Charges against Wilkerson elicit shock, calls for resignation

People are SERIOUSLY just NOW asking for her resignation?!!?!???

"Sad transgressions"????? She didn't pay taxes. She lied under oath. WTH else did she need to do to be booted? Oh - take bribes and get caught. I guess that was a "high enough level" to show indignation.

Holy crap, Beacon Hill is filled with fraudulent shysters through and through. But then again - look to Capitol Hill cronies like Barney Fife Frank as to where they get their ideas from - how much has HE accepted in bribes from Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac? But won't see THAT reported on in the Globie Democrat now will we? 'Cause the Globie is in the Dems pockets as well, I'm sure.

Come on Deval, bail her out!

Maybe you can get your buddy Obama to get her a Pardon when he steals the White House. . .

The One Party system don't work in MA, can you imagine what they will do with it in DC. . . . .

How can anyone be shocked? She is a complete loser. I hope they lock her up and throw away the key. And if you think this was her first indescretion, you've got to have your head examined....She's probably been doing this for yrs and yrs.

dont be racist about it, or a staunch, stuck-up republican. Look at it fairly and just see that she did something very wrong and should have to be punished accordingly. And Obama is not stealing the White house, he is taking over for the idiot in there now.

Another reason why voters should stand up to the Beacon Hill cronies and vote "YES" on Question 1.

hmm...wasn't McCain part of the Keating scandal? I believe so yes.

Sen. Mike Morrissey thinks Dianne was "held to a higher standard" like all "elected officials?" Wow. Imagine that. Who'd have thought, that we should actually expect our legislators to abide by the law. If that's really what he thinks, he should be the next one to go! The fact is, Dianne has never had much regard for the law, integrity, honesty or service.

Since when???????????????????
Not in Massachusetts & Not in Congress

Residents of Massachusetts have witnessed the past actions of Wilkerson, apparently she never changed her ways. Her past has now caught up with her future. She has none in our legislation and should resign immediately.

African Americans should denounce her actions.

I think the person who said Obama would "steal" the election is having flashbacks of BUSH stealing the election. Democrats in DC can ONLY turn this mess around caused by Bush and his republican right wing cronies. People keep saying things are going to fall apart if we have all the Dems in the White House and what they are in denial of is that things HAVE ALREADY fallen apart! Anyone who can't see that is living in a cave. Wilkerson is a disgrace but that doesn't disgrace all Dems or all black politicians just like any Republican scandal over the years does not disgrace all the republicans. She's a disgrace and it's simply about her.

I think the person who said Obama would "steal" the election is having flashbacks of BUSH stealing the election. Democrats in DC can ONLY turn this mess around caused by Bush and his republican right wing cronies. People keep saying things are going to fall apart if we have all the Dems in the White House and what they are in denial of is that things HAVE ALREADY fallen apart! Anyone who can't see that is living in a cave. Wilkerson is a disgrace but that doesn't disgrace all Dems or all black politicians just like any Republican scandal over the years does not disgrace all the republicans. She's a disgrace and it's simply about her.

i guess i havent been paying attention, after all these years and obvious crimes that have been well documented, this career criminal/politician has been able to obtain a position as a CHAIRWOMAN OF A REGULATORY COMMITTEE.
WHAT A WONDERFUL STATE WE LIVE IN, ITS JUST AMAZING ISNT IT?!

Very disappointing. She was a product of the system. She made the best of the programs available. Got her degree ect. It saddens and angers me that in return she paid the tax payers back by not paying her taxes and breeching the public trust. All thi makes it that much more difficult for the next person to take the advantage of the same opportunities. This is not a Democrat issue or Republican issue. It would be equally sombering regardless of race or party affiliation.

I guess you guys can't remember, or choose not to remember, that Keating's conviction was reversed on appeal.

wait.. am i in rhode island right now....?

Dont get Obama confused with Wilkerson! She has been doing dumb stuff for years and they finally have her on tape to prove it! I didnt vote for her in her re election - she has always been shady!

Another proud moment for Mass. The FBI and ethics committee sure does have it's hands full -Wilkerson,DiMasi,Finneran,Boston Fire Dept etc. Do you really need any more reasons why we should all be voting "Yes on 1".

she has been there before and not much was made of it in the end and now she is caught with robbing the government.......

sick world.

McCain was found to have had minimal involvement with regards to the Keating Five scandal, and was cleared of impropriety and all charges dropped. Wilkerson has been found guilty not paying taxes and ethics violations.

Hey # 4 who brought up race????? YOU DID!! Why is that when a black person does something wrong and one comments on it it's racist??? Really why #4

JD: The One Party system don't work in MA, can you imagine what they will do with it in DC. . . . .

We don't have to imagine, the Republicans have been giving us a pretty good example of what a one party system in DC is capable of.

