Welcome To The Wire

Welcome to ElectionWire, featuring WBUR political bloggers Dan Payne and Todd Domke. I’m Benjamin Swasey, your editor and guide for the 2010 election season.

It’s an important election year for the Bay State. Although the four-way gubernatorial race is the headliner, there are two open statewide offices — treasurer and auditor. The congressional races, especially the competitive 5th and 10th, enable voters here to shape the national agenda — and offer the GOP chances to enter the Mass. delegation. And don’t forget about November’s ballot questions.

Elections matter, and issues such as the recovering economy demand responsible leadership. This year, in this post-Scott Brown state, you’ll see a lot of options to fill those leadership positions.

Which brings me to why we’re here: ElectionWire will fill you in on what the many candidates are up to and what they’re saying — and what that means in context.

Payne, a Democrat, and Domke, a Republican, are Boston-based political strategists who have examined candidates and campaigns for national and local media outlets, including WBUR. The boys are not shy about criticizing their own parties. (Read Payne’s bio; Domke’s bio.)

And me. I’m here to follow the campaigns, the media and the political conversations. I’ll also be engaging you for input on issues, candidates and races. After all, this ol’ election thing is all about you.

Join us!