WESTFIELD—The special senate election here did not have much drama. For much of the official campaign and nearly a year before that unofficially, the political soothsayers felt it was then-Rep John Velis’ to lose. They were right. There were prophecies about his former House seat,
Whistle Stops is an occasional series of shorter hits from the legislative campaign trail. by Michael Lachenmeyer Correspondent-Intern Within the national Republican Party, few figures contrast with President Donald Trump as much as Governor Charlie Baker. Where Trump’s policies tack towards the right edge of
UPDATED 6/12/20 11:32PM: To clarify when and how Dan Allie joined the 4th Hampden Race. While some campaign activities remain on ice. One thing that marches forward unabated is the ballot itself. Secretary of the Commonwealth Bill Galvin has released his office’s list of candidates
Confirming weeks of speculation, Westfield State Senator Don Humason formally announced Thursday he would run for mayor. Mayor Brian Sullivan is retiring, opening the Whip City’s top job. Humason, though a conservative Republican, is an acceptable choice for many who fear a right-wing candidate could
In a jolt to the Whip City politosphere, Westfield Mayor Brian Sullivan announced today he would not seek reelection to a third term. The decision not only marks the end of his mayoralty. It could signal a paradigm shift for politics in the city where
Still not sure who you are going to vote for? There were so many races that were open and so many that were competitive this year, it is easy to be confused. However, with our last list of last minute endorsements, we hope you will
WESTFIELD—Overshadowed in large part by the hot senate contest next door, the 2nd Hampden & Hampshire Senate election has been a more heated affair as a Democrat seeks one of the few Republican senate seats that could flip. Republican Senator Don Humason is facing a
Depending on your perspective, 2014 is either a good year or a less poor than usual one for Western Massachusetts Republicans. On the one hand, there are some pickup opportunities for the party. On the other, for the first time in a long, long, LONG
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