The forces of good triumphed Tuesday night in Ward 7. Robert C. Trane’s progressive challenger Rachel Heller launched an untruthful, negative campaign and got what she deserved: a big L from the voters.

Heller’s attacks are particularly troubling because they are not the work of an independent, lone candidate supported by few in the community (hello Rick Scirocco). No, Heller actually received support from the Progressive Democrats of Somerville (PDS) and State Rep. Carl M. Sciortino. We have to ask: did PDS and Sciortino co-sign Heller’s attacks? Will they denounce negative campaign tactics? Or will they do whatever they have to in order to snatch all the power they can? Unfortunately, we think that despite their alleged lofty ideals the progressives will act much like all the other pols that came before them and do whatever it takes (even mislead voters) to win power.

Now that Sciortino involved himself in what turned out to be an ugly ward race (he was on the ugly side) will he be able to work effectively with his ward alderman. Trane may not come up with the solution to global warming (though his campaign to turn the city green prove he could be part of the discussion) but he responds effectively to his constituents. What more do you want from an alderman? Why would Sciortino explicitly oppose an effective elected official like Trane? Was it because Trane comes from a different background than he does? Or was it because he just doesn’t like Trane?

We can’t say, we can only ask. But we do have a guess: xenophobia. Progressives have shown repeatedly they have a small band of favorites they support and are unwilling to throw their weight behind anyone else (Reminds us of Mike Capuano’s quote about progressives: “I would join but they won’t let me”). Why not endorse Joe Curtatone for mayor this year? What is their beef with him? Can they point to an issue (Can’t say Assembly Square any more boys and girls)? Or do they just not like him? If that is the case they should not be listened to or regarded. Voters care about issues not personality clashes or differences between a (really) small group of people.

We suggest today’s progressives do their homework and look into the local progressive leaders of yesterday for some help on what it means to stand up for fair, open government. Because if they
continue down the road they traveled with Heller‚Äôs campaign they will go the way of Sal Albano.