[4] On December 12, 1962, with the backing of Senator-elect Ted Kennedy and governor Endicott Peabody, Doherty was unanimously elected Chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party.

[6] In 1963, Doherty backed Michael Paul Feeney's unsuccessful challenge to House speaker John F.

In the 1966 Massachusetts gubernatorial election, Doherty backed Senate President Maurice A. Donahue.

[8] In the 1966 Massachusetts general election, the Democrats were unable to win any of the four statewide offices not held by an incumbent.

[6] In 1964, Doherty, on the recommendation of Ted Kennedy, was chosen by President Lyndon B. Johnson to run his campaign in Massachusetts.

[11] After stepping down as party chairman, Doherty became a leading Boston lobbyist and served on the state Board of Regents of Higher Education.