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2006 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

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2006 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

2002 November 7, 2006 2010
Turnout56.23%Increase0.94[1]
Nominee Deval Patrick Kerry Healey Christy Mihos
Party Democratic Republican Independent
Running mate Tim Murray Reed V. Hillman John J. Sullivan
Popular vote 1,234,984 784,342 154,628
Percentage 55.03% 34.95% 6.89%

Patrick:40–50%50–60%60–70%70–80%80–90%>90%
Healey:40–50%50–60%
Tie:40–50%

Governor before election

Mitt Romney
Republican

Elected Governor

Deval Patrick
Democratic

The2006 Massachusetts gubernatorial electionwas held on November 7, 2006. The incumbentRepublicangovernor,Mitt Romney,chose not to seek a second term. Polls had been mixed prior to Romney's announcement, with one poll showing Romney slightly leadingDemocratAttorney GeneralTom Reillyand other polls showing Reilly, who was then the Democratic frontrunner, in the lead.[2]

The election was won by theDemocraticformer United States Assistant Attorney GeneralDeval Patrick,who became the second African-American governor in the United States sinceReconstructionand the first Democratic governor of Massachusetts sinceMichael Dukakisleft office in 1991. This was the last time until2022that the Democratic nominee won a majority. Healey is the only Republican gubernatorial nominee never to be elected governor between 1990 and 2018.

Democratic primary

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Governor

[edit]

Candidates

[edit]

Endorsements

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Campaign

[edit]

The Democratic State Caucuses were held in February in all cities and towns to elect delegates to the state convention. The Patrick campaign organized their supporters, many of whom had never been involved in such party processes before, to win twice as many pledged delegates as the Reilly campaign. (Chris Gabrieli did not join the race until a month later, which played a major role in his difficulty in getting on the ballot.)

At the Democratic Convention on June 3 in Worcester, each candidate needed to receive support from 15% of the delegates to be on the primary ballot in September. There was some question as to whether Gabrieli could succeed after entering the race so late. Patrick received the convention's endorsement with 57.98% of the vote, Reilly made it with 26.66%, and Gabrieli narrowly achieved ballot access with 15.36% of the delegates' votes.[4][5]

The campaign was highlighted by numerous debates. The first two debates took place in late April.WBZ-CBS4News hosted a debate between Democratic candidates Chris Gabrieli, Deval Patrick, and Tom Reilly on April 21 and it aired at 8:30 AM on April 23.[6]A second Democratic candidate debate, moderated bySy BeckerfromWWLP TV 22,was held atAgawamMiddle School on April 27.[7]

The "Campaign to Stop Killer Coke",a group dedicated to holding Coca-Cola accountable for violence in itsColombianbottling plant in the mid-1990s, began to attack Patrick and his candidacy. Patrick had resigned from the company and said he'd done so after his attempts to get them to carry out an independent investigation were ignored and undermined.[8]Five Massachusetts unions filed a complaint against the group with theOffice of Campaign and Political Finance,[9]in an effort to require the group to disclose its donors. On August 11, it was reported that Reilly's campaign had been behind the efforts.[10]

The final two televised debates played a key role in the primary campaign, as they took place during the two weeks betweenLabor Dayand Primary Day when the public and the media hold their greatest focus on the election. The first of the two was carried about by the media consortium (which includes theBoston Globe,NECN,andWBUR,among others) and moderated by formerNew Hampshire governorJeanne Shaheen,while the second and final debate was held byWBZ-TVand moderated by their political analyst, Jon Keller.

