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Behind The Mic With Joe Mathieu: Coakley Capitalizing On Mistakes

BOSTON (CBS) - It's been one of the worst kept secrets in Massachusetts politics. Attorney General Martha Coakley made it official Monday that she's running for governor.

She already has the support of big party activists and expects endorsements from groups like "Emily's List" which has deep pockets. So this comes as little surprise. Especially after Scott Brown told WBZ NewsRadio 1030 that he would not run in this race.

Most of the stories you'll see and hear Monday will focus on how badly Coakley was beaten in the special U.S. Senate election a few years ago. They will talk about the many mistakes she made and must learn from.

And in politics that can be a good thing. A story of redemption. People love a comeback kid. It humanizes a candidate and helps people relate.

That's why Coakley talks about the loss in her announcement. This is a campaign acutely aware of the mistakes made three years ago and more importantly how to learn from them.

We may even see Martha Coakley shaking hands at Fenway Park. More than once.

The fact is nothing prepares a candidate for a campaign like running a campaign. Whether it's a win or a loss. Coakley will likely be a better politician for it.

But there's more to it than personality. Winning is also about organization. The way a campaign is run and the tactics and technology that it uses.

I spoke with an operator in the national Democratic Party who described disorganization when he was sent to help the Coakley campaign three years ago.

And based on the people Coakley's already hired – and the aggressive rollout they've already planned – this is already a very different campaign than her last one.

Follow Joe on Twitter @joemathieuwbz

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