Big news in the governor's race is that Governor Patrick came out swinging against opponents Charlie Baker and Tim Cahill yesterday. Jessica van Slack reports on Patrick's words in the Herald. His main point of contention is that, as Harvard Pilgrim CEO, Baker has done nothing to curb rising health costs. WCVB examines critics of Patrick's plan to cap rising costs.
RedMass Group's Rob Eno accuses Patrick of lying, claiming that Baker has always been in favor of transparent health care pricing, a measure that would curb costs and increase competition in prices. Eno misses the point, though. Patrick's saying that Baker was in a position to actually affect change. That's quite different from being open to doing something if someone else steps up. Baker could have made Harvard Pilgrim's prices transparent. If they were cheaper than other companies, it would spur price drops for other companies, and yes, would also spur other companies to offer transparent pricing. Baker didn't. He was open to it, but never stepped up and led the industry. He talked the talk, but did not walk the walk.
The Outraged Liberal notes that it's funny that everyone's amazed and appalled that Governor Patrick and Candidate Patrick are on the same page here. They are shocked, shocked to discover
Blue Mass Group's David Kravitz argues that Patrick's opposition to racinos might be an easy way to kill casino talk during election season as an olive branch to supporters who left him because of his position on casinos.
The Phoenix is all over Patrick this week, too. There's an editorial that considers Patrick the incumbent underdog, and states that people need to understand his accomplishments as well as his shortcomings. There's also an interview with Patrick by David Bernstein and Peter Kadzis. Bernstein's weekly column this week focuses on Patrick's strategy of positive thinking.
All in all, a good news day for the Governor.
MassBeacon's David Guarino reports on the feeling of dread that descends over the state legislature this time of year.
The AP's Steve LeBlanc reports that the State Senate is ready to vote on a school nutrition bill.
The developer of the proposed Columbus Center on the Mass Pike has abandoned the property, reports the Herald's Thomas Grillo. This leaves MassDOT in more financial trouble.
The Brockton Enterprise's Kyle Alspach reports that Brockton's Mayor, Linda Balzotti, has not joined the group of mayors looking for local government health care change. Balzotti hopes to try negotiating with the unions to get them to take cuts.
James Vaznis reports that the budget hole is nearly filled for the BPS, but the board won't rule out school closings just yet.
The AP reports that despite local complaints, the USS Constitution will continue to fire its cannons.
Adam Gaffin reports on the question of whether Kerry Healey will run for Congress or not. Dan Kennedy reports that the rumor seems to be coming from William Hudak, an old hand at unsubstantiated gossip.
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