US Senate

U.S. Sen. John Kerry announced on Wednesday that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, of which he is the incoming chair, will hold confirmation hearings for U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton to become secretary of state next Tuesday, Jan. 13.

Kerry, a Boston Democrat, also announced that the committee will hold a confirmation hearing for Susan Rice to become United Nations ambassador on Thursday, Jan. 15.

"When President-Elect Obama announced his nominations of Sen. Clinton and Susan Rice for the positions of Secretary of State and Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations, I said he's chosen an extremely talented team to help rebuild our alliances and advance our agenda in the world," said Kerry. 

U.S. Sen. John Kerry's office

U.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-Boston) with his wife, Teresa Heinz, being sworn in by Vice President Dick Cheney

Upon being sworn in to the United States Senate for his fifth term on Tuesday, John Kerry said that he is energized to get to work in the 111th Congress.

Kerry, a Boston Democrat, defeated Republican challenger Jeff Beatty last year to earn his fifth term in the Senate. Looking ahead to the next session of Congress, Kerry said he looks forward to working with his colleague, U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Hyannis Port).

"I am excited about the work ahead in this new Congress," Kerry told PolitickerMA.com. "We've got a partner for Massachusetts with Barack Obama in the White House and Teddy and I now get to serve with larger Democratic majorities in Congress, which means we'll have the votes to create jobs, get better health care, end the war in Iraq and give veterans what they deserve."

Attorney General Martha Coakley (D-Medford)

Looking ahead at 2009, PolitickerMA.com asked several political insiders and observers who to watch in 2009. Here is a breakdown of the ones they're keeping an eye on.

Who did we miss? The comment section awaits below.

Martha Coakley - The attorney general remains extremely popular among Bay State Democrats and has fanned the flames of speculation about her eyeing higher office. At one of the breakfasts at the Democratic National Convention this summer, Coakley received one of the largest ovations after her remarks. She also continues to fundraise like crazy and may be approaching $800,000 in her war chest. Coakley could look to capitalize on Massachusetts' numerous Hillary Clinton supporters. Her recent indictment of House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi's confidant Richard Vitale, however, has gotten mixed reviews. One well-placed source called it "ballsy" and another pointed out that she may be making more friends than enemies, a common problem for attorney generals, as Tom Reilly demonstrated in his 2006 gubernatorial campaign.

Deborah Shah - Shah gained significant recognition this year for her managing of Sonia Chang-Diaz successful campaign to take down Dianne Wilkerson. Held in high regard among the Democratic organization, look for Shah to emerge on a municipal race in 2009 and don't bet against her candidate.

Jon Favreau - May have had one of the biggest impacts on national politics this year as President-elect Barack Obama's wonder kid speech writer. Originally from North Reading, Favreau also made news for this controversial photograph and got this nice write up in the Boston Globe.

Sarah Compton - Massachusetts field director for the Obama campaign. Several observers noted her effective coordination of thousands of Massachusetts volunteers who headed to New Hampshire and the campaign phone bank that called voters in Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Montana and Iowa. "It was amazing to watch," noted one Democratic operative.

Felix G. Arroyo - Was among the first to put together a campaign organization to run for Boston City Council at-large next year. City Hall insiders say he is making all the right moves and with the potential for two open at-large seats, their money is on Arroyo so far. Arroyo also reportedly has popular former state Sen. Jarrett Barrios co-chairing his campaign.

Getty Images Photo

President-elect Barack Obama

As we prepare to ring in the New Year, we here a PolitickerMA.com took a few moments to reflect on what has been an eventful 2008. After surveying several political insiders and observers, here is our breakdown of the Top 11 - cause we couldn't stop at 10 - political stories of the past year.

What did we leave out? The comments section awaits below.

Happy New Year.

Former state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson and Boston City Councilor Chuck Turner arrested on corruption charges - This one almost goes without saying and, in many ways, sums up a year that was marked by corruption and scandal. Wilkerson and Turner's arrest "cast a cloud over our entire system," one insider told PolitickerMA.com. "For regular folks in tough times, their faith gets shaken."

Of course, in addition to Wilkerson (who resigned from the State Senate) and Turner (who has fiercely refused to resign from the City Council), state Sen. James Marzilli was arrested for allegedly harassing multiple women in Lowell and later resigned only after it was discovered he represented the State Senate at an environmental panel in Germany. And who can forget about Middlesex Register of Probate John Buonomo's resignation after being charged for stealing change from copy machines.

DiMasi's connections to Vitale fuel battle to become the next speaker - The ongoing saga surrounding House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi and his relationship with confidant and accountant Richard Vitale has become the top issue going into the new year. Vitale has been indicted for allegedly illegally lobbying on behalf of a ticket brokers' association by improperly contacting DiMasi. On top of that, a federal grand jury is now investigating the awarding of a multi-million dollar state contract to Cognos ULC, which reportedly paid Vitale to lobby on its behalf. Uncertainly surrounding how secure DiMasi's re-election as speaker next year has begun to crop up, and state Reps. Robert DeLeo (D-Winthrop) and John Rogers (D-Norwood) have been actively (and publicly) working to secure enough support to be the next speaker, though many observers say Rogers was wounded by his own ethical problems.

