Q&A #11: 1st Essex

"Maria" asks via email:

What do you think the results will be for the primary in the first essex state senate race (now that you have photos with all of the democratic candidate's dogs)?

As you suggest, no candidate has much of a chance to win without a picture on my fantabulous Massachusetts Politicians With Animals tumblr -- in this race or any other. But there's still plenty of time to send in those pix!!! (Just posted today: state senator Karen Spilka with alpacas!)

The First Essex, vacated by Steven Baddour, is a good race, but until someone convinces me otherwise I'm guessing the Democratic primary goes to former Methuen mayor Bill Manzi.