Photo: Suzanne Sausville / WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Wrapping up eight years in office, Governor Charlie Baker is set to make his ceremonial "Lone Walk" down the steps of the Massachusetts State House at 5 p.m. on Wednesday.
Though Baker term isn't over until Thursday, when Governor-Elect Maura Healey is sworn in, the event marks an end to his two terms in the office. There are only a few circumstances when the front doors of the State House are open— a Governor ending their term of office is one of such occurrences. The only other times the middle doors would be open is for the president of the United States or to welcome a foreign head of state to enter.
Prior to the walk, Healey, Baker, Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, and Lieutenant Governor-Elect Kim Driscoll exchanged symbols inside the building to represent the passing of the torch.
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According to the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Office, the Lone Walk is a solo trip that the Governor takes to reach the base of the steps and cross Beacon Street into the Boston Common, symbolizing the Governor's return to citizen life. The ceremonial walk originated on January 4, 1884, when former Governor Benjamin Butler made his journey down the steps alone after he failed to secure enough votes for reelection.
Previously it was announced that Baker would make a career change out of politics to become the next President of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
WBZ's Suzanne Sausville (@wbzSausville) reports.
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