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The Primary Numbers: Governor’s Council

Members of the Massachusetts Governor’s Council must see to it that only qualified individuals make it onto the commonwealth’s judiciary and boards.  Therefore, although the body meets only weekly and its powers are limited, its impact can be paramount. This is an elected body and

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What’s “Left” to the Primary…

The odds are not one to deter Andrea Nuciforo.  In 1996 he was disfavored to win the Democratic nomination for Berkshire County’s senate district.  Jane Swift had left the Senate seat open to challenge, ironically enough, John Olver.  A clown car of candidates stormed both

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The Qualifying Round…

LUDLOW—In the race for Hampden County Clerk of Court, John DaCruz has been running longer than anybody else. His campaign predates incumbent Brian Lees’ decision to retire and as the primary has become crowded, DaCruz has tried to argue he fits all of the office‘s

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Manic Monday Markup 8/27/12…

…And the World: We begin today in France, where President François Hollande has called upon the Syrian opposition to form a government.  Although many countries have effectively withdrawn their recognition of Bashar al-Assad’s government, this move is a step much further.  It also rejects a

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ANALYSIS: Of Clerks and Councils…

Primary day is rapidly approach and with it the effective election of several contests in Hampden County and Western Massachusetts.  Some not contested by Republicans or, alternatively, face opposition not expected to win. The Hampden County Democratic Coalition, a group of Agawam, Chicopee, Holyoke, Springfield

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Go West, My Congressman…

PITTSFIELD—In the aftermath of redistricting, eight incumbent Congressmen are vying for nine seats.  Therefore, in much of Massachusetts, voters will probably have the same representative as before and if not, it is only because their incumbent was shifted elsewhere.  In Berkshire County that is not

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Manic Monday Markup 8/20/12…

…And the World: We begin today in Burma, where the nation’s censorship laws are about to fall away almost completely.  Burma, now often known as Myanmar, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last couple of years.  Although problems remain, the country has released some

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ICYMI: Clams and Politicians Come to Bake…

Politicians of all stripes came out Wednesday for Hampden County Sheriff Michael Ashe’s Annual Clambake. The event was held at the Elks Lodge on Tiffany Street in Springfield, a change from its normal location at Six Flags in Agawam. Although according to attendees, it was

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Campaigning to be the Pro’s Pro…

Laura Gentile is not a politician and she says as much when she makes her pitch to voters.  However, unlike the vague declarations of Mitt Romney who offers vague explanations of how his business experience will translate into jobs, Gentile can explain the difference a

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Manic Monday Markup 8/13/12…

…And the World: With the Olympics over, the United Kingdom has little choice, but to return to the more banal things in life like politics.  Unlike the 2012 London Olympics, however, Britain’s coalition government looks on edge.  Due to changes passed early in the current