Local Politics  

 

 

The Guests

Maria's Conversation with Queen Noor


By Maria Hinojosa

Maria Hinojosa interviews Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan.

Local Voices

Taking Issue with the Electoral College

By Kelly Bates

Kelly Bates takes issue with our current method of electing Presidents.

Local Voices

Big Government


By Kerry Healey

by Kerry Healey
Government needs more than its current two gears: inert and glacial. It needs to be nimble enough to actually respond to real national emergencies; not in months, weeks or days, but in hours.

Local Voices

The Union Vote


By Sam Yoon

In less than 60 days the Boston City Council will be facing one of their toughest votes in recent memory. They’ll be voting to approve or reject a lucrative fire fighter’s contract that was awarded by a labor-management arbitrator.

Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking: Child Exploitation


By Phillip Martin

Of all the dimensions of human trafficking, the kidnapping of children for commercial sexual exploitation is considered the most heinous. Phillip Martin investigates.

Local Politics

Mass Decision 2010


FULL ELECTION COVERAGE

WGBH presents Mass Decision 2010, an in-depth look at the upcoming state elections in Massachusetts. WGBH will be covering the elections from every angle, and we want you to help shape the debate by adding your voice.

Local Voices

A Misuse Of Freedom


By Kerry Healey

Last week, three iconic American freedoms — freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of the press — collided in a nightmare scenario that could well still lead to the loss of American lives.

CRITICAL MASS: ADAM REILLY ON POLITICS

No Free Pass For Coakley

By Adam Reilly

One of the biggest surprises of this year's MA elections was that--despite Scott Brown's win over Martha Coakley in that hugely hyped US Senate election earlier this year--the state GOP couldn't get anyone to run against Coakley for the AG's job this fall.

CRITICAL MASS: ADAM REILLY ON POLITICS

Coakley Gets An Opponent


By Adam Reilly

One of the biggest surprises of this year's MA elections was that--despite Scott Brown's win over Martha Coakley in that hugely hyped US Senate election earlier this year--the state GOP couldn't get anyone to run against Coakley for the AG's job this fall. Until now.

POV

Food, Inc.


WATCH
FOOD, INC. WEBSITE

What we eat, how it's produced, and where we are going from here.

MASS DECISION 2010

After Stunning Betrayal, Cahill Moves Ahead


By Sarah Birnbaum

After a rough couple of weeks in his gubernatorial campaign, independent candidate for governor Tim Cahill is pushing forth to election day with a rejiggered campaign strategy.

Local Voices

Progress For Conservatives


By Kerry Healey

This November, without fanfare, Republicans are positioned to significantly boost the number of conservative women in top national offices.

Critical Mass: Adam Reilly On Politics

Analysis: Cahill Will Push On


By Adam Reilly

After Tim Cahill's Independent-ticket running mate Paul Loscocco dropped out of the governor's race on Friday, things were looking bleak for Cahill. But he's staying in the race -- and brings a unique persepective with him.
 

Mass Decision 2010

Wife Of Rep. Tierney Pleads Guilty To Tax Charges


LISTEN: GOP OPPONENT HUDAK ON THE CASE
By Jess Bidgood
The wife of Rep. John Tierney, who is up for re-election next month, pled guilty Wednesday to federal charges of helping her brother conceal income from an illegal offshore gambling business.
MASS DECISION 2010

Cahill Suit Alleges Political Sabotage


EARLIER: CAHILL LG DEFECTS, ENDORSES BAKER
By Jess Bidgood
Independent gubernatorial candidate Tim Cahill on Thursday filed a lawsuit against his former top operatives, alleging they conspired with Republicans to topple his campaign.
MASS DECISION 2010

Loscocco Accuses Cahill Of Coordinating With Patrick


Cahill Suit Alleges Political Sabotage
Cahill LG Defects, Endorses Baker
By WGBH News
The former running mate of independent gubernatorial candidate Tim Cahill is accusing the Cahill campaign of coordinating with the Patrick campaign.
CRITICAL MASS: ADAM REILLY ON POLITICS

The Gov's Race: What Now?


