He didn’t get mentioned until the fourteenth paragraph of a very speculative story in the New York Times about who the Democrats might run for president in 2020, but that was enough for the Boston Globe to spin out a front-page story on Tuesday suggesting US Rep. Seth Moulton may be in the hunt for […]
Elections
Posted inOpinion, Politics
The great union loophole
NEWLY SEATED SUPREME COURT JUSTICE Neil Gorsuch once wrote, “There is something distinct, different, and more problematic afoot when the government selectively infringes on a fundamental right.” The Massachusetts union loophole, upheld last week in Superior Court, does just that. The union loophole allows unions to contribute up to $15,000 to state candidates, while limiting […]
Posted inPolitics
The road less traveled
GREATER BOSTON IS the breeding ground for the state’s top politicians. Going back to 1900, three out of every four constitutional officers came from within 25 miles of Boston. Go out 50 miles, and the percentage rises to 85 percent. Most analysts say the state’s political axis tilts toward Greater Boston because that’s where the […]
Posted inOpinion, Politics
Whose party is it?
SO FAR, THE DEMOCRATIC RACE to take on Gov. Charlie Baker next year has been a who’s who of “who’s that?” Pols and party professionals are rushing to the sidelines in hopes a better choice will emerge. But what is becoming clear is that the competition for the Democratic nomination for governor as well as races for […]
Posted inPolitics, The Download
The challenge for Marty Walsh
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh may be getting a free pass so far with the lack of opponents to his reelection but don’t confuse that with his first term going unexamined and unchallenged. While the only name so far that anyone hears for taking on Walsh is City Councilor Tito Jackson, there is a growing willingness among […]
Posted inPolitics, The Download
Clark’s lonely boycott
As Democrats try to figure out how to deal with President-elect Donald Trump, US Rep. Katherine Clark is taking a novel approach — she’s boycotting his inauguration. Clark said her attendance at the Jan. 20 event would “normalize” someone who has promoted “bigoted, misogynist, anti-Semitic, and racist claims.” That seems to be a fairly myopic view; […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, The Download, Transportation
The Codcast: Talking among ourselves
What do criminal justice reform, the MBTA, and legal marijuana have in common? Other than the fact you can get busted for smoking and selling pot on the Green Line, not much. But one other thing they have in common is they will be some of the more dominant issues in the coming year on […]
Posted inOpinion, Politics, State House News Service
Baker misses key problem with Electoral College
AS PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP prepares to take office despite losing the popular vote, many Massachusetts voters may be less than thrilled about the Electoral College process But Gov. Charlie Baker describes himself as a “big fan” of the college. “I think the Electoral College preserves the importance and the status of small states,” Baker told […]
Posted inOpinion, Politics
The self-examination begins
WE’RE ALL TRYING to figure out how it came to pass that Donald Trump is now our President-elect. Here are three key takeaways from last night’s vote. American politics has realigned around class, not cultural values. Race was an important factor in the election, but it doesn’t explain how states that voted for Obama went […]
Posted inOpinion, Politics
Mobilizing voters in JP and Roxbury
IN DEEP BLUE MASSACHUSETTS, the outcome of this year’s presidential election is likely a foregone conclusion. But if this year’s campaign has taught us anything, it is that marginalized communities are vulnerable to those who would use intimidation tactics to threaten democratic rights. If you are poor, a person of color, or a religious minority, […]