massachusetts House minority leader Francis W. Hatch Jr. became the first Republican candidate for governor. He was joined at his first campaign press conference by former ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge Jr., former state senator Philip A. Graham, and former state party chairman William A. Barnstead.Turner Robert J. Hatch announces for governor, says Dukakis failing to lead The Boston Globe October 28, 1977 He believed that the real issues of the campaign were property tax relief, creating jobs and improving the state's economy, welfare reform, revamping auto insurance, and making government more open. In November 1977, party chairman Gordon M. Nelson leaked a poll of Republican campaign contributors that showed Richardson was the top choice for governor with 47% followed by Edward F. King with 27%, Hatch with 18%, former governor Francis W. Sargent with 7%, and Middlesex County Sheriff John J. Buckley with 2%.Healy Robert Hatch caught in old GOP squeeze The Boston Globe November 4, 1977 On January 4, 1978, Edward F. King announced his candidacy for governor.Turner Robert GOP's Edward F. King will run for governor The Boston Globe January 5, 1978 A businessman who founded and ran a data consulting company and a real estate company, King ran as a political outsider. He was best known for leading the successful campaign to defeat the graduated income tax proposals in 1972 and 1976. A conservative, he listed Ronald Reagan and Meldrim Thomson Jr. as among his heroes.King Nick Kings are pawns in a name game The Boston Globe January 13, 1978 King pledged to cut the state budget by $600 million and eliminate some agencies and programs. He took stances against busing, abortion, gay rights, and gun control. King focused his early campaign on winning the Republican state convention, which he believed would catapult him through the primary and victory over Dukakis in the general election. He pledged to drop out of the race if he did not win the convention vote.Lockman Norman Only 1st step, King cautions The Boston Globe May 7, 1978 Because Edward F. King had the same name as Democratic candidate Edward J. King, the two candidates were often confused with each other. As the younger and lesser known candidate, Edward F. King believed that the name confusion worked to his advantage as it gave his name double exposure. Conversely, as the better known candidate, Edward J. King became wary of the confusion. In addition to having the same name, the two Kings also had similar political positions (they both ran as pro-business, anti-tax conservatives) and both attended Boston College (Edward J. King graduated, but Edward F. King left to go into business). Physically, the two were not alike, as the Democratic King was large (six feet tall) and quiet, while the Republican was five foot-six and described as "fiery". On February 6, 1978, John J. Buckley entered the GOP race. Buckley believed that as a fiscal conservative who was liberal on social issues, he was the best Republican candidate to beat Dukakis. He also cited the fact that he had been elected in a heavily Democratic county while King had never run for public office before and Hatch had lost his previous bids for higher office as another reason why he was the best candidate. Buckley reiterated his opposition to the death penalty and promised to veto any attempts to eliminate abortions. He also stated that he wanted to let private businesses perform many state functions, including the Medicaid program. He declined to promise that he would not raise taxes.Turner Robert L. Sheriff Buckley joins GOP governor race The Boston Globe February 7, 1978 The Republican Convention was held on May 6, 1978, at the Symphony Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts. On the first ballot, King received a plurality of the votes with 898 to Hatch's 874 and Buckley's 212. Before the second ballot, Buckley announced that he was withdrawing his candidacy and attempted to move his delegates to Hatch. However, King won the nomination. After the defeat, Hatch announced that he would challenge King in the primary.Collins Laurence Conservative defeats Hatch after Buckley withdraws The Boston Globe May 7, 1978 Although Buckley withdrew at the convention he still considered running in the primary. However, on May 17 he officially exited the governor's race.Collins Laurence Buckley bows out of race for governor The Boston Globe May 18, 1978 He later entered the race for the United States House of Representatives seat in Massachusetts's 5th congressional district, which was being vacated by Paul Tsongas. During the primary campaign, King attacked Hatch for being a "professional politician" and an "insurgent" candidate. He stated as House Minority Leader, Hatch shared a responsibility for higher taxes and spending. King also touted his role as a leader in the taxpayer revolt. Hatch, on the other hand, ignored King and focused his attack on the Democratic frontrunner and incumbent governor Michael Dukakis. Results Hatch defeated King 56% to 44%. 