I'm voting absentee this week. My Democratic primary ballot doesn't have a lot of choices, but on Governor's Council I get to pick one of three. MARILYN M. PETITTO DEVANEY 98 Westminster Ave., Watertown Present Governor's Councillor; … [Read more...]
A Vote To Learn What Mass Democrats Are Made Of
Here are some links to refresh your memory: Five percent of the state senate was indicted last year, specifically Democratic Senators Marzilli and Wilkerson. Robert Couglin (Gov. Patrick aide and state rep) was fined $10,000 for seeking … [Read more...]
Charley Murphy’s Mailer – What Was He Thinking?
The first face on the mailing is George Laite. George is Havern's chief-of-staff. Havern hasn't picked a successor that I know of. Absent Havern, George is the next best endorsement, so it makes sense that you'd want George on your side. … [Read more...]
Insurance Reform: Look Who’s Talking
The Globe has a story about "lawmakers skeptical about insurance reform." Let's look at who is quoted as being opposed to insurance reform:Senator Dianne Wilkerson: Her constituents are subsidized by the rest of the state. Virtually any … [Read more...]
Just Because He Repeats It, Doesn’t Mean It’s True
I understand the reaction of the first responders. The incident points out some fallibilities within their operating procedures, but I can sympathize with why they are set up the way they are.But Mayor Menino, Governor Patrick, … [Read more...]
Party and Power in Massachusetts
Philip W. Johnston , chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party: "If John had left the Senate, it certainly would have set off a game of musical chairs. Now that he's not running, I think most people will stay where they are and … [Read more...]
US Senate Bill 1: Registering Bloggers
To me, a lobbyist is someone who reaches out to politicians and office holders and tries to change what they think. If someone asks voters to contact their representatives, that's not lobbying. When (if) the voter makes the call, that's not … [Read more...]
Finally Finneran
Finneran was a very powerful man in 2001. With a Republican governor in a state controlled by Democrats, he had no rival. His style of ruling did not tolerate dissent. He wasn't someone who agreed to disagree. He wasn't someone who … [Read more...]
Patrick v. General Court, Round 1
Key qutotes from the story: "Travaglini said: 'I told the governor-elect, if you're willing to share and you care and you prepare and are ready to deliver, then everything will work out. If not, I have senators across the state who share my … [Read more...]