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Three Massachusetts law enforcement agencies have endorsed Senator John McCain's presidential campaign.

U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign has received the endorsements of three Massachusetts law enforcement associations: the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) Police Patrolman’s Association, the MBTA Police Superior Officers’ Association, and the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Association of Italian American Police Officers.

“Calling to mind the tragic incidents of March 11, 2004, in Madrid and July 7 and 21, 2005, in London, it is apparent that public transit is and has been a target of those who would seek to do us harm,” said Lt. Sal Venturelli of the MBTA groups, which protect the passengers and assets of the metropolitan Boston mass transit system. “We need a president who supports us wholeheartedly in our efforts to combat this ever-present menace. We believe John McCain is that president and heartedly endorse him as the best candidate to achieve our goal.”

John McCain thanked the Massachusetts police leaders, saying, “I’m honored to have their support, I’m honored to have the support of law enforcement organizations all over this nation and I commit to them that as President of the United States, I will provide them with every tool that is necessary, including the ability to communicate with one another as first responders, including the equipment and including the training that they need as we continue defeating the challenge that we face in the 21st century.”

The MBTA Police Patrolman’s Association and the MBTA Police Superior Officers’ Association are labor unions focusing on counter-terrorism efforts in 175 towns and cities in the Boston area.

The Massachusetts Association of Italian American Police Officers is a fellowship and support organization for members of the law-enforcement community who are of Italian heritage.

Governor Deval Patrick's 18-year-old daughter has publicly announced that she is gay. And how? By an interview with Bay Windows, of course.

On June 14, 2007, the day that lawmakers finally voted down an anti-gay marriage amendment to the state constitution, Katherine Patrick stood outside the State House and looked up at her father. Gov. Deval Patrick was standing on the front steps, surrounded by a jubilant crowd of hundreds that mobbed the brick sidewalk and spilled halfway across Beacon Street. As they cheered the defeat of the amendment - an effort led by the governor, Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Sal DiMasi - Katherine had never before felt more proud of her father.

"Because, of course, he didn’t know that I was gay then," the 18-year-old recalls. "So, for someone so publicly to fight for something that doesn’t even affect him was just like, ’That’s my dad,’ you know?" she says with a laugh. "That’s all I could think. I was very, very proud to be part of this family, and this state in general."

"It was great. I’m very glad," she adds, looking at her father. "Don’t cry, Dad." Patrick’s eyes are brimming with tears, prompting some good-natured teasing from his daughter. "He’s done some good things," she says with a laugh, patting his arm. "I appreciate it. Want a tissue? Oh, God. He’s a crier."

An odd choice of means to publicly out yourself, isn't it? The Patrick's don't think so.

"As private of an issue as it is, we’ve sort of had to come to terms with the fact that we are a public family and there you give a part of yourself away," says Katherine. "And we also ... wanted people to know that it’s not only something that we accept, but it’s something that we’re very proud of. It’s a great aspect of our lives and there’s nothing about it that is shameful or that we would want to hide."

Katherine recalls coming out to her parents as they prepared for a picnic by the pool at their home in the Berkshires. It was July 3, 2007 at around 2:30 p.m., she says.

And what does our Governor have to say?

"First of all, we’ve had so many people in our lives whom we love who are gay or lesbian, so that’s not that unfamiliar to us," says the governor. "You know, I can still - because we live in Massachusetts - I can still imagine what Katherine’s wedding is going to be like." Lowering his voice, he adds, "How much it’s gonna cost."

"Yup," laughs his daughter - who is single for now - indicating that she’s dreaming of a big, fat, gay wedding. "It’s okay, Dad."

Governor Deval Patrick is going to Hollywood. Despite his experience with speech writing, he's not vying for a writing job. The State House News Service has the story.

Patrick administration officials are planning a visit to Hollywood next week when they travel to San Diego for a biotechnology convention, according to sources with direct knowledge of the schedule, though aides to the governor declined to discuss the side trip.

A visit to the silver-screen capital during the largely taxpayer-funded trip would likely afford Gov. Deval Patrick and other officials the chance to highlight the state's efforts to lure film industry incentives to Massachusetts. It was unclear late Monday how large the traveling contingent would be, or where in the city it would visit.

While Patrick aides refused to release information the Hollywood trip, sources said the governor and other officials were scheduled to meet with studio executives Thursday, the final day of the convention. Patrick aides have also remained tight-lipped about whether Patrick will travel to Chicago for a political event with Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and other governors.

Officials have been guarded about discussing details of the West Coast swing, saying the list of attendees has not been finalized yet. At the international biotech convention, they are hoping to draw attention to the 10-year, $1 billion life sciences proposal the Legislature appears likely to pass this week.

