Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker to the Rescue? [OPINION]

Republican Charlie Baker is the most popular governor in the United States. He is also the answer for lots of people looking for a political champion.

Governor Charlie Baker steamrolled his way to re-election last year in a state known for electing Democrats. He succeeded in part because he had tremendous support from Democrats in elected offices across the Commonwealth.

Governor Baker had the support of almost a dozen elected Democratic mayors and about a half a dozen Democrats in the state legislature in 2018. The mayors of Braintree, Fitchburg, Lawrence, Lowell, Newburyport, Revere, Westfield, and Woburn were among the Democrats the campaign proudly rolled out.

The Democrats in the legislature who crossed party lines for the good of their constituents included House Ethics Chairman Christopher Markey of Dartmouth and New Bedford. Chairman Markey's district hosts the only public law school in Massachusetts as well as the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth campus. He and the other members of the greater New Bedford delegation have worked closely with Baker to bring the commuter rail to the area.

All of this support from Democrats in elected office and at the ballot box has placed Gov. Baker on the shortlist of people looking for something else in this time of political polarization. He is a Republican who can win in a blue state. More importantly, Baker has demonstrated he can work with others and build the coalitions necessary to run a government.

There has been a serious discussion to draft Baker to run for president against Donald Trump as a Democrat, according to some sources. Baker wouldn't make it in the current national Democrat Party. That talk is over, but it shouldn't be forgotten.

Others in the know are speculating that Baker could be a last-minute entry into the 2020 Massachusetts race for U.S. Senate. The fight is currently between Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III and incumbent Senator Edward Markey for the Democratic nomination. A bruising fight between the Democrats could open the door for the most popular governor in America.

Keep an eye on Charlie Baker.

Chris McCarthy is the host of The Chris McCarthy Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Contact him at chris.mccarthy@townsquaremedia.com and follow him on Twitter @Chris_topher_Mc. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.