here are so few contests on Tuesday's state primary ballot that Secretary of State William F. Galvin fears a new record-low turnout, breaking the 1996 mark of 11.84 percent. Ugh.
As a public service, however, we have prepared this handy ballot guide for those good citizens who will vote.
Early and often - Michael J. Early, a former Lawrence city councilor, is attempting a political comeback downriver in Haverhill. A Democrat challenging Representative Brian S. Dempsey in Tuesday's primary, he should not be confused with William C. Early, a Haverhill Republican, who will battle Representative Harriet L. Stanley, Democrat of West Newbury, in an adjacent district in the Nov. 7 election. Neither should be confused with Joseph D. Early Jr., son of the former congressman, who may be headed for a photo finish with state Representative Harriette L. Chandler, in the Democratic race for the open Worcester-based Senate seat of Robert A. Bernstein, who is stepping down. Among four Democrats seeking Chandler's House seat is another Harriett - Harriett S. Lebow. If that's not confusing enough, the field includes the homonymnic duo of Robert ''Bob'' Spellane and Joseph W. Spillane. Brian A. O'Connell rounds out the field. (Also file under: ''No Ozzie but Many Harriett(e)s.'')
United Nations - For international flavor, Stephen James Spain, a Melrose Democrat, will face the incumbent Republican, Senator Richard R. Tisei of Wakefield, in November. Israel Reyes of Lawrence is running on stickers as a Republican, seeking a Nov. 7 ballot berth to challenge Representative Jose L. Santiago, a Democrat. Frank Israel Smizik, meanwhile, is mounting a stout Democratic primary challenge to Representative Ronny M. Sydney of Brookline. Democrat Judith Deutsch (hey, it's close enough) of Sudbury will take on Representative Susan W. Pope, Republican of Wayland, in the final election.
Political menagerie - There's a Wolf (Representative Alice K., Democrat of Cambridge), a Fox (Representative Gloria L., Democrat of Roxbury), and a Swan (Representative Benjamin of Springfield, facing two Democratic primary challengers).
The Fighting Sullivans - At least five appear on ballots around the state, but to avoid confusion, Middlesex Clerk of Courts Edward J. Sullivan of Cambridge (www.eddieclerkofcourts), a demi-legend, is the genuine article in his Democratic primary with Somerville's Dennis Michael Sullivan.
Occupational hazards - Take your pick of a Baker (Democrat Andrew of Shelburne, who will challenge Representative Shaun P. Kelly, Republican of Dalton, in November); a Brewer (Senator Stephen M., Democrat of Barre, unopposed for reelection); a Cook (Dean E., a Beverly Libertarian seeking a House seat in November); a Chandler (see Harriette, above); a Provost (Representative Ruth W., Democrat of Sandwich), and a Pope (Susan, also above). Pope, by the way, also qualifies for the ballot's God Squad, along with Clerk of Courts Patricia R. Church, Republican of Nantucket, and Kamil Jain, a Littleton Libertarian seeking a Senate seat.
Shirley will win - Seven-term incumbent Representative Shirley Owens-Hicks of Mattapan faces a Democratic primary challenge Tuesday from Shirley Shillingford.
Rugged terrain - Topography freaks will be overjoyed to find a Hill (Representative Bradford R., Republican of Ipswich), a Vallee (Representative James E., Democrat of Franklin), and a Hedlund (Senator Robert L., Republican of Weymouth, who will face a tough November challenge from the winner of Tuesday's James M. Cantwell-Ted LeClair Democratic tilt).
Rainbow coalition - You could almost fashion an Olympic flag from these colorful candidates: Timothy H. White, one of six Democrats running for Plymouth County commissioner; Representative William G. Greene Jr., Democrat of Billerica; Representative Scott P. Brown, Republican of Wrentham; the Golden boys (Representatives Thomas A. Jr. of Lowell, and Brian Paul of Brighton, both Democrats); and Loring P. ''Red'' Lamoureux, the Worcester County clerk of courts, who is facing a Democratic primary onslaught from Raymond V. Mariano, the high-octane mayor of Worcester.
Hizzoner, by the way, shouldn't be confused with Ronald Mariano, the Democratic representative from Quincy; Salvatore P. Marino of Tewksbury, challenger to veteran Representative James R. Miceli of Wilmington in Tuesday's Democratic primary; or Francis L. Marini, the House Republican leader.