Patrick aides said they would discuss the details of the trip this week.

That should give them plenty of time to figure out what is the most palatable story to tell the taxpayers. "Sounds like Governor Patrick is ready for his close-up. Is he heading to Hollywood on state business or to option his book for a movie?" asked Barney Keller, Communications Director of the Massachusetts Republican Party. "The taxpayers have a right to know."

In light of Senator Kennedy's recently diagnosed cancer, the question is being asked, can John Kerry replace Ted Kennedy?

An interesting question indeed. Here's another question, has John Kerry ever murdered anyone?

You gotta love Howie Carr's column about the Marzilli scandal...

And so the reputed moonbat masher, Sen. Jim Marzilli, pulls an even quicker Eliot Spitzer than Eliot Spitzer himself. Doesn’t quit - wants to get that one day on the payroll in 2009 for the extra year on his pension. But he won’t seek re-election.

As always, the dodgy pol is retiring due to ill health. The voters got sick of him. And sure enough, a couple of hours after doing the Spitzer, Marzilli took the logical next step. He checked himself into a booby hatch, McLean Hospital.

Repeat after me, Senator: “One grope is too many, and a thousand are not enough.”

Perhaps the socialist solon can write a book about his affliction and promote it on “Oprah.” Suggested title: “The Audacity of Grope.”

You know that Marzilli’s amen chorus, the Arlington moonbats, are blaming the vast right-wing conspiracy for their hero’s downfall. Weeping bitter tears into their lattes, they’re still saying the lewd dude’s pinch is a “tragedy,” and indeed it is. It’s tragic that the foot chase through the garage, after he gave the false name, did not end in a Tasering of the Senate chairman of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development.

Usually it takes two or three terms in the Senate before they slap on the handcuffs and read you your Miranda rights. Marzilli sets a new record here - six months in, and now he’s on his way out.

But the best part is the end..

What will he do, after his case is broomed (again)? Well, he maxed out to Gov. Deval Patrick’s campaign, and he is a (nonpracticing) lawyer, so I’d say a state judgeship could definitely be in the works. Or he could become a DPW drawbridge operator.

Or he could ask the eternal question all disgraced, talentless pols eventually pose:

Is WRKO hiring?

Personally, given Gerry Studds unhampered career following his illegal sex-capades with an underage congressional page, Marzilli could probably still have a future in politics... if only in Massachusetts.

Jim Ogonowski released the following statement this afternoon:

"I have made my decision regarding the future of this US Senate race. Clearly, we had some issues this week regarding signatures. Mistakes were made along the way. But, any good military officer knows that when you are in command, the responsibilities are yours alone. The buck stops with me and I take that responsibility. There has been and will continue to be a lot of Monday morning quarter-backing and people trying to figure out what happened. But, the truth is, it doesn't matter. We could play that game all day long. But, the facts are the facts. For a variety of reasons, we did not meet the signature requirements. And at this time, I have decided not to pursue this endeavor.

I provide a sincere thank you to those that stood by me. I am sorry that we did not succeed. I ask for patience as my family and I move forward."

This is an unfortunate end to Ogonowski's campaign. With the support Ogonowski had, something like this should never have happened. Hub Politics chose not to make any primary endorsement, and we're highly disappointed that a technicality, instead of a primary election, decided the course of the GOP race for John Kerry's senate seat.

MassGOP Chairman Peter Torkildsen released the following statement:

"Today, we congratulate Jeff Beatty on becoming the Republican nominee to challenge John Forbes Kerry for the U.S. Senate. We also thank Jim Ogonowski for running a brief, but spirited campaign. Jeff and Jim both spoke of need for change in Washington D.C., with that change beginning with the election of a new U.S. Senator to represent Massachusetts.

"Now that we have a nominee, the Massachusetts Republican Party offers its full support to Jeff Beatty. John Kerry and Deval Patrick are living proof that one-party monopolies are a disaster for our Commonwealth."

It's no surprise that State Senator Marzilli has decided not to seek re-election this fall.

State Sen. James Marzilli said Thursday he would not seek re-election in the fall after his arrest this week on charges that he groped and made lewd comments to two women.

The Arlington Democrat said in a statement that his Statehouse staff "will continue to respond to the needs of constituents within the district" until the end of his term.

Two other Democrats — Arlington Selectman John Hurd and retired firefighter Kenneth Donnelly — already were running for the seat.

Previous Coverage:
Marzilli Police Reports... More Women Come Forward
Senator James Marzilli Arrested In Lowell

UPDATE: Marzilli admitted to psych ward...

