I don't know that the centerfold model fits into Southie all that well.
Actually, this race is looks a little like a re-run of the race that got Brown elected to the State Senate. Flashback: longtime Sen. Cheryl Jacques (D-Moonbat) gets a job and retires. Her aide and moonbat in waiting, Angus McQuilken runs as the bearer of the Jacques "legacy". State Rep. Brown runs a nasty but successful campaign and pink hankies are soiled all across the "progressive" district.
A lot of people I know (I include myself) disliked many of Sen. Kennedy's positions, but continued to vote for him because of the benefits of his seniority and stature, both which were good for the Commonwealth. That, plus he was a genuinely nice guy.
Martha may be trying to claim the Kennedy mantle, but she has none of the attributes that led many of us to vote for Kennedy. That, plus many of us are generally tired of the feeling of being preached at. Many wonder at her unimpressive record in pursuing political corruption. (Our enlightened state is a happy hunting grounds for someone who is serious about catching crooked pols.) A few of us even remember the way that Martha personally railroaded the Amirault family.
Before you write me off as a reactionary, please keep in mind that I would be happy to have that Vermont bumper sticker one of you charmingly wrote about: "Armed But Tolerant". Most of my comrades, cell members, goombata, or whatever you would call us, feel the same way.
I suspect Martha will win, but to paraphrase Lloyd Bentson: "I knew Ted Kennedy, and Ted Kennedy you are not." Same goes for the centerfold model, because if Ted had been the photo subject, it would have been a four page spread. (He'd have laughed at this joke.)