"It got to the point where I wasn't afraid of losing. I was afraid of winning."
State Sen. Sue Tucker on the demands of serving another three years in office and her recent decision not to seek re-election.
No Brown-out
Scott Brown's come-from-behind victory over Attorney General Martha Coakley in the special election to fill Ted Kennedy's U.S. Senate seat has energized the Republican Party, which is expected to result in a larger than usual number of contested races in this year's election.
Already, many Democratic incumbents in Massachusetts have announced they won't seek re-election, due at least in part to the surge the GOP is experiencing in the Bay State.
But state Sen. Sue Tucker, D-Andover, said that's not the reasoning behind last week's surprise announcement that she would not run for re-election this fall.
"Scott Brown had nothing to do with my decision, and I mean that sincerely," she said.
Tucker, 65, said the reason she's stepping down is that she wants to spend more time with her family. She said she has other plans as well, but wouldn't say what they are.
Green city
It's a sure sign of spring when you see all of the green shamrocks, leprechauns and Irish flags sprouting all over Haverhill. Indeed, the Hibernian influence has always been very strong in the city.
Just consider its key political figures. State Rep. Brian Dempsey has represented most of Haverhill in the Legislature since 1991. And then there's City Councilor William Ryan, a former state representative and mayor who also serves as Republican State Committee member for the 1st Essex Senate District.
Other city councilors include President Michael Hart and Mary Ellen Daly O'Brien.
Yes, the Irish are certainly well-represented in Haverhill.
Baby talk
Salem Selectman Patrick Hargreaves, who narrowly held onto his seat Tuesday, spent the day at polling stations reaching out to voters. But he did avoid one stereotypical, age old campaign move.
"I've been going to all the polls, shaking hands," he said. "Not kissing babies."
Lending a hand
Former Haverhill School Committee member Kerry Fitzgerald has volunteered to help the school board update some of its policies.
Fitzgerald, who ended her re-election campaign last fall, told former colleagues and others she would like to put her eight years of experience on the board to good use.
Wit o' the Irish
When Cardinal Seðn O'Malley spoke to faithfuls of the Archdiocese of Boston via audiotape last weekend for the annual Catholic Appeals, he used a bit of Irish humor.
"Another parable I am sure you have all heard is about the 20 dollar bill and the one dollar bill that are being retired from service at the National Mint. The 20 dollar bill is bragging about all the interesting places he has been — Foxwoods Casino, Fenway Park, cruises to the Caribbean, fancy restaurants and so forth. He turns to the one dollar bill and asks, 'Where have you been all these years?' The one dollar bill answers, 'You know, from one church to another.'"
Dynamic duo
Superintendent Raleigh Buchanan recently told the School Committee about two Haverhill High School wrestlers who are state champions — Isaiah Williams at 160 pounds and Terrance Jean-Jacques at heavyweight.
A few minutes later, when it was Athletics Director Garin Veris' turn to speak to the committee, he said, "Dr. Buchanan beat me to the punch." Veris was giving the school board an update on his efforts to revitalize the schools' athletic program and was only too happy to talk about the two standout grapplers.