State Sen. James Marzilli was admitted to an area hospital Thursday afternoon, his attorney told WBZ, the same day he decided against seeking re-election after his arrest on charges that he groped and made lewd comments to two women recently.

A source close to Marzilli told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity that Marzilli was seeking treatment at McLean Hospital, a psychiatric hospital in Belmont.

Our friends at Red Mass Group post... Boston Herald posts as well, with less redactions.

UPDATE: More trouble for Marzilli:

A state senator already accused of accosting two women in Lowell could face more charges as cops investigate several new complaints from a handful of women claiming they were sexually harassed by the lawmaker, the Herald has learned.

Multiple sources told the Herald that as many as five women have come forward with new complaints against Sen. James Marzilli, an Arlington Democrat facing a slew of charges from a bizarre encounter with a woman in a Lowell park yesterday.

“We are looking into allegations by multiple new complainants who reported similar incidents that occurred in Lowell,” said Corey Welford, a spokesman for Middlesex District Attorney Gerard Leone.

Jim Ogonowski released the following statement today:

"I understand that some people may be asking what my intentions are moving forward. I do not yet have an answer for you, but want to thank everyone who has reached out to me in the past few days. Today, I am spending time with my family and maybe I'll even have the chance to enjoy my farm, despite in the rain. This is something I haven't been able to do in quite some time and I actually appreciate the opportunity to do so. I can't tell you the past 24 hours have been easy for me, but I can tell you whatever I decide, it will be a final decision I am comfortable with. And it will be what is best for my family and of course for the citizens of this great state."

The State House News Service reports the following news.

STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, JUNE 3, 2008…. Democratic state Sen. James Marzilli was arrested in downtown Lowell today on charges of lewd and lascivious behavior, police said.

Marzilli was also charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, attempt to commit a crime, and obstruction of justice, according to police.

Marzilli was accused of sexual assault earlier this year, but Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone did not pursue the case, saying there was insufficient evidence.

Marzilli, an Arlington progressive in his first term in the Senate, tried to resist arrest by fleeing through the city’s downtown, police said.

Kevin Lombard of the Lowell Police Department said Marzilli was arrested on Middle Street in Lowell.

Marzilli was not immediately available for comment late Tuesday.

More details from the Boston Herald:

State Sen. James Marzilli was arrested in Lowell yesterday after he allegedly attempted to sexually assault a stranger sitting on a park bench, gave police a false name and then led officers on a foot chase that ended with in a downtown parking garage, law enforcement officials said.

Marzilli (D-Arlington), absolved of a separate sexual assault accusation last month, now faces a slew of new charges after yesterday’s alleged attack, which police said occurred in broad daylight on a busy street.

The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office said Marzilli, 50, approached a woman sitting on a bench along Middle Street, made a lewd comment and then tried to “inappropriately touch her in a sexual manner.”

*** UPDATED *** SEE BELOW ***

From the campaign this morning:

Despite what you may have read, I am proud to tell you that I will be turning in more than the required 10,000 certified signatures to get on the ballot. I am thankful to the 22,000 people across Massachusetts who signed my nomination papers and for all the hard work of the town clerks who had to go through all the names and certify them.

But there is a down side. Through this process, I have seen the underbelly of politics and the win-at-all-costs mentality that has tarnished the American election process. My character and integrity have been called into question. On blogs, you will find accusations and procedural and legal threats to prevent your right to vote and my access to the ballot. You will find an attempt to disenfranchise the voters not through the process, but through intimidation.

The ease of which my opposition has distorted the facts and has created lies and innuendo to attempt to keep me off the ballot just illustrates why most Americans do not trust politicians and why Congress has such a low approval rating.

Ballot access is a fundamental American right and my opposition is trying to deny people the right to choose their nominee. Instead he wants to resort to gutter politics, character assassinations, legal maneuvering and questionable tactics. This is not what this process was intended to accomplish. Our system was created so that any individual could have a chance to represent his community - not as a platform to deny access through false accusations.

I take great offense to these recent attacks on my character and I will not sit idly by. I have always served with honor, and I continue to do so.

This is the politics as usual mentality that I am fighting against in this campaign. We have a Washington that has become too big, too corrupt, and too controlled by special interests. The people are demanding change and I am listening.

I proudly served my country in the military for over 28 years. The Ogonowski family has had more than 20 members serve our country in the military and I have been deeply ingrained with a commitment to public service. I wish to continue my service to America in the United States Senate. I firmly believe that the foundation of democracy is the right to vote and the right for people to participate in Government. I will not allow anyone to take away your right to vote. It is what our forefathers fought and died for and it is what we continue to fight for today.

