Setti Warren’s Senate Run — More Than a Long Shot

Newton, Massachusetts, Mayor Setti Warren’s decision to run for national office has true potential to add a little color to the U.S. Senate chambers.

That’s because unlike in other states, Democrats in Massachusetts are confident a black candidate can win statewide — the state’s governor, Deval Patrick, is an African American.

Warren is seeking the Democratic Party’s nomination for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Scott Brown, who came to the Senate through a special election in 2010, following the death of Senator Ted Kennedy.  Though a short time in office, Brown has built a wealthy campaign coffer with more than $7 million in contributions.

That’s impressive — perhaps intimating. But Warren is no novice to political campaigns, and he can be expected to put up some respectable fundraising numbers of his own.

“I’m probably about as well known as Scott Brown was at this point two years ago,” Warren says in a campaign video on YouTube.

Warren is not the only Democrat in the race.  City Year co-founder Alan Khazei and former Lt. Gov. Bob Massie are both formidable opponents in the Democratic primary.

Not everyone is excited about Setti’s run.  Congressman Barney Frank, D-Massachusetts, said it was too soon for the newcomer to consider a Senate run — commonly ignored advice to those seeking election statewide for the first time and reminiscent of the warning given Barack Obama before he launched his Senate career.

With the 2012 Presidential campaign in gear, Massachusetts will be a state that Obama targets to win again.  With Obama on the ballot, Massachusetts will be a prime location for a Senate seat pick up for Democrats.

Britton Loftin is a Political Strategist and Director of a Legislative & Government Affairs firm.

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