Overview
- Mike Minogue won about 70% of delegate support at the Worcester convention Saturday, while Brian Shortsleeve cleared the 15% threshold and Mike Kennealy fell short and suspended his bid.
- Fewer than 1,800 of more than 4,000 qualified delegates cast votes, and long entry lines, registration snags and late voting drew boos from delegates who said they were still casting ballots when officials moved to close voting.
- Minogue, a political newcomer, centered his pitch on auditing the Legislature and the state budget, repealing the MBTA Communities Act that forces denser housing near transit, and rejecting so-called sanctuary policies.
- He enters the primary as the best-funded candidate, reporting more than $7.5 million raised in the first quarter with about $7 million from his own money, according to state finance filings.
- Republicans also endorsed a broader slate, including John Deaton for U.S. Senate, as the race shifts to a Sept. 1 primary in a Democratic-leaning state where a party nod does not ensure victory.