1978 Massachusetts Republican gubernatorial primaryhttp://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=52213 Our Campaigns - MA Governor - R Primary Race - Sep 19, 1978 Republican Party (United States) Francis W. Hatch Jr. 141,070 55.96% Republican Party (United States) Edward F. King 110,932 44.01% Write-in All others 86 0.03% Lieutenant governor Candidates William I. Cowin, former secretary of administration and finance (running with Hatch) Peter McDowell, state representative from Dennis (running with King) Campaign On April 28, 1978, Edward F. King chose State Representative Peter McDowell to be his running mate.Dennis Republican King running mate The Boston Globe April 29, 1978 McDowell was chosen by King largely because McDowell opposed a clause in an ethics bill supported by King's primary opponent, Francis W. Hatch Jr., that would require politicians to disclose all clients they had done more than $1000 worth of business with. He felt the provision was unfair because businesses would not want to disclose this information for competitive reasons. He also felt it was unfair to the clients to have their names disclosed because they had nothing to do with political activities.The convention's slate The Boston Globe May 7, 1978 Following King's victory at the Republican convention, McDowell was acclaimed as the party's nominee. After John J. Buckley dropped out at the convention to support Hatch, it was rumored that Hatch would select Buckley to be his running mate. However, on May 25, 1978, Hatch announced that former Secretary of Administration and Finance William I. Cowin would be his running mate. Turner Robert Cowin teams up with Hatch https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/boston/access/1994707982.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI https://archive.today/20120713162848/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/boston/access/1994707982.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI dead July 13, 2012 August 14, 2011 Boston Globe May 26, 1978 Results Cowin defeated McDowell in the Republican primary to become his party's nominee for lieutenant governor. 1978 Massachusetts Republican lieutenant gubernatorial primaryMassachusetts Election Statistics 1978 1978 230 https://archive.org/stream/massachusettsele19781979mass#page/230/mode/2up Republican Party (United States) William I. Cowin 128,914 59.90% Republican Party (United States) Peter McDowell 86,250 40.08% Write-in All others 41 0.02% General election Campaign Due to the presence of a conservative Democrat and a liberal Republican in the race, there were some members of each party that endorsed the other's candidate. William A. Casey, the Republican nominee for Massachusetts State Auditor, dropped out of the race to endorse King.Lockman Norman GOP auditor candidate withdraws from ticket The Boston Globe September 24, 1978 Unsuccessful Republican gubernatorial candidate Edward F. King, California anti-tax activist Howard Jarvis, New Hampshire Governor Meldrim Thomson, and Lloyd B. Waring, a prominent Republican fundraiser and former chairman of the Massachusetts Republican Party, also endorsed King.Larkin Al GOP's King backs Edward J. The Boston Globe November 2, 1978Black Chris King gets Jarvis' backing The Boston Globe October 17, 1978I'd vote for King, Thomson says The Boston Globe October 29, 1978 Conversely, unsuccessful Democratic candidate Barbara Ackermann, state representatives Barney Frank, Mel King, Saundra Graham, Doris Bunte, Robert L. Fortes, and James Segel, Chelsea Mayor Joel Pressman, and the board of the directors of the Massachusetts chapter of Americans for Democratic Action endorsed Hatch.Larkin Al Democrat Ackermann says she's for Hatch The Boston Globe October 5, 1978Collins Laurence 6 Democrats go for Hatch The Boston Globe October 11, 1978Collins Laurence Chelsea's mayor goes for Hatch The Boston Globe October 18, 1978Larkin Al ADA board votes to back Hatch The Boston Globe October 6, 1978 Lieutenant Governor Thomas P. O'Neill III considered dropping out of the race instead of running on the same ticket as King. However, he chose to remain on the ticket but express his own ideology.King Nick Lt. Gov. O'Neill will run with King The Boston Globe September 22, 1978 Results The King-O'Neill ticket defeated the Hatch-Cowin ticket 53% to 47%. 1978 Massachusetts gubernatorial election Democratic Party (United States) Edward J. King (Thomas P. O'Neill III) 1,030,294 52.51% 0.99 Republican Party (United States) Francis W. Hatch Jr. (William I. Cowin) 926,072 47.19% 4.90 Write-in All others 5,885 0.30% 104,222 20.30% Results by county 1978 United States gubernatorial election in Massachusetts (by county)https://electionstats.state.ma.us/elections/search/year_from:1972/year_to:2020/office_id:1/stage:General PD43+ » Search Elections County King - D % King - D # Hatch Jr. - R % Hatch Jr. - R # Write-ins % Write-ins # Total #Barnstable 37.5% 21,986 61.8% 36,198 0.7% 425 58,609Berkshire 46.1% 22,660 53.5% 26,285 0.3% 164 49,109Bristol 61.1% 87,175 38.8% 55,406 0.1% 184 142,765Dukes 29.2% 1,201 69.3% 2,851 1.6% 64 4,116 Essex 50.6% 122,567 49.0% 118,752 0.4% 858 242,187Franklin 36.5% 8,157 63.3% 14,121 0.2% 45 22,323Hampden 48.3% 64,316 51.5% 68,518 0.2% 250 133,084Hampshire 38.1% 16,216 61.7% 26,303 0.2% 85 42,604Middlesex 52.1% 360,363 47.6% 237,911 0.3% 1,710 499,984Nantucket 32.0% 570 68.0% 1,209 0.0% 0 1,779Norfolk 52.7% 127,532 46.9% 113,633 0.4% 878 242,043Plymouth 54.8% 68,594 44.7% 55,652 0.4% 547 124,794Suffolk 61.5% 113,967 38.5% 71,281 0.0% 85 185,333Worcester 53.9% 115,151 45.8% 97,780 0.3% 590 213,521 Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican Berkshire Franklin Hampden Hampshire See also 1977–1978 Massachusetts legislature References 30em 1978 Gubernatorial Massachusetts Massachusetts Category:Michael Dukakis