Michael Moran

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Moneybags Menino

The mayor cuts services, but sits on a stash of cash.
Inside Boston’s political back rooms, there is a growing suspicion that Mayor Thomas Menino is sitting on millions of dollars — tens of millions, maybe as much as $400 million — that could be used to save vital city services, such as, among many examples, four branch libraries and eight community centers that are slated to be shuttered.
By DAVID S. BERNSTEIN | May 17, 2010

Play by Play: March 19, 2010

Boston's weekly theater schedule.
Boston's weekly theater schedule.
By JEFFREY GANTZ | March 17, 2010

Play by play: March 12, 2010

Theater listings, week of March 12, 2010
Boston's weekly theater schedule
By JEFFREY GANTZ | March 10, 2010

The crying game

House Speaker Robert DeLeo tolerates dissent. Then why do some call him a bully?
If you are wondering why Democrats in Washington can't get anything done, even though they control both houses of Congress, take a look at the glacial pace we often see closer to home on Beacon Hill.
By DAVID S. BERNSTEIN | March 01, 2010

After Ted

Kennedy’s death came amid renewed speculation about his succession, his family, and potential candidates for his job
The death of Senator Edward M. Kennedy early Wednesday morning brings to a close the life and legendary career of one of Massachusetts's greatest political figures.
By DAVID S. BERNSTEIN | August 26, 2009

Mass betrayal

How House progressives have let you down — and why they'll do it again
Is the Massachusetts House of Representatives beyond all hope? Under Democratic leadership, the song has pretty much remained the same for the last decade and a half: an insular and out-of-touch legislature is lost in its own constricted and often petty perspectives.
By DAVID S. BERNSTEIN | June 19, 2009

Campaign Trail of Tears

Menino's challengers look to capitalize on tragedy. Plus, council candidates try to meet the tougher new ballot requirements — set by an incumbent.
Mayoral candidates Michael Flaherty and Sam Yoon have looked a little like ambulance chasers of late, seizing on two recent tragedies for political gain.
By DAVID S. BERNSTEIN | May 20, 2009

Youth infusion

The surprisingly diverse leaders of team DeLeo. Plus, do environmentalists have reason to worry?
In DeLeo's restructuring, white, non-Hispanic men older than 45 fell from power in droves.
By DAVID S. BERNSTEIN | February 19, 2009

Menino’s hit list

40 potential candidates for the 2009 election who could take on the mayor — if they have the courage.
At a recent political event, Boston mayor Thomas M. Menino asked Robert Crane, the former long-time state treasurer, how many years he had held that office.
By DAVID S. BERNSTEIN | November 28, 2007

The rumor mill

So far, the race for Boston City Council is all talk and no action
The energy in this year’s at-large race for Boston City Council is not to be found on the campaign trail.
By DAVID S. BERNSTEIN | September 05, 2007

Power hungry?

The most powerful people on Beacon Hill want to stop the gay-marriage ban, but don’t have the votes
It’s remarkable how dramatically the state’s political leadership has changed since the most recent Constitutional Convention.
By DAVID S. BERNSTEIN | June 07, 2007

Sweeping up

Deval Patrick’s late appointments show a surer hand at the wheel
Whether by design or dumb luck, Governor Deval Patrick has managed to depoliticize the news coming from Beacon Hill.
By DAVID S. BERNSTEIN | May 30, 2007