MORE CRITICAL MASS
By Adam Reilly
Whether it's a defection, a lawsuit or a counter-accusation, the governor's race has gotten confusing -- and fun to watch. Where do the candidates go from here?
CRITICAL MASS: ADAM REILLY ON POLITICS

The Shifting Sands Of Loscocco-Gate


MORE CRITICAL MASS
By Adam Reilly
Emails released Wednesday by ex-aides to Tim Cahill suggest the independent candidate for governor may have misused his office as state treasurer to help his campaign. It's the latest twist in a series of events catalyzed by the defection of his running mate, Paul Loscocco.
MASS DECISION 2010

Frank, Bielat Clash Over Foreclosure Crisis


WATCH DEBATE
MORE MASS DECISION 2010
By Sarah Birnbaum
Rep. Barney Frank faces a serious re-election challenge from the GOP's Sean Bielat. The two faced off Thursday night in a debate on WGBH's Greater Boston.
Critical Mass: Adam Reilly On Politics

Cahill Confounds After Drama-Free Debate


Cahill doesn't want to keep talking about Loscocco-gate. But until he can offer some clearer explanations, he won't have a choice. 
MASS DECISION 2010

Polling The 10th: How The Numbers Break Down

By Jess Bidgood
Just over two weeks before Election Day, an exclusive WGBH poll of the 10th Congressional District shows a dead heat between Democratic candidate Bill Keating and Republican Candidate Jeff Perry. See how the numbers break down. WGBH POLL SHOWS DEAD HEAT IN 10TH DISTRICT
FULL POLL RESULTS
MASS DECISION 2010

WGBH Poll Shows Dead Heat In 10th District


HOW THE NUMBERS BREAK DOWN
FULL POLL RESULTS
By Sean Corcoran
The race for the 10th Congressional District is wide open, according to a poll released Monday by WGBH and the MassINC. Polling Group.
MASS DECISION 2010

WGBH 10th District Poll: Full Results

By WGBH News
See the full results and cross-tabulations from WGBH's 10th District poll. HOW THE NUMBERS BREAK DOWN
IN THE 10TH DISTRICT, A DEAD HEAT
MASS DECISION 2010

In Boston, Obama Rallies Party Faithful


By Sarah Birnbaum
As Gov. Deval Patrick heads into the final stretch of campaign season, he got some help from an old friend – President Barack Obama. The President was in Boston this weekend to fire up the Democratic base and to get out the vote for Governor Patrick in what promises to be a very tight gubernatorial race.
POLITICS

Obama Targets Young Voters At Ohio State Rally



By Don Gonyea
President Obama spent the weekend on the campaign trail in hopes of boosting his party's chances in midterm elections.
MASS DECISION 2010

Obama, Patrick: Parallel Campaigns, Divergent Numbers


Obama Rallies For Patrick
By Sarah Birnbaum
President Barack Obama and Gov. Deval Patrick have long been close friends and political allies. But a WGBH poll of the 10th Congressional District shows some voters view the two very differently.
Mass Decision 2010

Strip-Search Victim Speaks Out Against Perry


MORE MASS DECISION 2010
By Jess Bidgood
The woman strip-searched by a policeman while  Jeff Perry was on site is criticizing the GOP Congressional candidate.
The Emily Rooney Show

You Tell Us: Thumbs Up Or Thumbs Down?


THE EMILY ROONEY SHOW
Add your voice to the weekly Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down session on The Emily Rooney Show. Tell us whether you say "yea" or "nay" to the following newsmaking moments from this week -- and see what others said.
MASS DECISION 2010

The Final Governor's Debate: Watch And Chat Monday At 7 p.m.



Stream the last major gubernatorial debate before Election Day -- and join a live Web chat about the debate with leading journalists and political analysts.
Mass Decision 2010

Gubernatorial Candidates Meet For Final Debate


MORE MASS DECISION 2010
TRANSCRIPT: DEBATE LIVE CHAT
By Sarah Birnbaum
With just one week to go before elections, the gubernatorial candidates put forth their well-honed campaign messages one last time during their final televised debate on Monday night.
Local Politics

R.I. Gubernatorial Candidate Tells Obama to 'Shove It'


