Scott Ferson

Latest Articles

A Statesman Too Late?

John Kerry heads to work on the debt ‘super committee’ with his usual earnestness and high hopes — despite the circus that surrounds him
The congressional debt "super committee" has begun its work, and already there are signs that its task is hopeless.
By DAVID S. BERNSTEIN | September 21, 2011

The Curse of the Big Dig

Tthe mere mention of the Central Artery Project can derail one's hopes for higher office. Charlie Baker is finding that out now.
Call it the Curse of the Big Dig: virtually every politician with statewide significance who has over the years become intertwined with the Central Artery Project (as it is officially known) has seen his or her dreams of higher office dashed.
By DAVID S. BERNSTEIN | March 17, 2010

By | January 01, 0001

Khazei, Like a Fox?

Insiders don’t think Alan Khazei has a chance in the US Senate race. But progressive activists could make him an underdog with bite.
If there is to be a candidate in the Massachusetts US Senate race who inspires the sort of grassroots, progressive following that propelled Governor Deval Patrick into office three years ago — an insurgent candidacy, if you will — it figures to be idealistic public-service advocate Alan Khazei, co-founder of City Year and founder of Be the Change, Inc.
By DAVID S. BERNSTEIN | October 16, 2009

Have you heard the one about Chappaquiddick?

Funny Peculiar
Last week, during an appearance on the Washington, DC–based Diane Rehm Show on NPR, Ted Kennedy biographer Edward Klein suggested that if Kennedy could witness his own funeral he'd probably crack a joke.
By ADAM REILLY | September 02, 2009

Financial fallout

The devastating wall street crisis has a potential silver lining — if you’re a Massachusetts politician looking for a foothold
The current US financial disaster will roil Massachusetts residents in myriad ways.
By DAVID S. BERNSTEIN | October 08, 2008

Senate shuffle

Massachusetts hasn’t had a Senate-seat vacancy in nearly 25 years. Now we may have two. Let the speculation begin.
Don’t count Ted Kennedy out just yet, but the prognosis immediately set minds thinking about the inevitable departure of Kennedy from the US Senate, where he has served since 1962.
By DAVID S. BERNSTEIN | August 27, 2008

The Left, left out?

Deval Patrick’s famed grassroots progressives are losing steam and influence
In the wake of the recent local elections, more and more observers are concluding that the energy that put Patrick in the Corner Office has come and gone.
By DAVID S. BERNSTEIN | October 03, 2007

House pest

One Cape Cod blogger is getting the scoops and setting the pace for Massachusetts casino coverage — for better or worse
The biggest political story in Massachusetts right now is the state’s ongoing dalliance with casino gambling.
By ADAM REILLY | September 12, 2007

Raising Hill

Hillary Clinton’s ‘aura of inevitability’ might hide her weaknesses — at least until the Republicans get their hands on her
Hillary Clinton took only two questions from the audience at the end of her 35-minute speech at the American Association of Retired Persons conference.
By DAVID S. BERNSTEIN | September 12, 2007

Left out

Its population is stagnating and its vote is predictable. In the years to come, will the rest of the country care about New England?
When it comes to national politics, New England just ain’t what it used to be. Charting New England: The six states' political stats and facts. By David S. Bernstein
By DAVID S. BERNSTEIN | January 03, 2007

Deval’s New Hampshire Dilemma

Who to back, how to dis Mitt, and what about Nevada?
Mitt Romney has left Deval Patrick a full raft of problems, from last Friday’s out-of-the-blue unilateral cuts to the state budget to a broken downtown tunnel system people are afraid to drive through.
By DAVID S. BERNSTEIN | November 14, 2006