Governor's Trump Snub May Come Back to Bite Massachusetts

Donald Trump's ascent to president-elect has put Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker in an unprecedented pickle.

The most broadly popular governor in the nation, Baker was among the first Republican governors to swear off his own party's nominee. He has stuck by that stance from Super Tuesday on up until Election Day, when Baker told reporters he left the presidential election ballot blank for the first time in his life.

But what does that mean for Massachusetts' ability to work with the White House, once Trump steps in?

The businessman and reality star bested Democrat Hillary Clinton in a tight election that left both pundits and pollsters dumbfounded as it resolved into a declared victory for Trump early Wednesday morning.

Based on past behavior, that win means Massachusetts may have reason to fear retaliation.

Trump has demonstrated what critics call a vindictive and petty streak. That includes rising to baiting lines from Clinton during their presidential debates, repeatedly relitigating old and apparently inconsequential grudges throughout the presidential campaign, and singling out reporters with whom he disagrees, then insulting them by name on social media.

If that attitude persists as president, Baker may be stuck walking a tightrope.

A moderate and a proud pragmatist, Baker's instinct will no doubt be to work with the White House as best he can to benefit the Bay State. However, Baker has cast his stand against Trump as one of principle from the beginning, and it's hard to see him compromising too drastically to placate a man he's called "temperamentally unfit to be president."

Baker released the following statement about the race Wednesday morning:

“The people of Massachusetts deserve a federal government that works collaboratively to solve our nation’s problems and it is my hope that President-elect Donald Trump works quickly to unite our country after a divisive election. Our administration is eager to partner with the next administration to tackle the most pressing issues for our state, region and country.”

He additionally sent a congratulatory message using Trump's chosen medium:

Images via Suffolk University and Gage Skidmore, Flickr/Creative Commons