I will be on the ballot and I will win in November. I want to thank the large majority of communities who have followed the law and worked to enforce the process in the proper way. I thank those in the Secretary of State's Office who have done the same. Lastly, I want to thank all of you. I look forward to campaigning this summer and hearing all of your ideas for bringing positive change to Massachusetts.


On to November!

Sincerely,

Jim Ogonowski

UPDATE: The campaign subsequently released the following statement:

"Earlier today, the Ogonowski Campaign released a statement signifying that more than 10,000 certified signatures would be submitted on behalf of Jim Ogonowski to the Secretary of State's Office. That statement was accurate and those signatures were delivered. However, when submitted to the Secretary of State's Office we were notified that some town clerks had erred and had not properly signed the nomination papers. These papers were corrected by the clerks but were unable to be returned to the Secretary of State's Office by 5pm. The removal of those certified signatures from our totals, thereby dropped us below the threshold needed to qualify for the ballot. Previously, the campaign had made a conscious decision not to challenge questionable activity at town clerks offices, because it felt it would be unnecessary. This activity included: missing signature sheets, sheets mailed to Jim before being picked up eliminating the possibility of a review, and great disparity between original claims of initial signature counts and actual totals. However, due to today's developments, the campaign will be reviewing its options on the matter.

We appreciate your patience as we review those options. This will be the only statement from the campaign this evening."

More as this develops.

UPDATE: The Hill reports.

Massachusetts Republican Senate candidate Jim Ogonowski has failed to qualify for the ballot, likely costing the GOP one of its few takeover opportunities in 2008.
Ogonowski’s campaign said in a statement that it delivered the required 10,000 signatures to the Massachusetts Secretary of State, but that several town clerks “had erred and had not properly signed the nomination papers.”

In the end, the campaign was just 30 signatures short.

UPDATE: Jeff Beatty thanks his campaign's supporters for getting him on the ballot...

...and those billions would be paid for by the lucky taxpayers of Massachusetts.

Massachusetts lawmakers are proposing bigger pensions for state and municipal employees that could cost $6 billion or more, according to some estimates, triggering a chorus of complaints from fiscal watchdogs and local leaders who say the money is not there to pay for it.

The union-friendly, election-year maneuvers by the House and Senate would increase the annual cost-of-living adjustments that retirees receive as part of their pensions.

The individual numbers are seemingly small, a boost of about $120 a year more for every retiree, which advocates say is well-deserved. But multiplied by over 100,000 former teachers and state workers in the state's pension system as proposed by the House and by 86,000 municipal retirees as envisioned in a Senate amendment, it would add up fast, say critics.

"It's a tremendous gesture, but the money doesn't exist," said Mayor Scott W. Lang of New Bedford, who says he would have to lay off six current employees to make it work for the city's 1,721 retirees. "I have absolutely no qualms whatsoever of bumping that to meet the inflationary needs, but there's no funding. Without the funding it's illusory."

Over the next several weeks, the provisions will be the subject of negotiations in House-Senate budget conference committee meetings, which largely takes place behind closed doors.

If the behind closed doors part doesn't bug you enough, here's the real kick in the pants:

Public employee pension and healthcare costs have been at the center of debate over Proposition 2 1/2 tax override votes in communities across the state. But Senator Marian Walsh, a Democrat from West Roxbury who led passage of the legislation in the Senate, said that "this has been a very open, transparent discussion."

Open and transparent? Just how are committee meetings behind closed doors open and transparent?

The bottom line is is this passes, Massachusetts taxpayers are going to pay a big price for Beacon Hill kowtowing to unions -- which this state does so well.

The state is considering the new spending as it is already raiding its rainy-day fund, raising some taxes, and looking for cuts to balance the budget while repairing crumbling roads and bridges. It also comes as pension payments are being pared back by corporations across the nation.

But advocates and lawmakers who drafted the legislation say Massachusetts' public retirees deserve to have their pensions updated. "They should receive a cost of living that more adequately reflects inflation," said Representative Frank Hynes, a Democrat from Marshfield and chief advocate of the House legislation.

"It's $10 a damn month; that's all it is," said Ralph White, president of the Retired State, County and Municipal Employees Association of Massachusetts.

The legislation, which was added as amendments to the budget, would still have to be approved by all members of the House and Senate, who are running for reelection this year.

With Democrats running the show in the legislature, this pension increase seems destined to be passed... but will Deval Patrick, who has been at odds with the legislature, sign it or not?

If it passes, it would present a major test for Governor Deval Patrick. Patrick campaigned in 2006 against passing laws for special-interest groups but also counts unions among his key supporters. Patrick, through his spokesman, said the issue is in conference committee and has yet to come to his desk.

