Whatever you think of the present occupant of the Corner Office, there is no doubt that governors of Massachusetts are accountable to the people. Every four years, there is an election, and unlike many elections in Massachusetts (like, say, … [Read more...]
Lessons Learned Open Thread (with fun video links!)
A friend submitted this: One of the hidden secrets of American politics that is rarely reported on is that campaigns really, really matter. As best as I can tell, Coakley's strategists (GMMB was her media consulting firm; her … [Read more...]
The next State Senator
Tom Birmingham served in the State Senate for 10 years. After 4 years, he was chosen by his colleagues to serve as Senate President. He had a raft of accomplishments: He passed the landmark Education Reform Act of 1993, which has brought … [Read more...]
At no time did Speaker DeLeo communicate with…
"At no time did Speaker DeLeo communicate with Sal DiMasi, James Holzman, Richard Vitale, Reps. Rodrigues or Petrolati on the ticket broker bill,'' says Seth Gitell, spokesman for Speaker DeLeo. Only a few months into office, and DeLeo's … [Read more...]
Health Care for All is taken out of context (I hope)
Today's Boston Globe: Overseers of Massachusetts' trailblazing healthcare program made their first cuts yesterday, trimming $115 million, or 12%, from Commonwealth Care, which subsidizes premiums for needy residents and is the centerpiece … [Read more...]
Senate President Murray’s Best. Move. Ever. — updated: did she fool me?
In response to the many strong comments, and Pam Wilmot's detailed post, I have to retract. The Prez seems to have given me some campaign finance gold, and I missed the ethics coal stuck in the bill. I haven't always been the biggest … [Read more...]
Commonwealth Unbound looks under the hood on pension reform
Warning. It's ugly. It's a must read by Mike Jonas. But congratulations to first-year Rep. Jim Arciero. And let's hope the leadership strengthens their pension reforms to match. … [Read more...]
fixing a hole where the rain gets in
For those of us who go to downtown Boston for work or pleasure, it is impossible not to notice the huge empty hole where Filene's and Filene's Basement used to be. What happened? Did someone rush the demolition permits through before … [Read more...]
a time for leadership and equality
The House and Senate have great momentum. Ethics reform moved through the House. Transportation reform moved through the Senate. Like Massachusetts, New York State is facing massive budget shortfalls. Making cuts can only go far before you … [Read more...]
Sorry, beloved Ted, but it’s not Caroline’s time
Royalty and democracy don't mix well. Between the Bushes, the Kennedys, the Clintons, and the hundreds of lesser-known families with prominent positions in state and local politics, nepotism is clearly endemic to American politics. Family … [Read more...]