Doug Schoen: Markey's Mass. primary victory proves AOC is most powerful Democrat in America
Markey’s entire campaign message and communication centered on Ocasio-Cortez’s endorsement
On Tuesday night, it was every bit as much a victory for
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., as it was for Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., in the Democratic primary election for the U.S. Senate in Massachusetts.
Indeed,
Ocasio-Cortez’s active endorsement saved the campaign of incumbent Markey, who was facing a formidable primary challenge from Rep. Joe Kennedy III, D-Mass., a congressman who is the grandson of Robert F. Kennedy.
Markey started the election off well-behind Kennedy but he ended up winning a clear and decisive
victory Tuesday night in large part due to Ocasio-Cortez’s active support.
Comparatively, the weight of his family’s legacy cemented Kennedy’s position in the political establishment, especially given that he received endorsements from establishment figures like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
Ultimately though, it is hard not to credit Ocasio-Cortez singularly for handing the Kennedy family their first defeat ever in a Massachusetts election going back close to 75 years.
Make no mistake, Markey’s entire campaign message and communication centered on Ocasio-Cortez’s endorsement—in particular, a compelling ad she made for the vulnerable incumbent.
Given Ocasio-Cortez’s clear popularity, influence, and fundraising support, Schumer is justifiably worried that Ocasio-Cortez could run against him in the primary in 2022, potentially positioning herself as the Democrats' real leader whether or not Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is elected this November.
Doug Schoen: Markey's Mass. primary victory proves AOC is most powerful Democrat in America