The Hiller Instinct: Tim Cahill

Andy Hiller, 7NEWS
"What are the odds that you're the next governor?

Tim Cahill, Massachusetts Treasurer
"It depends on who you ask...ah: bigger than the lottery? no, not quite that big..."

But Treasurer Tim Cahill is taking a big step to better the odds---turning in his lifetime membership in the Democratic Party to become an Independent.

And while his official announcement is weeks away, he certainly sounds like candidate when he calls Governor Patrick a tax and spender.

Tim Cahill, Massachusetts Treasurer
"He has led the charge to raise taxes substantially and spending has been out of control, so i think that's a fair definition.

Andy Hiller, 7NEWS
"So if you run, that will be the key point?"

Tim Cahill, Massachusetts Treasurer
"Yeah."

More than a year before the election, the field is already getting crowded. There's Christy Mihous, who appears to be running again, and republican Charlie Baker is considering a race, too.

And, of course, there's the incumbent, Governor Patrick, who had a welcome and a warning for Cahill-

Deval Patrick, (D) Governor Massachusetts
"He could do whatever he wants. There are views on both sides of every issue and if he's going to be a candidate, then fine. We'll talk about all that during the course of the campaign. he should bring his a game."

Andy Hiller, 7NEWS
"Do you have an A game?

Tim Cahill, Massachusetts Treasurer
"I believe I do, yes."

I believe there's an opening for Cahill, and here's why: Many more state voters are registered as Independents than Democrats. So while Democrats dominate state politics, the party isn't as popular as it seems. The economy will decide the election next year: if it's still bad, Cahill has a chance. I'm Andy Hiller and that's my instinct!

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