With the AP’s Marc Humbert leading the unfolding coverage of the Bill Weld-Steve Minarick dance, it’s becoming clear, unfortunately, that Weld will pull out of the race in the next 24-48 hours. Several emails from reliable individuals indicate this will be the case.
One Albany-based Republican also said this was simply Minarik’s attempt to save his job, but who knows until we see some more reporting.
If this occurs, and Bill Weld bolts, U.S. Senate candidate KT McFarland — far less viable and legitimate than Bill Weld in her respective primary contest with John Spencer — should also hit the road. She’s a cypher if there ever was one.
If Weld withdraws, his political career must still be respected and lauded. His 1996 Senate race with John Kerry was a classic, as was his 1990 race for Governor against John Silber. His legacy will be one of tax cuts and a refreshing air of non self-importance. It was both shocking and amusing to see Weld at a 1992 Grateful Dead concert at Boston Garden.
Weld never seemed to get his sea legs in this GOP primary race, his problem with Mike Long was a hindrance, and he would have been a far stronger, more sure-footed candidate in a general election environment — which is more free-wheeling.
Developing…