Keller @ Large: Struggling To Figure Out What Voters Want

BOSTON (CBS) - One thing you learn when you're in the political reporting business for awhile – you can go broke in a hurry assuming that any given election is like the last one, or even like other ones that may be going on at the same time.

For example, it certainly does seem as if the congressional elections this year are a referendum on the Obama administration, and likely to produce a backlash vote in which the most energized voters are those seeking to express their displeasure with the status quo.

It is remarkable that less than two years after he won emphatic re-election, Mr. Obama has become so unpopular that Democratic candidates everywhere are frantic to keep their distance from him.

If Jeanne Shaheen loses and the Senate tips to Republican control, watch for a tsunami of finger-pointing at the White House.

But the governor's race here in Massachusetts is a completely different animal.

Despite dissatisfaction over a string of state government failures, if Gov. Deval Patrick were on the ballot again there would be little suspense about his re-election. But he's not running, and both of the major-party candidates to succeed him seem to be struggling to figure out just what the voters want.

Charlie Baker would be emphasizing dramatic change if the Patrick legacy were unpopular, but he talks more about just running things a bit better.

Martha Coakley avoids wrapping Patrick too closely around her, but also avoids more than passing criticism.

Both candidates are keeping it vague, a sign of unsureness. And the polls show most voters aren't quite sure about them, either.

Election night this year could be a long one.

Get the popcorn ready.

Listen to Jon's commentary:

You can listen to Keller At Large on WBZ News Radio every weekday at 7:55 a.m. You can also watch Jon on WBZ-TV News.

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