Talk Elections

Silber Loses in Massachusetts

John R. Silber (D), the controversial president of Boston University, was defeated by former U.S. Attorney William Weld (R), 52%-48%.

Silber had drawn both praise and condemnation for his tendency to shoot from the hip, criticizing politicians of both parties. That same trait had caused him to make several gaffes, dubbed by the Massachusetts press "Silber shockers," which had alienated traditional Democratic voters.

Many analysts blamed Silber's defeat on his statement in the last days of the campaign that working mothers should stay at home for the good of their children. Surveys showed that many Weld supporters had voted for the Republican mostly because of a dislike for Silber.

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Silber Scores Massachusetts Upset

Boston University President John R. Silber September 18 scored a stunning upset victory in the Massachusetts Democratic gubernatorial primary. He would face former U.S. Attorney William F. Weld, the upset winner of the Republican primary, in November.

Silber defeated state Attorney General Francis X. Bellotti, 53% to 44%. About one million people voted in the Democratic primary. A Boston Globe survey published September 13 had shown Bellotti with a 23 percentage point lead over Silber. A third candidate, Lieutenant Governor Evelyn Murphy, September 10 had dropped out of the race and endorsed Bellotti.

Incumbent Governor Michael S. Dukakis (D), faced with declining poll ratings and a state budget crisis, had chosen not to run for reelection.

Silber was a maverick Democrat who admitted that he had voted for President Bush in 1988 and who was a conservative on a number of issues. He had been a center of controversy throughout the race, drawing fire for several outspoken comments.

Silber was especially critical of the Massachusetts welfare system, suggesting that the state had become a "welfare magnet." According to Silber, generous benefits had caused a deluge of immigrants from "tropical climates" to come to the state. "Why should Lowell be the Cambodian capital of America?" Silber had asked, referring to a Massachusetts town with a large Cambodian population.

In the last days of the campaign, Silber again drew fire for an outspoken remark. When asked why he had not made a speech about crime in a predominately black neighborhood such as Boston's Roxbury, Silber September 11 said, "There is no point in my making a speech on crime control to a bunch of addicts."

Although Silber was blasted by public officials and the media for his remarks, surveys revealed that many voters admired his tendency to say what he thought. Voters also said that they liked the fact that Silber had no ties to the current state government.

As for winning in 1994. Politicans tend to win re-election after doing a good job for their term.