WESTFIELD—The usual term in the Massachusetts House of Representatives lasts two years, about 19 months of which is in session. After that campaigning begins anew. John Velis has had only about 106 days in session before he needs to prove himself to voters once again.
BOSTON—Four new state representatives were sworn into the Massachusetts House of Representative in what will likely be the penultimate ceremony of its kind before legislature’s formal session ends in July. Among those sworn was John Velis, a Westfield Democrat, whose historic win earlier this month
UPDATED 4/5/14 1:28: For clarification of third parties impression of the race. WESTFIELD—In a blistering loss for the Massachusetts Republican party, Democrat John Velis defeated the GOP’s Dan Allie in a special election to fill the 4th Hampden seat vacated by Don Humason last year.
This Tuesday, April 1st, Westfield faces a choice that is no laughing matter. It will choose its next representative in the Massachusetts General Court, filling the seat Don Humason vacated to become State Senator. While Humason still represents Westfield in the Senate, his constitency now
UPDATED 3/30/14 8:07PM: For grammar & clarity. The relative calm of the race in Westfield to fill Don Humason’s rep seat suddenly ended this week as two hit pieces went out against Democrat John Velis, one of which has since been owned by Republican Dan
WESTFIELD—With time running short, the candidates to replace Don Humason in the Westfield-only 4th Hampden House special election have done battle before seniors and the venerable Jim Madigan. Republican Dan Allie and Democrat John Velis traded political jabs, but found a great deal of agreement
UPDATED: 3/2/14 2:43PM: To reflect details from an amended campaign finance report from Dan Allie, which changed the entries originally marked “chiropractor” to “reimburse.” WESTFIELD—Next Tuesday primaries will be held across the commonwealth to select nominees for special general elections to fill several vacant legislative
The story of a veteran running for office is a common one in American politics, but often one based on little more than hagiography of service to one’s country. Too rare are the actual skills and experiences from that service offered as a qualification in
UPDATED 12/30/13 8:47: NEPR’s Henry Epp and The Boston Globe’s Joshua Miller report the Speaker of the House has approved dates to fill the Fourth Hampden seat. The Election division in Secretary Galvin’s office confirms. Signatures are due January 21, the primary will be held