U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy's battle with brain cancer - When the Hyannis Port Democrat and Liberal Lion of the Senate fell ill this year, the state rallied around him. Kennedy, who has served in the Senate for more than 40 years, gave a rousing speech at the Democratic National Convention and has since reduced his workload to focus on health care reform in the next Congress as he continues treatment.

Friday's implementation of the successful ballot initiative to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana has everyone talking. The government gave its recommendations  and some are looking to increase penalties for smoking in public. Others, however, appear to be still confused  on how to implement the law.  (More on the law here and here.)

The Globe takes a closer look at Speaker Salvatore DiMasi confidante Richard Vitale and digs up an interview that contradicts the criminal complaint against Vitale.

Meanwhile, DiMasi loses the support of state Rep. David Torrisi in his bid for re-election as speaker.

State House News Service breaks a story on Treasurer Tim Cahill being sued by a bingo software company.

Boston Mayor Tom Menino puts his plan to move City Hall on hiatus. Not surprisingly, considering-but-not-yet-announced mayoral candidate Michael Flaherty jumps at the opportunity to criticize Menino.

And check out Congressman Barney Frank (D-Newton) talking about the auto bailout on NECN below. 

More after the jump. 

Politicker Photo

U.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-Boston)

In the final month of his re-election campaign, U.S. Sen. John Kerry dished out $1.1 million including several substantial contributions to other Democrats across the country, according to his post general election filing with the Federal Election Commission.

The Boston Democrat, who raked in more than $8.3 million in contributions over the course of the cycle, finished the campaign with more than $4.2 million cash on hand.

Kerry fundraised at a slow clip in the final month, hauling in only $103,000 but spent substantially, doling out more than $1.17 million. For the entire cycle, Kerry had more than $25 million in total disbursements.

Most notably, Kerry gave $650,000 to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee in the final weeks of the campaign. In the third quarter of this year, Kerry gave the DSCC another $1 million.

The Bay State's population increased, but not by as much as other states. Let the grumblings about losing a congressional seat begin.

Sen. Kennedy and his staff continue to work meticulously behind the scenes to avoid previous health care reform pitfalls.

Ogo finds himself in debt.

Evangelidis keeps the dream alive.

Not surprisingly, the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe's casino contract is likely to be reviewed.

And check out the video below of Congressman Barney Frank on MSNBC Monday. Near the end, Frank says President-elect Barack Obama "overestimates" his ability to bring opposing sides together.

U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy recently emailed Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's supporters seeking contributions to help Reid win re-election in 2010 and indicating that Reid is already the target of the GOP in 2010, according to the email obtained by PolitickerMA.com.

Kennedy, a Hyannis Port Democrat, praises Reid in the email, saying he is grateful Reid is the majority leader. Republicans, Kennedy wrote, know Reid is pivotal to the Democrats' agenda and are already looking to unseat him in 2010 as they did to former Majority Leader Tom Daschle in 2004.

"Our GOP opponents understand Harry's role, and they're already looking for ways to undermine his leadership," Kennedy wrote. "He faces reelection in Nevada in 2010, and he's already being targeted for defeat. The next [Federal Election Commission] fundraising report will cover early contributions to 2010 candidates through this December and the GOP will use that report to decide whether they can beat Harry Reid."

The Boston Globe releases a must read poll on transportation issues. The top line: If respondents had to choose, they prefer increasing the state gas tax (48 percent) over increasing tolls (42 percent). Notice that neither broke 50.

But there is a lot more good stuff in the poll. Notably, an equal number of respondents think the state is on the wrong track as think the state is on the right track (44 percent). Gov. Deval Patrick (D-Milton) job approval hits a recent high, as 60 percent approve and 24 percent disapprove. And check out new favorable/unfavorable ratings from the poll after the jump.

Utility companies may become the focus on increased political scrutiny following lengthy blackouts, as Gov. Patrick calls for an investigation.

The Globe takes a look at mayors' offices. Be sure to check out the photo gallery, too.

Gov. Patrick puts raises on hold for 30,000 human services workers.

A longtime aide to Sen. Edward Kennedy appears to be working behind the scenes for Caroline. 

The Worcester city clerk proposes municipal elections on even years to save money.

More after the jump.

Gov. Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Tom Menino tell non-emergency personnel to stay home.

U.S. Sen. John Kerry says more than troops are needed in Afghanistan.

A Harvard professor is set to become a science advisor to President-elect Obama.

The state's Department of Children failed in the case of two abused children leading to recommendations for reforms.

Cape Wind hits yet another delay and opponents blast the recent marine radar study.

The Boston Herald suggests Speaker DiMasi may be losing support to retain his speakership - no names though.

More after the jump.