The pension increase for state employees alone would cost between $3.8 billion and $8 billion over 20 years, according to the Pioneer Institute, an independent nonpartisan think tank. A separate Senate amendment allowing municipal retirees to opt in would cost cities and towns at least $2 billion, according to the Massachusetts Municipal Association.When will the voters of Massachusetts learn?

John Kerry once again made a fool of himself by claiming that on September 11 "we were basically at peace."

At peace? Between the first bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993, to the bombing of the U.S.S. Cole in 2000 to the terrorist attacks the morning of 9/11, for Kerry to think that we were "basically at peace," just proves how ignorant he is.

The Hill's Blog Briefing Room reports Kerry's so-called "clarification."

Asked to clarify his remarks, specifically asking about the attacks on the U.S.S. Cole during Barack Obama campaign conference call, Kerry said, "well, we hadn't declared war," The Hill's Sam Youngman reports.

Is that so? So does that mean peace can be achieved simply by not declaring war, or un-declaring war?

What an idiot.

Asked if al Qaeda was a threat at the time, the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee said, "well yes, obviously they were a threat. But, fundamentally we were not at war at that point in time."

Kerry also called John McCain "out of step with history and facts."

Isn't that rich? Kerry says we were basically at peace on September 11, and McCain is the one "out of step with history and facts."

Jim Ogonowski released the following statement in response to Kerry's idiotic remarks.

"Either John Kerry is naïve or he is actually using this tragedy for political propaganda to capture more headlines for himself in this election cycle. Does he know this was not the first attack on the very building taken down on September 11th? Does he consider the bombings of our embassies in Tanzania and Kenya and on American troops on the U.S.S. Cole as being "basically at peace"?

On the morning of September 11, 2001, America and the world were reminded that evil in the hearts of only a few men can cause harm to many. Those attacks were not planned in a day. Islamic extremists had long before declared war on America and American interests. While September 11th was a day of peace to John Kerry, for me it was the day I lost my brother. I think it would be very appropriate for John Kerry to apologize to the victims and the families of those lost on that day for his remarks."

Could there be the possibility that not one, but two Senate seats in Massachusetts may be for the taking?

The airplane came to a stop, the door opened and out popped Tony Blair. At the bottom of the stairs to greet the former British prime minister on Saturday was Sen. John Kerry, looking every part the diplomat.

Four years after a failed presidential bid and amid a race for a fifth Senate term this fall, Kerry’s moves have prompted some questions:

—Is the Massachusetts Democrat positioning himself to be secretary of state in a potential Barack Obama administration?

—Could a Kerry appointment create not one but two Senate openings in Massachusetts, assuming Sen. Edward Kennedy cannot complete his term after being diagnosed last week with brain cancer?

Kerry aides insist he’s not angling for the job and point to his long involvement in foreign affairs. It started with his famous testimony as a 27-year-old veteran questioning the Vietnam War before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. It continues today, at age 64, as the No. 3 Democrat on the same panel.

But envisioning him in the post would hardly be a stretch given Obama’s chances at securing the Democratic nomination, a general election shaping up as a "change" campaign and Kerry’s relationship with the Illinois senator.

Kerry would likely face competition from Sen. Joseph R. Biden of Delaware, chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee; Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut, a former Peace Corps volunteer who also sits on the panel, and former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota, a top Obama adviser.

Over the weekend, Kerry wrote a Washington Post op-ed column chastising President Bush and John McCain, the Republican presidential nominee-in-waiting, for criticizing Obama after he said that, as president, he would be willing to negotiate with U.S. opponents such as Iran.

In recent weeks, the Senate has also passed Kerry-sponsored resolutions seeking humanitarian aid for Burma and Robert Mugabe to step aside as president of Zimbabwe, while Kerry has filed legislation to remove South African President Nelson Mandela from U.S. terrorist watch lists.

Many would argue John Kerry was running for president since he before he even served elected office--so much for all those years of planning. If there is truth to this speculation, and Kerry is poising himself for position in a hypothetical Obama Administration, then maybe this perceived planning ahead is not the best strategy for him. If Kerry can spend most of his adult life "running for president" and he failed at that, than mere months of planning will only end in disappointment for Kerry.

Obama may not even get the nomination, and if he does, he may still not win the general election. You can't get your hopes up with anything, particularly politics.

Kerry should stick to doing his job as Senator, and do that job for the sake of his constituents, not for the sake of a hypothetical potential job.

Actually, never mind. Keep passing useless feel-good resolutions that do nothing if you think it will help you become Secretary State, Senator Kerry. As long as you're in that Senate seat, I think I like it better that you have absolutely no impact whatsoever.

The Boston Globe has this breaking story.

