Barney, we hardly knew ye. (Redistricting and MA-04)

UPDATE 1/2/2012: Joseph P. Kennedy III likely to run for Congress « On Politics
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(pulling these updates from my Lynch town hall post, to make a separate post on these developing topics)

11/9/2011: The new, proposed Congressional maps have been released, and as widely expected (at least by me), Needham has been taken OUT of Lynch's district, and we are now in the MA-4th Congressional District, along with our neighbors Wellesley and Newton, which is currently represented by Barney Frank.   Though it was anticipated that there might be a challenge between Lynch and Keating, turns out that's not going to happen.

UPDATE 11/28/2011:

Barney Frank, who would have been Needham's next Congressman (presuming re-election in 2012) after re-districting, has announced he is not seeking re-election.  I am seriously bummed not to have a chance to have Barney as my representative.  Now we have an open seat and a compelling primary season (one presumes) with candidates to-be-determined.  Newton Mayor and former US Senate candidate Setti Warren, for one, has said he is NOT running.  Bristol County DA Sam Sutter says he IS running (can't find a link; heard it on twitter).  Mac D'Alessandro was redistricted into MA-07, so no luck drafting him. Movement-builder and former US Senate candidate Alan Khazei lives in the MA-04 district.... I would love to see him represent Needham in Congress.... 

Unlike in 2008, when Needham and much of MA was knocking NH doors, it looks like in 2012 we will have a lot of Massachusetts political work to tend to--with defeating Scott Brown, a primary for MA-04 to replace Barney, and a challenging general to keep the MA-04 Barney-seat blue.  

Looks like Needham will have to carpool to Rehobeth in addition to Nashua.... 

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A few links on the field shaping up to run for MA4: 

• On Joe Kennedy III possibly running in MA4: America's Next Top Kennedy - Talking Politics -Phoenix (1/20/2012) 

Cities and towns in the district from 2013 to 2023 In Bristol County: Attleboro, Berkley, Dighton, Easton, Fall River: Ward 4, Precinct C; Ward 5, Precinct B1 and C; Ward 6, Precinct C1; and Wards 7, 8,and 9, Freetown, Mansfield, North Attleboro, Norton, Raynham: Precincts 1A, 2A, 3, and 4, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Somerset, Swansea, and Taunton. In Middlesex County: Sherborn, and Newton. In Norfolk County: Bellingham: Precincts 1, 2, 3, and 4, Brookline, Dover, Foxborough, Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Needham, Norfolk, Plainville, Sharon, Wellesley, and Wrentham. In Plymouth County: Lakeville. In Worcester County: Hopedale, and Milford.