Sears says his historical awareness of the Commonwealth can be helpful in fostering community and economic development, whatever that means. He promises to work with schoolchildren, instilling a political awareness in the state's future voters. He differs sharply with Connolly on the issue of public financing of state elections, advocating little change for the state's existing weak financial supports.

Connolly opened his political season running for the U.S. Senate, but entered the secretary of state race when incumbent Paul Guzzi was ousted from the post in the primary. Connolly is pushing a more issue-oriented campaign than Sears. He intends to place a constitutional limit on the number of years an elected official can serve in any state office. Connolly also hopes to institute strong public financing of state elections.

During his years at the State House, Connolly earned the reputation as a rhetorical "daffy"--an equally clownish counterpart to his opponent's melodramatic, bleeding politalk. One keen observer noted, "It's kind of like a high school election for class secretary."

State Auditor

If you really care, there is a state auditor. Essentially, the state auditor should be a watchdog over government in the Commonwealth. But the rash of public service scandals in the State House does not lend much credibility to the state auditor these days.

Thaddeus Buczko, long-time Democratic incumbent, is faced with Republican opponent Timothy O'Brien, who entered the race after the GOP nominee dropped out.

Buczko seems likely to stay where he is, especially since his opponent hasn't had much exposure either in person or in the media. Massachusetts needs a dynamic state auditor, as the muckrakers know; but it looks like this election--like most lower constitutional elections--will be won by the party, not by the man.