You really think that people in MA did NOT want socialized medicine? You think they wanted voluntary? It's one of the most leftist places...of course they were clamoring for a state mandated solution.
In the cities, sure. But rural and a lot of suburban MA, not so much. The people pride themselves on Town Hall meetings to decide local issues, when the tornados hit last year towns had plans to take care of themselves, and there's a very strong feeling for property rights. The concept of individual freedom and opportunity, though being extinguished, is part of that Yankee tradition.
MA is more complex than just being loony liberal.
Not EVERYONE in MA is an idiot liberal. About 1/3 of the voters would consider themselves NOT liberal; some conservatives, some moderates.