Two D Line trains have collided in Newton between the Waban and Woodland stations, near Dorset Road. TV reports show two twisted cabs derailed on the track, and one person may be pinned beneath a train. Dozens of emergency responders are on the scene, loading some passengers on stretchers. Shuttle service is operating between Riverside and Reservoir.

UPDATE: MBTA's Alert

The Boston Herald reports...

...the unions, of course.

Governor Deval Patrick and the state's top legislative leaders stood united in March and made a bold proclamation: They would use their combined political muscle to take on powerful police unions and their sacred perk - construction details.

They grabbed headlines and plenty of airtime as they touted the $100 million the state could save by replacing police officers at low-risk construction sites with civilians in bright vests with flags.

Two months later, political will has faded.

Patrick was the first to publicly back off the tough stance when, just a week after the highly orchestrated news conference, the governor said on WTKK-FM's monthly "Ask the Governor" radio show, "The more I think about it, the less certain I am that we can fix this top down."

Confronted with a withering lobbying blitz by police officers, meanwhile, key lawmakers inserted legislative language in a transportation bill that would protect municipal union contracts and, with those contracts, the construction details that boost police salaries by thousands of dollars.

The result?

"This thing has been hobbled," said David G. Tuerck, executive director of the Beacon Hill Institute, a conservative-leaning think tank at Suffolk University. "The politicians seem to be totally unwilling to take this issue on in a serious way."

Once again, the taxpayers are being screwed.

Jeff Beatty's campaign has issued a press release alleging voter fraud by the Ogonowski campaign.

The Jeff Beatty campaign has sent and hand delivered a letter to William F. Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, asking him to investigate alleged voter fraud by the Senate campaign of Jim Ogonowski. The letter points to an affidavit signed by a registered Republican voter in Chelmsford, MA stating that his signature was fraudulently placed on nomination papers for Mr. Ogonowski’s campaign. This voter was also told that, in addition to his faked signature, deceased individuals also appeared on some of Mr. Ogonowski’s nomination papers.

Alicia Preston, spokesman for the Ogonowski Campaign, gave Hub Politics the following response:

We cannot control who signs the signature list, nor what they sign. That is why there is a certification process, and this is an example of why it is flawed. However, it is very suspect that the attorney for our opponent was able to view our signature sheets before they were certified.

Frankly, it seems rather silly for the Beatty campaign to making an issue out of this. We expect this kind of behavior from Democrats, not Republicans.

UPDATE: Brian laments when the GOP gives fodder for talk radio...

UPDATE: I just spoke with the Beatty campaign. I asked why the campaign chose to get involved by writing the letter to William F. Galvin prior to the certification of signatures. According to the campaign, given Beatty's law enforcement background, they felt it was important to make sure the allegations were brought to the proper authorities.

The Beatty campaign told me all their signatures were obtained by grassroots volunteers, and they have 13,000 signatures in hand.

Here we go again...Deval Patrick is spoiling himself with taxpayer money when the rest of the state is struggling.

Despite a slumping economy and looming budget crunch, Gov. Deval Patrick has hiked his office budget by an astonishing 80 percent, adding questionable new staff positions like “director of grassroots governance” and pumping millions into an extravagant “civic engagement” program.

“We know the governor had a goal of creating 100,000 new jobs in his first term, we just didn’t know he was going to create them all in the Corner Office,” said Sen. Michael Knapik (R-Westfield).

Added State Sen. Scott Brown (R-Wrentham): “People in my district are asking, ‘What is this guy doing?’ They get 1 to 2 percent increases for their schools, and he gets almost 80 percent? How do you explain that?”

Patrick’s office budget has skyrocketed to $9 million this fiscal year, a boost of nearly $4 million from fiscal 2007, Republican lawmakers said. Much of the increase is due to a $3 million appropriation for Patrick’s new Commonwealth Corps, a volunteerism program aimed at promoting “civic engagement” across the state.

And it gets better...

Patrick has also increased spending by hundreds of thousands of dollars on internal staff.

Among the new positions and their salaries:

Director of grassroots governance: $50,000

Grassroots goverance liaison: $39,000

Director of new media and online strategy: $68,000.

What’s more, Patrick is spending more than $450,000 on an office in Washington, D.C., to help lure federal dollars to fund Medicaid, transportation, housing and other priorities.

Nearly half a million dollars of taxpayer money towards the office in Washington DC? Seems a bit excessive. Republicans are, shall we say, a bit concerned by the increases.

“We have Democratic delegation who’s in the majority in Congress, we have Democratic state Legislature and we have a Democratic governor, so why is all this money necessary for the Washington, D.C., office?” asked Tisei(R-Wakefield). “It seems extravagant to me.”

