Peter Torkildsen

Latest Articles

Giant shadow

Though he won't be on the ballot, Ted Kennedy's influence will be keenly felt in the special election to replace him.
One striking aspect of the Kennedy tributes was the focus on the help he and his office provided for ordinary individuals in Massachusetts — all those things that fall under the category of "constituent services."
By DAVID S. BERNSTEIN | September 02, 2009

Tormenting Teddy

Republicans threaten Kennedy reign
After 32 years in the US Senate, Ted Kennedy remains a force to be reckoned with, both for his legendary family history and his considerable accomplishments.
By BOSTON PHOENIX STAFF | August 26, 2009

Whither the GOP?

With Democrats in total control of state government, the Massachusetts GOP should be a rising voice of dissent. Instead, it seems more impotent than ever.
Ask people to name the leading voice of opposition on Beacon Hill these days, and you’re likely to be told House Speaker Sal DiMasi.
By DAVID S. BERNSTEIN | March 19, 2008

Cash carousel

Many things changed this year on Beacon Hill, but not the power of the almighty dollar
Even though the dollar has taken an international whupping of late, there remains at least one place where the love of the greenback remains strong: Beacon Hill.
By DAVID S. BERNSTEIN | January 30, 2008

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

Go for the gelt

Romney woos the jews. Plus, The Mass GOP fails to anoint a leader; negative funding in ’06; and a slow start to the at-large city council field
Much has been made of how Mitt Romney has been courting evangelical-Christian support for his presidential ambitions. But Romney is also seeking friends — and, more important, money — among Jews.
By DAVID S. BERNSTEIN | January 10, 2007

After the election

Gay-marriage opponents intervene — and fail
When legislators buried the marriage amendment without a vote at the November 9 Constitutional Convention, it was a good sign that pols have nothing to fear politically from same-sex marriage opponents.
By DAVID S. BERNSTEIN | November 29, 2006