I've mostly refrained from commentary and analysis about the big health-care reform legislation battle, mostly because there's just been so much light and heat I didn't feel it necessary to add to the din. But nevertheless, here are a few things rattling around my brain of late on the topic:

--Is the health-care exchange system a big-time boon to insurance companies (especially with no public option)? You betcha.

--Gotta figure Anthony Galluccio has to resign at this point.

--My best wishes to Teresa Heinz Kerry, who is battling breast cancer. Can't say that's always brought out the best in politician hubbies, but I suspect John's a good guy in that respect, dontcha think?

--Also, best wishes to GOP Congressional candidate Bill Hudak (challenging John Tierney in the 6th district), whose home suffered a bad fire this weekend.

In this week's issue of the Boston Phoenix -- in print tomorrow, online now -- I contribute to our "Year In Review" issue with a look at the top-selling conservative books of 2009.

Conservative titles -- by Glenn Beck, Michelle Malkin, Mark Levin, et al -- dominated the best-seller lists this year, as part of the booming "movement conservative marketplace," as I have previously dubbed it.

This week is the Boston Phoenix's Year In Review issue; I'll fill you in on my entry a little later when it's online. Meanwhile, there's plenty to check out on the web site, including a list of our 10 Most Popular Articles of 2009 -- only one of which was written by me (Palin Inc.). There are some terrific pieces on that list by my colleagues, so I recommend checking it out and reading any of the articles you missed when they first appeared.

Michael Flaherty has announced that he is running for mayor of Boston/DiMasi makes it official: he resigns Tuesday./Sam Yoon will meet with his family Feb. 7-8 weekend for final decision on mayoral run./Sam Yoon is running for Mayor of Boston./Obama about to begin economic address -- will cite Sermon on the Mount parable.

In this week's issue of the Boston Phoenix -- in print tomorrow, online now -- I consider the US Senate candidacy of state senator Scott Brown. Even state GOP insiders don't believe that Brown can beat Martha Coakley. They do, however, think his candidacy could help define the state party in 2010 and beyond -- for good or ill.

As you know, it takes 60 votes in the US Senate for "closure," which ends a filibuster and allows for a vote. This means that, for any bill under consideration under the Democratically-controlled Senate, the key person is the 60th most liberal vote on that issue. The bill ultimately must be tailored to the desires of that 60th Senator.

--Do you think the state house of representatives sits around and brainstorms ways to further lose the public's trust and confidence, or do you think it just comes to them naturally?

--And, same question for the Boston Fire Department.

--Meanwhile, this really begs the question: What would it take for the MBTA director of safety to lose her job?

"Frank" asks:

What do you think of Cahill's chances in the 2010 Gov's race? Can he position himself as a more-credible alternative to Patrick than Baker/Mihos, or is Massachusetts just not ready for a 3rd party candidate?

I am highly skeptical that Cahill can win. But for the moment, he is keeping himself very credible, and solid in polls.

"Caroline" asks:

Can the State House of Representatives vote out Willy Lantigua? If so, do you think they should?

Lantigua is the newly elected mayor of Lawrence, who has decided to serve out his term as state rep, doing both jobs (and taking both salaries) for the year. I believe the House can force him out, but I'm sure they will not.

"Reuben" asks"

Predict the field, and rank from most progressive to most conservative (from your own perspective) for the statewide races for 2010: Attorney General; Treasurer; Auditor

"Anon" asks:

Can you give us a rundown of who you think will be running for the statewide open seats? In particular, I am interested if you think Andrea Cabral will run for AG or whether she will hold out for a different seat.

"Joe" asks, via email:

Any chance that Steve Pagliuca, despite his last place finish in the Senate primary, might be tempted to jump into the Democratic race for Governor. Deval looks vulnerable, to say the least, and money is clearly not an issue for Steve.

"Tom G" asks:

When will the press start asking Martha Coakley about her position on the civil rights, government authority and rule of law questions raised by the Bush Presidency. Just because Scott Brown wants to make the race about taxes shouldn't dumb down the press.

I don't know that they'll ask about those particular issues; frankly, the Presidential abuse-of-power issues are probably not on most voters' minds right now.

"Anonymous" asks:

In 2010 elections, are all state senators up for reelection or just half of them?

And "Shady_Milkman" asks, via Twitter:

Will there be any competitive races against incumbents for Staterep/senate this year?

All 40 Massachusetts state senators -- and all 160 state reps -- are up for re-election every two years.