Ben Downing: dark horse and underdog
Political junkies who can’t get enough of elections may get one more. As widely reported, Senator John Kerry will likely be appointed to fill the secretary of state position soon…
Corruption or business as usual?
Two corruption cases have been the talk at the State House in recent weeks, but some veterans of Massachusetts politics think it’s much ado about nothing. At this writing, former…
Legislator per diems: pricey perks or legitimate expenses?
In Massachusetts, where thousands of bills are filed in the Legislature annually, the end of the legislative session is when large numbers of unsuccessful bills are sent into oblivion. The…
The changing face of regional government
The article in last week’s Beacon should come as no surprise to anyone who follows how government works these days. Eight Berkshire County school districts, with the guidance of the…
Pastor Lively doesn’t have a prayer
Now that the general election has passed, it’s no surprise candidates are making noises about running in the next general election in 2014. That year all the Massachusetts constitutional and legislative…
Massachusetts Republicans dig even deeper hole
Massachusetts voted overwhelmingly for the re-election of President Barack Obama last week, but that’s just a glimpse of the ever-growing Democratic influence in the Bay State. Elizabeth Warren defeated incumbent…
Undecided or uninformed?
This column is being written one day before the election and the final opinion polls are showing something that is somewhat puzzling, but all too common. President Barack Obama seems…
State-federal battle over marijuana laws inevitable
There are three initiatives on next Tuesday’s statewide ballot, and recent polls show all three will likely pass. Question 1 would require auto manufacturers to share now-confidential repair information with…
Third party and independent legislative candidates face uphill battle
Lee Scott Laugenour is the only candidate running for state representative locally who is not a major party nominee, but he’s not totally alone in his quest. Laugenour, the Lenox…