Quick hits

Some of the things we're following this morning:

• NASSOUR - Jennifer Nassour was reelected last night to serve as Chair of the Massachusetts Republican Party. We congratulate her on her reelection and we have confidence she will continue her admirable job of building the stature and success of the GOP here in the Bay State. She's the right pick for the job.
• WILKERSON - On the other end of the spectrum, former state senator Dianne Wilkerson was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for taking $23,500 in political bribes. She got what she deserved. But we also think hers is a tragic case, a disappointing end to what was otherwise a promising political career, even if we didn't necessarily agree with her politics. And, we think the story is not over yet - Judge Woodlock's sentencing hearing serves as a wake-up call to voters in Massachusetts that Beacon Hill still needs to be swept clean of corruption, greed and self-interest. You can read about what he said in this Boston Globe story.
• PAROLE MORATORIUM - According to the Boston Globe, state senators from both parties are calling for a suspension of parole hearings pending an investigation into the case of the man who recently murdered a Woburn police officer during an armed robbery. We second the call for a moratorium.
• GOOD WORDS - Be sure to check out the great editorial in today's Boston Herald about how politicians in Washington and Boston are exhibiting "political tone-deafness" in getting up and running this year.

Have something to add to the list? Please post a comment and let us know.

Monday Morning Quarterback Quick Hits

Here's just a sampling of the things that are on our mind this morning:

• NEW SJC CHIEF - Today, Governor Deval Patrick will swear-in Roderick Ireland as this state's first African-American Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court. We think it's a milestone worthy of applause, and we wish Chief Justice Ireland well as he assumes his new position. We also wonder who will be Patrick's nominee to fill Ireland's now-vacant Associate Justice slot. (For more, read the Boston Globe / AP story here.)
• PER DIEMS - Did you see the story in the Boston Herald on Saturday about state legislators raking in per diems? (If not, you can read it here.) We've said it before and we'll say it again: we think the practice of paying per diems to legislators has got to stop, and we hope legislation will be passed this session.
• LT. GOV. MURRAY - Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray went "On the Record" on WCVB Channel 5 yesterday. He had lots of interesting things to say about his political future and the fiscal climate of the state. Check out the video here to see what he said.

What do you think of all this? We'd love to hear your thoughts. Please post a comment below.