Polling

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Source Date MoE Patrick Reilly Gabrieli Other Und.
Rasmussen Reports[11] January 15–18, 2006 ±5% 30% 29% 11% 30%
State House News[12] January 25–27, 2006 ±7.1% 18% 58% 4% 19%
Suffolk University[13] February 2–4, 2006 ±4.9% 30% 39% 2% 29%
UMass Lowell[14] February 16, 2006 ±5% 40% 40% 20%
Survey USA[15] March 5–6, 2006 ±5% 37% 47% 17%
Boston Globe[16] March 12, 2006 ±4.9% 22% 35% 4% 14% 25%
Merrimack College[17] February 25–March 8, 2006 ±4.8% 21.8% 37.5% 40.7%
Suffolk University[18] April 3, 2006 ±4.9% 21% 32% 11% 36%
Survey USA[19] April 7–8, 2006 ±4.8% 36% 33% 19% 11%
Suffolk University[20] May 3, 2006 ±4.9% 20% 35% 15% 29%
Survey USA[21] May 1–3, 2006 ±4.9% 28% 32% 29% 10%
State House News[22] May 3–5, 2006 ±6.8% 15% 37% 25% 5% 17%
June 3 – Patrick receives party endorsement at Democratic State Convention
Survey USA[23] June 16–18, 2006 ±4.8% 36% 31% 23% 9%
Suffolk University[24] June 22–26, 2006 ±4.0% 31% 25% 22% 21%
State House News[25] June 28–30, 2006 ±7.0% 34.8% 19.3% 21.8% 1.6% 21.4%
Survey USA[26] July 9–11, 2006 ±4.9% 37% 26% 27% 10%
Survey USA[27] July 31–August 2, 2006 ±4.6% 35% 27% 30% 8%
Suffolk University[28] August 17–21, 2006 ±5.2% 24% 20% 32% 24%
Survey USA[29] August 19–21, 2006 ±4.8% 34% 30% 30% 6%
Boston Globe[30] August 18–23, 2006 ±4.4% 30% 24% 27% 3% 15%
(including "leaners" ) 31% 27% 30% 4% 8%
State House News[31] September 7–10, 2006 ±6.8% 35.6% 19.4% 25.6% 1.0% 16.2%
Survey USA[32] September 9–11, 2006 ±4.1% 45% 21% 29% 4%
Boston Globe[33] September 12–15, 2006 ±4.4% 46% 18% 25% 4% 6%
Suffolk University[34] September 15–17, 2006 ±4.0% 37% 21% 29% 11%
Survey USA[35] September 15–17, 2006 ±3.8% 46% 22% 29% 3%

Results

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On September 19, Patrick won the Democratic primary with 50% of the vote, ahead of Gabrieli (27%) and Reilly (23%).[36]

Municipal results of the Democratic primary for the Massachusetts gubernatorial election, 2006
Massachusetts Democratic gubernatorial primary, 2006[37]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Deval Patrick 452,229 49.57%
Democratic Chris Gabrieli 248,301 27.22%
Democratic Tom Reilly 211,031 23.13%
Write-in All others 787 0.08%
Write-in Blanks 14,054 1.51%
Total votes 926,402 100%

Lieutenant governor

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Candidates

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Withdrew
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Declined
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Campaign

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On April 23, 2006, a "virtual debate" between Murray, Silbert, andSam Kelleywas released on SaintKermit.com.[39]

On May 21, all four candidates debated in Lowell.[40]Four days later, on May 25, Kelley dropped out of the race and joined the Deval Patrick campaign as a volunteer advisor onhealth careissues.[41]

At the Democratic convention in Worcester on June 3,Worcester MayorTim Murray was endorsed by a voice vote after receiving 49% on the first ballot. Andrea Silbert andDeb Goldbergboth qualified for the ballot with 29% and 22% respectively.

Endorsements

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Polling

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Source Date MoE Goldberg Murray Silbert Undecided
Suffolk University[24] June 22–26, 2006 ±4.0% 10% 6% 5% 79%
Suffolk University[28] August 19–21, 2006 ±5.2% 6% 11% 5% 77%
State House News[31] September 7–10, 2006 ±6.8% 18.3% 15.2% 10.0% 53.4%
Boston Globe[33] September 12–15, 2006 ±4.4% 26% 20% 18% 27%
Suffolk University[34] September 15–17, 2006 ±4.0% 35% 22% 21% 31%

Results

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Tim Murray won the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor on September 19 with 43% of the vote.[42]

Massachusetts Democratic gubernatorial primary, 2006[37]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Tim Murray 351,009 42.60%
Democratic Deborah Goldberg 279,771 33.95%
Democratic Andrea Silbert 191,638 23.26%
Write-in All others 1,591 0.19%
Write-in Blanks 102,393 11.00%
Total votes 926,402 100%

Republican primary

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Governor

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Candidates

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Declined
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Healey was unopposed for the Republican nomination.

