Kaprelian To The RMV

Rachel Kaprelian of Watertown is a rising star in state politics, and I've thought for some time that she was frankly too hot a property for the state house of representatives -- where she has risen to be first-division chair.

Had risen, I should say, because today Deval Patrick named Kaprelian the new registrar at the registry of motor vehicles.

I imagine there will be much speculation about Kaprelian bailing on DiMasi, and there may be something to that -- but I think this is a great opportunity for her to start making a state-wide name for herself.

Patrick also named former Travaglini chief-of-staff Arthur Bernard to be senior advisor to coordinate policy priorities. Bernard has exactly the kind of inside-the-hallways experience that Patrick seemed to lack back in the early days of his administration, and that should help keep the governor's agenda moving -- and perhaps begin easing the transition to Doug Rubin's (presumed) eventual move back to the private sector. Bernard leaves his current job as vice-chancellor at UMass Boston.