READ MORE
By Mara Liasson
President Obama traveled to Rhode Island Monday. But the president didn't endorse a candidate in the governor's race because he's friends with Lincoln Chafee. Democratic candidate Frank Caprio said Obama can "take his endorsement and really shove it."
MASS DECISION 2010

Campaign Snapshot: The Auditor's Race

By Sarah Birnbaum
The race for Governor has been getting all of the attention this election season, but next week, Massachusetts voters will also choose the new auditor – the state’s fiscal watchdog whose job includes rooting out fraud in government programs like Medicaid, housing and welfare. MORE MASS DECISION 2010
Mass Decision 2010

With Question 2, Affordable Housing Funds On The Line


MORE MASS DECISION 2010
By Andrea Smardon
On Nov. 2, Massachusetts voters will consider Question 2, which would repeal a law designed to increase the supply of affordable housing in Massachusetts.
Boston

At Home With The Gubernatorial Candidates


MORE GREATER BOSTON
MORE MASS DECISION 2010
By Jared Bowen
Greater Boston's Jared Bowen spent time with all four candidates for Massachusetts governor. Catch up on Jared's series of at home interviews with Jill Stein, Charlie Baker, Deval Patrick and Tim Cahill.
Critical Mass: Adam Reilly On Politics

Turner Sealed His Own Conviction

By Adam Reilly
Chuck Turner's Friday conviction on charges related to an alleged bribery is a sad coda to his career, regardless of whether you think he was guilty.
MORE: TURNER FOUND GUILTY
Mass Decision 2010

State Pension, Red Sox Plates At Issue In Treasurer's Race


THE AUDITOR'S RACE
MORE MASS DECISION 2010
By Sarah Birnbaum
Democrat Steve Grossman and Republican Karyn Polito are taking aim at each other's fiscal policies -- and baseball preference -- as they close up their contest to be state Treasurer.
Mass Decision 2010

Ten Voting Tips For Election Day

By MassVOTE
Alright, okay, you get the message. You're going to go vote. But before you head out, make sure you're on top of some crucial information. MassVOTE has the following tips to make Election Day go as smoothly for you as possible.
Mass Decision 2010

Record-High Turnout Expected On Election Day


VOTING TIPS
JOIN WGBH FOR A LIVE CHAT TONIGHT
By Sarah Birnbaum
Massachusetts officials are expecting more voters to turn out on Tuesday's Election Day than in any other gubernatorial election in the past 20 years.  
Mass Decision 2010

Historically High Turnout As Voters Consider Tight Races


JOIN US TONIGHT FOR A LIVE DISCUSSION
THE EMILY ROONEY SHOW
By Jess Bidgood
This Election Day, Massachusetts' voters are on track to show historically high turnout. A roundup of the day so far from WGBH hosts and reporters.
Election Night 2010

Sounds Of Election Night

By WGBH News
Memorable quotes captures from election night 2010
Mass Decision 2010

Keating Defeats Perry With Safe Margin


FULL ELECTION RESULTS
By Sean Corcoran
In the closely-watched 10th Congressional District race to replace retiring Congressman Bill Delahunt, Norfolk County District Attorney Bill Keating held off a strong showing by Republican Jeff Perry of Cape Cod Tuesday night in a contest that was expected to come down to the wire. 
Mass Decision 2010

Patrick Wins Second Term


FULL RETURNS
SOUNDS FROM ELECTION NIGHT
By Sarah Birnbaum
Gov. Deval Patrick won a second term Tuesday night, beating back voter frustration over the economy and a resurgent Republican party.  
Mass Decision 2010

Cahill Wraps Up Beleaguered Run For Office


PATRICK WINS SECOND TERM
FULL ELECTION RESULTS
By Andrea Smardon
State treasurer and independent candidate for governor Timothy Cahill came in a distant third in poll results on Tuesday's election night, getting just 8 percent of the vote.
Mass Decision 2010

As U.S. House Goes Red, Mass. Glows Blue


PATRICK WINS SECOND TERM
FULL ELECTION RESULTS
By Sarah Birnbaum
Democrats in the Bay State won all of Tuesday night's statewide races, bucking a national turn towards the GOP that put the U.S. House of Representatives under Republican control.
Mass Decision 2010