Lieutenant governor

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Candidates

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  • Reed Hillman, former State Representative and Massachusetts State Police Colonel

As incumbent Kerry Healey ran for governor, the position of lieutenant governor was open. Reed Hillman was unopposed for the Republican nomination

General election

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Candidates

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Campaign

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On April 25, Republican Kerry Healey called for four debates, each involving all four candidates, between the September primaries and November general election, and this proposition was seconded by Patrick.[48]

The general election campaign kicked off on primary day, September 19, after Tom Reilly and Chris Gabrieli conceded and Kerry Healey accepted her uncontested nomination. Deval Patrick followed with his acceptance speech, appearing with his new running mate Tim Murray and former opponent Chris Gabrieli.

The general election campaign was very heated and was referred to byMichael Dukakisas "the dirtiest gubernatorial campaign in my memory".[49]The Healey campaign released attack ads implying that Deval Patrick supports sexual assault or murder of police (culminating in the now infamous "parking lot rape" ad). Healey supporters also protested at the homes of Patrick and Patrick campaign managerJohn E. Walsh,[50]and documents leaked anonymously to media about Patrick's brother-in-law's criminal history.

After the final debate, WRKO talk radio host John DePetro came under scrutiny for referring to Grace Ross as a "fat lesbian". DePetro was suspended earlier in the year for calling Turnpike Authority chief Matt Amorello a "fag".[51]

Debates

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The first televised debate of the general election was held byWFXTand theBoston Herald] on September 25 onWFXT.Moderated by Fox News'Chris Wallaceon the day after hisBill Clinton interview.

The second debate was held in Springfield and broadcast onWGBHandNECN.

Endorsements

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Predictions

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Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report[66] Lean D(flip) November 6, 2006
Sabato's Crystal Ball[67] Likely D(flip) November 6, 2006
Rothenberg Political Report[68] Likely D(flip) November 2, 2006
Real Clear Politics[69] Likely D(flip) November 6, 2006

