My Dad, Rick Mullaney

[stjr]

The irony of the Mullaney campaign is his "No tax increases - I am the ultimate conservative" was really more targeted toward Hogan's rock solid base than Moran.  Yet, he chose to pursue Moran rather than Hogan when I guess his campaign realized that Hogan had the far right locked up tight. Going after Moran then turned away much of the rest of his potential support.  While Mullaney's attacks lost him voters it also probably hurt Moran opening the door for Brown. 

Basically, Mullaney waffling on where he was on the political spectrum led to his failure to build much of a core base beyond what he could muster from his dedicated and loyal personal "friends".  It's a tribute to Mullaney that he did as well as did at the finish line.

[Jimmy]

Yet, he chose to pursue Moran rather than Hogan when I guess his campaign realized that Hogan had the far right locked up tight.

This is right on the money.  Mullaney was in free fall.  He was denied the Chamber and then the Tea Party.  He had nowhere to go than to attack Moran.  He probably moved some voters from her, but straight to Hogan.  The voters Mullaney cost Moran turned the election.

(That, and an impressive ground game today by Brown's team, which can't be forgotten in this discussion.)

There were a lot of moving parts, but the story of this outcome is Mullaney's strategy.

[uptowngirl]

Maybe he like another trusted politician was promised a job....

[Timkin]

[Springfielder]

Mullaney  just handed the mayoral office to Hogan, hope that was his intention and thanks from those of us who give a flying flip, thanks a lot....

I believe you're right on with that, and certainly right on about how disappointing the turn out was. Shameful doesn't even come close to how sorry this election turn out was.

[konstantconsumer]

Last night hurt.  It hurt really, really bad.  I don't think I've ever felt anything like it.  Hogan is going to be mayor and we are going to have to fight him tooth and nail.  The only silver lining was how badly things went for Mullaney and Wiles.

[Timkin]

Not enough.. The result hurt me bad too.. but I know I am far from alone .