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1986 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

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FieldValue
election_name1986 Massachusetts gubernatorial election
countryMassachusetts
typepresidential
ongoingno
previous_election1982 Massachusetts gubernatorial election
previous_year1982
next_election1990 Massachusetts gubernatorial election
next_year1990
election_dateNovember 3, 1986
turnout57.41% 25.1
image_sizex150px
image1File:Michael Dukakis 1988 DNC (2).jpg
nominee1Michael Dukakis
party1Democratic Party (United States)
running_mate1Evelyn Murphy
popular_vote11,157,786
percentage168.79%
image23x4.svg
nominee2George Kariotis
party2Republican Party (United States)
running_mate2Nicholas Nikitas
popular_vote2525,364
percentage231.21%
map_image{{switcher
default1
map_size250px
map_captionDukakis:
titleGovernor
before_electionMichael Dukakis
before_partyDemocratic Party (United States)
after_electionMichael Dukakis
after_partyDemocratic Party (United States)

|[[File:1986_Massachusetts_gubernatorial_election_results_map_by_county.svg|300px]] |County results |[[File:1986 Massachusetts Gubernatorial Election by Municipality.svg|300px|]] |Municipality results

Kariotis:

The 1986 Massachusetts gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1986. Michael Dukakis was elected Governor of Massachusetts for a third term. He defeated Republican George Kariotis by a 69–31% margin. This was the last time a Democrat was elected governor of Massachusetts until 2006.

Democratic primary

Governor

Candidates

  • Michael Dukakis, incumbent governor

Michael Dukakis was unopposed for the Democratic nomination.

Lieutenant governor

Candidates

  • Gerard D'Amico, state senator from Worcester
  • Evelyn Murphy, former Secretary of Environmental Affairs and candidate for lt. governor in 1982

John Kerry, the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor in 1982, did not run for reelection as he had been elected to the United States Senate in 1984.

Results

Republican primary

Governor

Candidates

  • George Kariotis, businessman and former Secretary of Economic Affairs
Withdrew
  • Greg Hyatt, lawyer and candidate for Massachusetts's 5th congressional district in 1984
  • Royall H. Switzler, State Representative from Wellesley
Eliminated at convention
  • Guy Carbone, former Metropolitan District Commissioner
Declined
  • Paul W. Cronin, former U.S. Representative for Massachusetts's 5th congressional district
  • Edward J. King, former Democratic governor

Campaign

On March 13, Greg Hyatt became the first Republican to enter the gubernatorial race. A self-described "populist conservative", Hyatt supported limiting state taxes, bringing back the death penalty, and competency testing and merit pay for teachers. He opposed the state law that made wearing a seat belt mandatory, the use of roadblocks to crack down on drunken driving, and the use of public funds for abortions.

Shortly before the Republican convention, Boston attorney and former Metropolitan District Commissioner Guy Carbone entered the race.

The convention nomination was won by Royall H. Switzler, a state representative who had been drafted by anti-Hyatt Republicans after former Congressman Paul W. Cronin decided not to enter the race. To receive the endorsement of the party, a candidate must receive the support of 50% of the delegates. Only candidates receiving 15% of the vote or more on any ballot would be eligible for a primary. After a strong showing on the first ballot, some of Hyatt's major supporters, including Ray Shamie and Papa Gino's founder Michael Valerio, announced that they would not oppose Switzler's endorsement. On the second ballot, Switzler won the nomination with 975 votes. Since Carbone did not exceed 15% of the vote on either ballot, he was eliminated.

1986 United States presidential election in Massachusetts (by county)CountyDukakis - D %Dukakis - D #Kariotis - R %Kariotis - R #Others %Others #Total #
Barnstable59.7%41,64435.3%24,6414.9%3,44969,734
Berkshire76.5%33,75320.2%8,9103.2%1,43244,095
Bristol72.4%97,81323.1%31,1884.6%6,181135,182
Dukes76.4%3,64220.9%9942.7%1294,765
Essex63.2%130,97531.1%64,4375.7%11,761207,173
Franklin72.4%15,74524.2%5,2593.4%73821,742
Hampden69.4%81,46726.3%30,8814.3%5,099117,447
Hampshire70.0%28,50024.7%10,0385.3%2,16940,707
Middlesex64.3%291,61829.9%135,6995.7%25,922453,239
Nantucket73.2%1,56723.7%5073.1%672,141
Norfolk61.9%128,74132.7%67,9235.5%11,340208,004
Plymouth58.6%71,10036.5%44,2915.0%6,021121,412
Suffolk69.0%108,99523.6%37,2237.4%11,677157,895
Worcester63.1%122,21632.7%63,3734.2%8,141193,730

References

References

  1. "Our Campaigns - MA Governor Race - Nov 04, 1986".
  2. Bruce Mohl. (April 5, 1986). "Guy Carbone Announces GOP Run for Governor". Boston Globe.
  3. Andrew J. Dabilis. (April 13, 1986). "Switzler Drive Put Together in 4 1/2 Hours". Boston Globe.
  4. (January 24, 1986). "Former Governor King decides not to challenge Dukakis again next fall". Providence Journal.
  5. Bruce Mohl. (March 14, 1986). "GOP'S Hyatt Announces Candidacy for Governor". Boston Globe.
  6. Bruce Mohl. (April 14, 1986). "GOP'S Gears Set in Motion; Switzler Plots Strategy, Signals Hyatt Should Quit". Boston Globe.
  7. Bruce Mohl. (June 5, 1986). "ACCUSATIONS, TURMOIL SWIRL OVER SWITZLER". Boston Globe.
  8. Bruce Mohl. (October 18, 1986). "ADS DEPICT TAX CAP AS A HYATT PROPOSAL". Boston Globe.
  9. (July 17, 1986). "Hey, gang! It's all over!". Nashua Telegraph.
  10. (February 16, 1986). "Sign's '?' on Governor Answered, Massachusetts G.O.P. Seeks End to Slide". New York Times.
  11. "PD43+ » Search Elections".
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