Polling

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Poll Date MoE Patrick (D) Healey (R) Mihos (I) Ross (GR) Und/Other
State House News[70] November 17–20, 2005 ±4.8% 44% 32% 24%
Suffolk University[13] February 6, 2006 ±4.9% 39% 32% 29%
UMass Lowell[71] February 16, 2006 ±5% 34% 34% 12% 20%
40% 38% 22%
Survey USA[72] March 3–5, 2006 ±3.8% 30% 35% 20% 14%
Boston Globe[16] March 3–9, 2006 ±4.4% 36% 29% 13% 22%
44% 38% 18%
Merrimack College[73] February 25–March 8, 2006 ±5.6% 32.0% 28.0% 13.0% 27.0%
±4.8% 34.5% 39.4% 26.1%
Rasmussen[74] March 13, 2006 ±4.5% 38% 25% 17% 20%
Suffolk University[75] March 18–20, 2006 ±4.9% 29% 26% 13% 32%
State House News[76] March 16–18, 2006 ±4.8% 25% 32% 18% 25%
Zogby/WSJ[77] March 30, 2006 ±3.5% 53% 31.5%
Suffolk University[78] April 3, 2006 ±4.9% 29% 24% 9% 1% 38%
Rasmussen[79] April 14, 2006 ±4.5% 34% 27% 19% 20%
Suffolk University[80] May 3, 2006 ±4.9% 26% 28% 10% 4% 33%
State House News[31] May 5, 2006 ±4.8% 29% 31% 15% 17%
Survey USA[81] May 8, 2006 ±4.4% 34% 32% 17% 17%
Rasmussen[82] May 15, 2006 ±4.5% 36% 26% 16% 22%
June 3 – Patrick receives party endorsement at Democratic State Convention
Zogby/WSJ[77] June 21, 2006 ±3.5% 55.7% 33.7% 10.6%
Suffolk University[83] June 22–26, 2006 ±4.0% 38% 25% 10% 1% 26%
State House News[31] June 28–30, 2006 ±5.0% 40.1% 30.5% 9.3% 1.7% 18.4%
Rasmussen[84] June 27, 2006 ±4.5% 43% 23% 15% 19%
Zogby/WSJ[77] July 24, 2006 ±4.2% 57.4% 30.8% 11.8%
Rasmussen[85] August 12, 2006 ±4.5% 39% 29% 14% 18%
Zogby/WSJ[86] August 15–21, 2006 ±3.8% 49.6% 23.9% 26.5%
Suffolk University[87] August 17–21, 2006 ±4.1% 38% 30% 10% 2% 20%
State House News[31] September 7–10, 2006 ±4.7% 43% 30% 7% 1% 19%
Zogby/WSJ[86] September 11, 2006 ±3.9% 57.5% 33.0% 9.5%
September 19 – Primary election night; start of campaign
Survey USA[88] September 19–21, 2006 ±3.9% 64% 25% 5% 1% 5%
Rasmussen[89] September 20, 2006 ±4.5% 57% 24% 9% 10%
Merrimack College[73] September 20–24, 2006 ±4.5% 54.2% 20.9% 5.3% 0.5% 19.1%
Zogby/WSJ[90] September 25, 2006 ±3.9% 58.7% 27.3% 8.3% 5.7%
Boston Globe/WBZ[91] September 26–29, 2006 ±4.3% 55% 30% 7% 1% 7%
Suffolk University[92] October 2–4, 2006 ±4.5% 49% 28% 6% 1% 16%
Survey USA[93] October 8–10, 2006 ±4% 52% 34% 9% 1% 4%
Suffolk University[94] October 10–11, 2006 ±4.9% 46% 33% 7% 1% 12%
Zogby/WSJ[95] October 10–16, 2006 ±3.6% 56% 33.6% 6.4% 4%
Suffolk University[96] October 20–23, 2006 ±4.9% 53% 26% 9% 2% 11%
Survey USA[97] October 21–23, 2006 ±4% 56% 31% 8% 2% 4%
UNH/Boston Globe[98] October 22–25, 2006 ±4.1% 54% 29% 8% 2% 6%
Zogby/WSJ[99] October 23–27, 2006 ±3.7% 58.1% 32.7% 4%
SurveyUSA/WBZ[100] October 31–November 1, 2006 ±3.9% 55% 34% 6% 3%
State House News[101] November 1–2, 2006 ±5% 50.9% 27.1% 8.0% 2.1% 6.7%
Suffolk University[102] November 2–5, 2006 ±4.9% 53% 31% 6% 2% 9%

Results

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Official results certified by the Massachusetts Secretary of State, as of December 6, 2006, with all 2,166 precincts reporting.[103]

2006 Massachusetts gubernatorial election[103]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Deval Patrick 1,234,984 55.03% Increase10.6
Republican Kerry Healey 784,342 34.95% Decrease14.2
Independent Christy Mihos 154,628 6.89% Increase6.27
Green-Rainbow Grace Ross 43,193 1.92% Decrease1.54
Write-in All others 2,632 0.12% Increase.06
Blank 24,056 1.07%
Total votes 2,243,835 55.63% Increase0.40
Turnout 2,243,835
Majority 450,642 20.30%
DemocraticgainfromRepublican Swing Increase25.13

Results by county

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2006 United States gubernatorial election in Massachusetts (by county)[104]
County Patrick - D % Patrick - D # Healey - R % Healey - R # Others % Others # Total #
Barnstable 45.3% 47,713 42.7% 44,986 12.1% 12,701 105,400
Berkshire 74.9% 35,035 20.0% 9,339 5.1% 2,374 46,748
Bristol 56.5% 95,623 33.8% 57,233 9.8% 16,523 169,379
Dukes 62.6% 4,817 27.8% 2,143 9.6% 739 7,699
Essex 50.4% 131,376 39.4% 102,584 10.2% 26,528 260,488
Franklin 70.1% 20,204 21.6% 6,212 8.3% 2,386 28,802
Hampden 54.7% 74,899 35.4% 48,511 9.9% 13,635 137,045
Hampshire 66.9% 38,025 25.0% 14,232 8.1% 4,582 56,839
Middlesex 55.7% 299,749 34.5% 185,738 9.8% 52,957 538,444
Nantucket 55.7% 2,244 34.8% 1,402 9.6% 386 4,032
Norfolk 51.6% 134,916 38.2% 99,995 10.2% 26,735 261,646
Plymouth 46.0% 84,296 40.9% 74,933 13.1% 23,978 183,207
Suffolk 69.6% 126,242 22.8% 41,316 7.6% 13,707 181,265
Worcester 53.2% 139,845 36.4% 95,718 10.4% 27,278 262,841

Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic

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See also

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References

[edit]
  1. ^"Massachusetts gubernatorial election, 2006".
  2. ^Polls show Romney gaining on Reilly, Reilly leading HealeyBoston GlobeNovember 17, 2005
  3. ^Gabrieli readies run for governorBoston GlobeMarch 22, 2006
  4. ^Patrick garners most votes; Reilly touts success at conventionBoston GlobeJune 3, 2006
  5. ^All candidates make it..Boston GlobeJune 3, 2006
  6. ^The April 23 debate can be viewed online atcbs4boston.com
  7. ^Agawam Candidates' Forum Tonight!ArchivedSeptember 30, 2007, at theWayback MachineMassLive: The FrayApril 2006. The April 27 debate and can be heard onMassLive.com
  8. ^Patrick's path from courtroom to boardroomBoston GlobeAugust 13, 2006
  9. ^Pro-Patrick unions file OCPF complaint against Killer CokeArchived2018-10-24 at theWayback MachineBoston PhoenixAugust 9, 2006
  10. ^For Reilly, things go better with CokeBoston GlobeAugust 11, 2006,Holy sh*t!! Vennochi finds Reilly campaign's fingerprints all over Killer CokeArchived2006-08-20 at theWayback MachineBlue Mass GroupAugust 11, 2006
  11. ^Rasmussen Reports
  12. ^State House News
  13. ^abSuffolk UniversityArchived2006-06-13 at theWayback Machine
  14. ^UMass Lowell
  15. ^Survey USA
  16. ^abBoston Globe
  17. ^Merrimack College
  18. ^Suffolk University
  19. ^Survey USA
  20. ^Suffolk University
  21. ^Survey USA
  22. ^State House News
  23. ^Survey USA
  24. ^abSuffolk University
  25. ^State House News
  26. ^Survey USA
  27. ^Survey USA
  28. ^abSuffolk University
  29. ^Survey USA
  30. ^Boston Globe
  31. ^abcdeState House News
  32. ^Survey USA
  33. ^abBoston Globe
  34. ^abSuffolk University[permanent dead link]
  35. ^Survey USA
  36. ^WBZ-TVArchived2007-02-08 at theWayback Machine,September 19, 2006
  37. ^abState Primary Election Results 2006Massachusetts Elections Division official results(PDF, 196k)
  38. ^St. Fleur Withdraws As Reilly's Running Mate
  39. ^SaintKermit.comArchived2006-09-22 at theWayback Machine
  40. ^The May 21 Lt. Governor debate is available online atLowell Telecommunications CorporationArchived2006-10-10 at theWayback Machine.
  41. ^"Sam Kelley out of Lt. Gov. racePolitical Intelligence,boston.com, May 25, 2006
  42. ^cbs4boston.com: Election Results: Boston & BeyondArchived2007-02-08 at theWayback Machine
  43. ^Mihos to run as independentBoston GlobeMarch 1, 2006
  44. ^Mihos picks John SullivanPolitical Intelligence,boston.com, June 8, 2006
  45. ^Green-Rainbow Party Press Release on NominationsArchived2006-04-18 at theWayback MachineMarch 7, 2006
  46. ^Green-Rainbow Party LG candidate drops outPolitical IntelligenceSeptember 1, 2006
    Nurse quits lieutenant governor raceBoston GlobeSeptember 2, 2006
  47. ^A new LG candidate for Green Rainbow PartyPolitical IntelligenceSeptember 7, 2006
  48. ^Healey challenges fellow gubernatorial hopefuls to four debatesBoston GlobeApril 25, 2006
  49. ^Enoughby Mike DukakisThe Boston Globe,October 29, 2006