Aides to the governor defended the additional spending, saying it is meant to improve operations in the governor’s office after Romney cut the number of employees into the 60s. Patrick has increased the staff to 76 full-time positions.

“Unlike some previous administrations, this administration is serious about moving the commonwealth forward,” Patrick spokeswoman Cyndi Roy said.

She also sought to portray money to increase staffing in the Washington office as an important investment. “The office is critical to maintaining a strong partnership with our legislative delegation, especially when billons of dollars in federal funds for Massachsuetts are at stake,” she said.

Roy defended the internal office hires for new media and grassroots coordination, saying, “The people of Massachusetts deserve to have their voices heard.”

In a time that should see the state trying to save money, Governor Patrick wants to spend it unnecessarily. Even in better economic times, such increases would still seem gratuitous.

How much more of our hard earned money does Deval Patrick want to take out of our hands? What happened to the fiscal responsibility? Perhaps Deval Patrick's own personal financial missteps are being carried over into his administration of the state.

Maybe we do need that office in DC to help bring money fund Deval's lavish spending.

The Associated Press reports the latest news about Senator Kennedy's condition:

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor Tuesday in what could be the grim final chapter in a life marked by exhilarating triumph and shattering tragedy. Some experts gave the liberal lion less than a year to live.

Doctors discovered the tumor after the 76-year-old senator and sole surviving son of America's most storied political family suffered a seizure over the weekend. The diagnosis cast a pall over Capitol Hill, where the Massachusetts Democrat has served since 1962, and came as a shock to a family all too accustomed to sudden, calamitous news.

"Ted Kennedy and the Kennedy family have faced adversity more times in more instances with more courage and more determination and more grace than most families have to," said Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass. "Every one of us knows what a big heart this fellow has. He's helped millions and millions of people — from the biggest of legislation on the floor to the most personal."

The outlook for Kennedy is not good.

ennedy's doctors said he will remain in the hospital for the next couple of days as they consider chemotherapy and radiation. They did not mention surgery, a possible indication the tumor is inoperable.

Outside experts gave him no more than three years — and perhaps far less.

ennedy's doctors said he will remain in the hospital for the next couple of days as they consider chemotherapy and radiation. They did not mention surgery, a possible indication the tumor is inoperable.

Outside experts gave him no more than three years — and perhaps far less.

Of course, the Associated Press is already looking at the political implications of Kennedy's potential departure from the Senate.

Kennedy, the Senate's second-longest serving member, was re-elected in 2006 and is not up for election again until 2012. Were he to resign or die in office, state law requires a special election for the seat 145 to 160 days afterward.

Among the potential Democratic candidates: Martha Coakley, the state's attorney general; Rep. Edward J. Markey; former Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy II, Kennedy's nephew; and Kennedy's wife. The Republican contenders could include former Gov. Mitt Romney or former Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey.

UPDATE: President Bush made the following statement:

"Laura and I are concerned to learn of our friend Senator Kennedy's diagnosis. Ted Kennedy is a man of tremendous courage, remarkable strength and powerful spirit. Our thoughts are with Senator Kennedy and his family during this difficult period. We join our fellow Americans in praying for his full recovery."

More reactions from House and Senate members.

Brian has coverage at our sister site, Save WRKO.

U.S. Senate candidate Jeff Beatty released the following statement.

"Senator Kennedy has dedicated his life to serving the people of Massachusetts and this country. He has faced adversity many times with strength and courage, and we pray that same strength and courage will sustain the Senator and his family as they face this challenge."

UPDATE: Deval Patrick reacts.

UPDATE: More at Deval Patrick Watch

According to the Boston Globe, Jim Ogonowski may not have enough signatures to get on the ballot.

Republican Jim Ogonowski, who has the backing of key party members in his bid to challenge US Senator John F. Kerry, could be in danger of stumbling on his first crucial test: collecting 10,000 voter signatures to secure a spot on the GOP primary ballot.

With all the signatures submitted by the campaigns and the exhaustive certification process winding down, Ogonowski still needs at least 259 certified signatures to qualify for the September primary. But even that estimate is low, because he is expected to need a cushion of up to 1,000 more to withstand challenges to the validity of individual signatures that are sure to be mounted by his rival in the GOP primary, Jeff Beatty.

"There appears to be some question as to whether he will make it," said Secretary of State William F. Galvin, a Democrat whose Election Division compiles signature tallies submitted by individual city and town clerks.

Candidates had until May 6 to submit signatures to municipal clerks. Local officials then have until May 27 to certify each signature as valid and submit a total from their communities to Galvin's office.

This news makes me think back to my earlier question about whether Ogonowski should have gone for a rematch against Niki Tsongas. Between this and his getting clobbered by Jeff Beatty in fundraising, Ogonowski's campaign appears to be in trouble.

