City Councilor Michael F. Flaherty pledged yesterday he’ll challenge Mayor Thomas M. Menino to a rematch if he loses the mayoral election tomorrow – but doesn’t expect he’ll have to make that call.
“I’m confident we’ll win Tuesday,” Flaherty told the Herald during a final flurry of campaigning. “But if we don’t, I’ll challenge Mayor Menino to a rematch.”
Flaherty said his confidence comes from internal polls showing Menino clinging to a single-digit lead against him and his “running mate” City Councilor Sam Yoon, even though a recent poll puts Menino 20 points ahead.
Flaherty also tried to put to rest City Hall scuttlebutt that he will flee the city if he loses tomorrow.
“I’m a city kid through and through,” Flaherty said. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Menino, meanwhile, sounded every bit as confident that he’s got the momentum to win a record-setting fifth term.
“I’m amazed how many people come and say, ‘I’m with you,’ ” Menino said in between campaign stops.
Menino said he’s withstood a bruising battle to get to Election Day.
“All of my opponents – Michael Flaherty, Sam Yoon, Kevin McCrea – have spent $1.5 million to tarnish my administration, to tarnish my image,” Menino said. “(But) I’ve built credibility over the years with voters. I care about the city.”
Tobe Berkovitz, a Boston University communications professor, said both candidates are on message.
“Flaherty has to insist he’s going to win,” Berkovitz said. “You have to motivate your people.”
“Menino is saying, ‘Your vote counts, don’t be overconfident,’ ” Berkovitz said.
The political posturing came as both campaigns entered the final leg of the nearly yearlong race.
Menino started the morning greeting worshipers at black churches in Mattapan and the South End, followed by rallies in Roxbury and Jamaica Plain.
The Flaherty camp bypassed a last-minute advertising blitz in hopes that candidate contact will win over undecided voters. Yesterday he criss-crossed the Hub focused on minority and progressive voters, meeting voters outside of Sunday services, doing ethnic radio shows, greeting voters in Jamaica Plain and leading a South End rally.