  50. ^"Blue Mass. Group: Message to Kerry Healey: don't make him angry. You wouldn't like him when he's angry".Archived fromthe originalon October 11, 2007.RetrievedJune 25,2013.
  51. ^'Fat lesbian' quip about Ross lands WRKO jock in hot waterBoston Herald,November 3, 2006
  52. ^Healey-Hillman for Corner OfficeBoston Herald,October 30, 2006
  53. ^In the governor's race, our choice is HealeyArchivedFebruary 10, 2007, at theWayback MachineSpringfield Republican,October 30, 2006
  54. ^[1]Archived2007-01-01 at theWayback MachineThe Eagle-TribuneNovember 1, 2006
  55. ^[2]Archived2006-11-06 at theWayback MachineSentinel & EnterpriseNovember 1, 2006
  56. ^[3]Archived2006-11-06 at theWayback MachineLowell SunNovember 1, 2006
  57. ^"Editorials/Opinion (March 4, 2006)".Archived fromthe originalon March 5, 2006.RetrievedNovember 7,2006.Cape Cod TimesNovember 4, 2006
  58. ^Patrick for governor,The Boston Globe,October 29, 2006
  59. ^A promising change: Patrick, Murray would be strong Statehouse teamArchivedSeptember 27, 2007, at theWayback Machine,Worcester Telegram & Gazette,October 29, 2006
  60. ^Endorsement: Patrick for governor[permanent dead link],MetroWest Daily News,October 29, 2006
  61. ^Patrick for governor,Providence Journal,October 29, 2006
  62. ^Patrick for GovernorArchived2007-09-28 at theWayback MachineBerkshire Eagle,October 31, 2006
  63. ^Deval Patrick for governorBoston Phoenix,November 1, 2006
  64. ^Editorial: Patrick for Governor[permanent dead link]Newton Tab,November 1, 2006
  65. ^Editorial: Patrick is our pick[permanent dead link]West Roxbury & Roslindale Transcript,October 26, 2006
  66. ^"2006 Governor Race Ratings for November 6, 2006"(PDF).The Cook Political Report.Archived fromthe original(PDF)on June 5, 2008.RetrievedOctober 1,2006.
  67. ^"Election Eve 2006: THE FINAL PREDICTIONS".Sabato's Crystal Ball.November 6, 2006.RetrievedJune 25,2021.
  68. ^"2006 Gubernatorial Ratings".Senate Ratings.The Rothenberg Political Report.RetrievedJune 25,2021.
  69. ^"Election 2006".Real Clear Politics.RetrievedJune 25,2021.
  70. ^State House NewsArchivedFebruary 17, 2006, at theWayback Machine
  71. ^UMass Lowell
  72. ^Survey USA
  73. ^abMerrimack College
  74. ^RasmussenArchived2006-03-19 at theWayback Machine
  75. ^Suffolk UniversityArchived2006-09-05 at theWayback Machine
  76. ^State House News[permanent dead link]
  77. ^abcZogby/WSJ
  78. ^Suffolk UniversityArchived2006-09-11 at theWayback Machine
  79. ^Rasmussen
  80. ^Suffolk University
  81. ^Survey USA
  82. ^Rasmussen
  83. ^Suffolk UniversityArchived2006-09-05 at theWayback Machine
  84. ^Rasmussen
  85. ^Rasmussen
  86. ^abZogby/WSJ
  87. ^Suffolk UniversityArchived2006-09-05 at theWayback Machine
  88. ^Survey USA
  89. ^RasmussenArchived2006-10-21 at theWayback Machine
  90. ^Zogby/WSJ
  91. ^Boston Globe/WBZ
  92. ^Suffolk University
  93. ^Survey USA
  94. ^Suffolk University
  95. ^Zogby/WSJ
  96. ^Suffolk University
  97. ^Survey USA
  98. ^UNH/Boston Globe
  99. ^Zogby/WSJ
  100. ^SurveyUSA/WBZ
  101. ^State House News
  102. ^Suffolk University
  103. ^ab2006 Massachusetts General Election Results: Governor/Lt. GovernorMass.gov
  104. ^"PD43+ » Search Elections".
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