By: Dean Rogeness

Massachusetts after the November 4^th election continues to be a one-party state, but less so.  Republicans were successful in capturing the governorship. In the legislature, Republicans also increased their numbers in the Senate from 4 to 6 (out of 40) and in the House of Representatives from 29 to 35 (out of 160).  While Republican totals seem small, there has been steady progress.  In the House of Representatives, the number of Republican representatives has grown over the past few election cycles from 16 to 35 as of the New Year.  

Why does a vigorous 2 party system matter to the people of Massachusetts?  Two examples.