2012: Economy, GOP Set Tone Of Presidential Race



By Alan Greenblatt
Washington's new balance of power may lead to either conflict or compromise. How Obama and the GOP get along may decide the next election -- if the economy doesn't do it for them.
Local Politics

In Scott Brown Territory, A Rough Election Night


IN ELECTIONS, MASS. GLOWS BLUE
By Ralph Ranalli
A funny thing happened on the way to the Scott Brown revolution: It turns out Scott Brown was the revolution.
The Emily Rooney Show

Optimistic Patrick Will Focus On Jobs


MASS DEMS: GOTV KEY TO VICTORIES
PATRICK WINS A SECOND TERM
By Jess Bidgood
During an interview with WGBH's Emily Rooney, Gov. Deval Patrick said he's optimistic about Massachusetts' economic recovery, but plans to continue a focus on job-creation as he heads into his second term in office.
Local Politics

Mass. Dems: GOTV Key To State Victories

By Adam Reilly
The head of Massachusetts Democratic Party says Gov. Deval Patrick's re-election holds an important lesson for Democrats across the country.
IN ELECTIONS, MASS. GLOWS BLUE
Critical Mass: Adam Reilly On Politics

The Mass. GOP Versus Itself


MORE CRITICAL MASS
By Adam Reilly
When you've got a bunch of big races that feel competitive, and you don't win any of them, disappointment is a natural reaction. Still, recent history suggests that the Mass. GOP's State House gains are actually pretty impressive.
The Emily Rooney Show

After Turner Conviction, City Council Moves Forward


LISTEN TO THE EMILY ROONEY SHOW
By WGBH News
City Councilor Chuck Turner’s refusal to resign his office despite his recent federal corruption conviction and repeated calls for his ouster may lead his City Council colleagues toward an unprecedented step: Expelling one of their own members.
Health Care

Health Care Reform Will Soon Affect Mass. Businesses

By Sarah Birnbaum
New nursing laws and copayment-free health care services were on the agenda as businesses came together for an information session on how health care reform will impact employers in Massachusetts.
Local Politics

Brown Pushes For Pro-Business Policies Over Breakfast


By Sarah Birnbaum
Sen. Scott Brown, Massachusetts' lone Republican Congressional delegate, advocated for pro-business policies and job creation at a Boston Chamber of Commerce breakfast on Monday.
LOCAL NEWS

Lawmakers On The Hot Seat After Probation Report

By Sarah Birnbaum
A scathing report released Thursday about the probation department is renewing concerns about corruption on Beacon Hill.
PROBATION COMMISSIONER DISMISSED
Boston

Menino Hospitalized With Skin Infection

By Adam Reilly
Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino is out-of-commission Tuesday following a skin infection that developed while he was traveling in Italy. 
Local Politics

Patrick: Probation Dept. Is Isolated Problem


WATCH THE SHOW
By Adam Reilly
Patrick is defending the right of elected officials to recommend people for jobs in state government -- even though that practice is at the center of the Probation Department controversy.
ENVIRONMENT

State's Top Environmental Official Will Step Down


By Sean Corcoran
Ian Bowles, the state's top environmental official and a key player in Gov. Deval Patrick's first term in office, is stepping down from his position as secretary of energy and environmental affairs.
UPDATED

After Expulsion, Turner Vows To Fight Back


AFTER TURNER CONVICTION, CITY COUNCIL MOVES FORWARD
By Adam Reilly
The Boston City Council voted 11-1 to expel Chuck Turner, ending his 10-year career there. Last month, Turner was convicted of federal bribery charges.

Government

Probation Center Stage At SJC Chief's Confirmation Hearing


By Sarah Birnbaum
The Governor's Council is making its final considerations on State Supreme Court Chief Justice Nominee Roderick Ireland after Ireland fielded questions during a confirmation hearing Wednesday.
Local Politics

Brown Supports Repeal Of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'


By Jess Bidgood
Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown -- the lone Republican in the state's Congressional delegation -- supports the repeal of military's so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.
Local Politics

Capuano: 'Where Is The Compromise?'