If it's not the courts, or the school systems, it's our hospitals...

Boston’s Children’s Hospital bills itself as the hospital for children — and now it’s also the hospital for children who want a sex change, a procedure some critics are calling “barbaric.”

Dr. Norman Spack, a pediatric specialist at the hospital, has launched a clinic for transgendered kids — boys who feel like girls, girls who want to be boys — and he’s opening his doors to patients as young as 7.

Spack offers his younger patients counseling and drugs that delay the onset of puberty. The drugs stop the natural flood of hormones that would make it difficult to have a sex alteration later in life, allowing patients more time to decide whether they want to make the change.

Spack also offers some teenagers hormone therapy, a drastic step that changes the way they grow and develop. While the effects of drug treatments can be stopped, long-term hormone therapy can be irreversible, causing permanent infertility in both sexes.

There's just something incredibly wrong with doctors giving children as young as 7 years old drugs that delay puberty with the goal of preparing them for a sex change later on in their youth. Can a child possibly understand such things? What is with this newfound obsession of treating childhood confusions with drugs and hormone therapy? It is sick enough when adults tamper with nature and undergo cosmetic sex change operations to satisfy there own mental problems.

And what kind of parent would consent to allowing their young child undergo hormone therapy or a sex change?

It doesn't surprise me this is happening in a hospital in Massachusetts, where the courts undermined traditional marriage and schools have undermine parents' rights... The traditional family is being destroyed piece by piece, and the efforts of doctors to cause permanent sexual damage to children just contributes to the problem.

Our senior Senator has been rushed to the hospital with stroke-like symptoms...

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy has been hospitalized at Massachusetts General Hospital with stroke-like symptoms that appear to be mild for the time being, several sources close to the family told the Herald this morning.

The eight-term Massachusetts senator and head of the storied Kennedy political clan was stricken while at home in Hyannis Port early this morning, sources said, and rushed around 8:30 to Cape Cod Hospital.

Kennedy, 76, was then wheeled on a stretcher to a MedFlight helicopter around 10:15 a.m. this morning, and the copter took off from Barnstable Municipal Airport for Boston and MGH, his office confirmed.

Kennedy’s spokeswoman, Stephanie Cutter, released the following statement about midday:

“Senator Kennedy went to Cape Cod Hospital this morning after feeling ill at his home. After discussion with his doctors in Boston, Senator Kennedy was sent to Massachusetts General Hospital for further examination. He is currently under evaluation, and information will be released as it becomes available.”

House Republicans may have a rare opportunity to flex their muscles on Beacon Hill.

The Bay State’s few Republican lawmakers, mocked for their dwindling membership and influence, may have the last laugh if they emerge as power brokers with a decisive block of votes for the next speaker of the House.

Representatives from both Rep. Robert DeLeo (D-Winthrop) and Rep. John Rogers (D-Norwood) have put feelers out to House Republicans for support as neither can tally a clear victory in the Democratic caucus.

“Because of the closeness of this battle, a block of 19 votes could put one candidate over the top,” said one Republican lawmaker, who asked to remain anonymous.

Sounds nice that Republicans could have such influence, particularly with their dwindling numbers in the State House, but what do they have to gain by getting involved? What kind of promises can be made (or kept)?

Rep. Kevin Murphy (D-Lowell) said while the Republicans could put either candidate over the top, he would be shocked if Republicans voted for a Democratic speaker. “What are they going to get in return? That’s what I wonder,” Murphy said.

Rep. Murphy is exactly right. What can Republicans gain except a "thank you" followed by "go screw."

A while back, CQ Politics declared MA-05, the congressional seat now held by Niki Tsongas, as 'Safe Democrat' since no GOP challenger has emerged in the race. This is unfortunate, as her time in Congress since barely winning the special election hasn't exactly been noteworthy, and despite her solid promises that a vote for her was a vote to get us out of Iraq, lo and behold, we're still there.

A few weeks ago, Jeff Beatty, who is running for the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate, called on fellow GOP candidate Jim Ogonowski "to think of the interests of the Party and run for Congress." Beatty offered support for Ogonowski if he chose to challenge Tsongas again.

Looking at the situation now, I believe it may have been wise for Ogonowski to have taken him up on the offer. Congressional approval hasn't gotten any better since Tsongas skimmed out her victory. In the GOP U.S. Senate primary race, Beatty has done significantly better than Ogonowski in fundraising.

Who has a better chance at defeating John Kerry? I can't really say, but I would have liked to have seen a situation where we had a possibility of seeing and end to one-party representation from Massachusetts in both the U.S. House and Senate.