[2] The nonpartisan primary lacked a clear front-runner,[1] and was described by Virginia A. Triant of The Harvard Crimson as, "one the decade's most competitive mayoral races [in Boston]."

Key matters of discussion on the campaign trail were included crime, education, and employment.

All candidates promised to crackdown on crime and improve the city's troubled public school system.

"[1] Menino initially ran a low-profile campaign, having informally indicated his intentions ahead of taking office as acting mayor.

An exception to Brett's generally liberal politics was that he held anti-abortion stances.

Robert Rufo was said to have been hurt by low turnout in his "home base" of Allston and Brighton[4] State officials Newspapers and publications