Rep. Michael Capuano is criticizing President Obama for what he says was the failure to play hardball with Congressional Republicans on a tax deal announced Tuesday.
HEAR THE INTERVIEW
Government

Ireland Confirmed As State's Chief Justice


SJC CHIEF CONFIRMATION HEARING FOCUSES ON PROBATION
By Jess Bidgood
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has a new chief justice. Rodrick L. Ireland, previously the court's senior associate justice, was unanimously confirmed for the position early Wednesday afternoon
Boston

Food Trucks May Be Rolling Toward Boston


READ THE CITY COUNCIL'S FOOD TRUCK REPORT
By Jess Bidgood
A proposed City Council ordinance would license up to 25 new food trucks in Boston -- and trucks could start rolling out by the summer.
Local Politics

Intriguing, Intense Race Gives Patrick Second Term


By Phillip Martin
WGBH's senior reporter Phillip Martin took a look at some of the highlights of the 2010 gubernatorial contest that produced last night’s results.
GREATER BOSTON

At UMass, An American DREAM On Hold


WATCH GREATER BOSTON
By Toni Waterman
Deivid Ribeiro earned a 4.0 from Cape Cod Community College and now studies physics at UMass. But unless the DREAM Act passes in the lame duck Congressional session, he -- and thousands of other undocumented students -- could face deportation.
The State House

$2 B Budget Gap Looms; Major Cuts Anticipated


By Sarah Birnbaum
The state Legislature may be out of session – but a looming $2 billion budget gap  for the next fiscal year is worrying lawmakers and interest groups across Beacon Hill, who will be talking dollars during State House hearings on Tuesday.
Local Politics

DeLeo: Casinos Will Be On The Docket

By Sarah Birnbaum
House Speaker Robert Deleo says casinos are on the agenda in the upcoming legislative session after a bill failed at the last minute this past summer.
WGBH SPECIAL REPORT: THE LAST RESORT
Government

Mass. Tax Revenue Will Grow -- But Not Enough

By Sarah Birnbaum
Economists are predicting Massachusetts revenue will grow by as much as $700 million next year, a 5 percent gain over 2010.
CUTS PREDICTED AS MASS. FACES $2B GAP
Local Politics

Outgoing Rep. Delahunt Supports Tax Compromise


By WGBH News
Outgoing Rep. Bill Delahunt is ending is 14 years in Congress with a vote for the Obama-GOP tax compromise. He told WGBH's Emily Rooney why.
City Council Roundup

Big Changes For City Council As Year Ends


By Jess Bidgood
The race for Chuck Turner's empty seat on the Boston City Council begins as the body's president ends his term and a new member settles in. 
Local Politics

Mass. Loses Congressional Seat


AFTER CENSUS, A RESHAPED U.S. POLITICAL LANDSCAPE
By Jess Bidgood
The state of Massachusetts will lose one congressional seat as the seats in the 435-member House are reapportioned to reflect population changes shown by the 2010 Census. 


Local Politics

Representatives Line Up For Redistricting Battle


MASS. WILL LOSE 1 CONGRESSIONAL SEAT
By Phillip Martin
Members of Massachusetts'  10-person congressional delegation are staking claims to their seats after the news that the state will only have nine seats when this term is over. 
Local Politics

SJC Nomination Breaks Another Racial Barrier


By Sarah Birnbaum
Gov. Deval Patrick on Tuesday nominated appeals court judge Nan Duffly to be the next associate justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. Duffly is Asian-American. 
Local Politics

Judge Hears Extra Testimony Against Wilkerson


By Sarah Birnbaum
During what was meant to be sentencing day for former state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson, a U.S. district judge heard testimony from a developer who said she solicited bribes from him. The prosecution hoped this would increase Wilkerson's sentence -- but the judge didn't seem convinced.
Local Politics

Gov. Will Cut Legislative Salaries

By Phillip Martin
There is little opposition to Gov. Deval Patrick's plan to shrink the paychecks of the state's legislators -- except for some lawmakers and watchdogs who say the cuts aren't big enough.
GREATER BOSTON

Lawmakers Push For 'Melissa's Law'


MORE GREATER BOSTON
By Ralph Ranalli
After a Woburn policeman was allegedly shot to death by a "career criminal" out on parole, lawmakers are pushing for the passage of a decade-old bill some say would have prevented the suspect from leaving prison.

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