The problem with Reich is that he's actually done something outside of Massachusetts. (As dubious of an accomplishment as being in the Clinton administration might be.)
Dems in this state have a soft spot for provincial hacks. They'd take an assistant dog catcher from Lowell or the Barnstable County Cranberry Bog Commissioner over someone with national experience.
Oh, you said "hack." I was thinking of a maniacal midget QUACK. :-)
If they do want to go with a hack, why not go with Stevie "Wonder" Grossman ?