She just got caught doing what all of "the good ol boys" been doing for years now don't get me wrong I am a black man who never voted for her and never would but she is no worse than Bush or Keating her crime was getting caught in her eyes throw her in the scrap heap with Bush Keating and every other crooked politician.....and for the record there will be alot more whites in that pile than blacks.............we as people should be held accountable for our actions. if Diane Wilkerson represents all blacks and what we are about I guess the KKK represents all whites and what they think of everyone else just a lil food for thought.

Leave her alone she was just re-distributing the wealth! She couldn't afford to pay her taxes so she found a new income source. She's a joke and anyone that supports her or anyone like, her republican or democrat, is an idiot. Why bring McCain or Deval into this, She is a scumbag politician who's lining her pockets regardless of party affiliation.

"Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!"
A great quote and proving to be applicable to way too many people in office, the church and across the board! What a sad state of affairs we're in! It's that trickle down effect, and that happens because people are allowed to get away with things way too often. Bush is a perfect case in point! When it corruption and greed run rampant in the highest office in the country, why be surprised? Just an observation.

Republican/Democrat. There are unethical politicians in both parties. To argue that because one is a member of a political party that means that someone's else's illegal actions reflect upon them is an inherently illogical belief. Ted Stevens' conviction says nothing about the Republican party, nor John McCain, who is an honorable man despite Ted Stevens. And Diane Wilkerson's conduct says nothing about the Democratic party or Barak Obama, who is also an honorable man.

Playing "gotcha" is a child's game.

Yes Obama stole the election. He wasn't bright enough or didn't run a good enough campaign to beat the Clinton's at their own game. Nor was he capable of a repeat performance against the RNC and the McCain/Palin ticket without resorting to stealing it away from McCain. All under our watchful eyes.

Well if he was able to do that then maybe he is clever enough to be President. Did you consider that possibility?

Regardless of her transgressions, the voters in her district kept re-electing her. They condoned her crimes by sending her back to the Senate. Kind of like the sheep in MA who will send Frank and Kerry back to Washington to line their pockets, pay their bloated staff the maximum salaries allowed, and benefit the big $ donors to their campaigns. The only way to hold these elected officials accountable is to vote against incumbency. But every two years or six years, the spineless voters keep sending the same clowns back to the State House or DC. I'll vote for Republicans for the first time this year.

I guess you guys can't remember, or choose not to remember, that Keating's conviction was reversed on appeal.

Good point. And I never believed OJ was guilty of anything more than disturbing the peace.

Why is anyone surprised by this!? It's how MA is run. They're all corrupt. From the lowly toll takers all the way up to Deval... they all need to go. One party rule isn't right and it needs to change here in MA.

VOTE YES to Question 1 on the ballot and let's stop paying for these losers to run this state into the ground.

Jptr, This is a little different than the Keating Five Scandal. Taking cash bribes and sitting in a meeting that gave an appearance of impropriety are pretty easily distinguished. Do you think you can just say things and make them true?

The final scene of the movie "The Departed" (the rat on the porch railing with the dome of the State House in the background) says it all about Massachusetts. We are the laughing stock of the country and everyone with 1/2 a brain knows it !

It's so discouraging that these comment boards attract so many snarky, thoughtless comments. No one is all saint or all sinner, and there are plenty of villains in both major parties - no need to slop the mud with the broad brush, there's plenty of shameful selfish stupidity to go around. DW has obvious character, judgement and ethical flaws as this truly dumb and reprehensible escapade shows, topping all the other dumb things she's done over the years. However, it is also true that she has championed communities, causes and legislation over her many years in government and has had an important positive impact on people's lives. She should certainly be held responsible for her actions, and will be no doubt, but anyone deserves their virtues to be remembered even when their flaws are being flaunted. I've been a supporter of her challenger since the last election, so I'm not a loyalist of hers, but shouldn't there be some civility in public discourse? The insults, sarcasm, hyperbole and viciousness only pollute the exchange and never, never, never change anyone's mind.

TP,

why should African-Americans denounce her actions?

You guys in Massachusset need to have Mitt Romney return and balance your budget, clean up the corruption and return the state to a balanced political system. All you need to see what a magnificient job Romney did is look at what followed. He is awesome and should have received a ton of respect for what he did with a Democratically controlled state.

Sonia Chang-Diaz is probably breathing a sigh of relief right now, that the sticker campaign by her primary opponent will be dropped.

How sad that it took an FBI sting to let the legitimate Democratic primary winner breathe free. This is like a rerun of "The Wire" but set in Boston instead of Baltimore.

I have a question: if someone is convicted of a felony, can they retain their legislative office? We don't let felons vote, why should they get to serve? I'm also referring to Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska, who just got convicted on a felony. If there isn't a law about this, there should be, both at the state and the federal level. I don't care what party you represent: if you're convicted, you should be thrown out of office.

Sonia Chang-Diaz is probably breathing a sigh of relief right now, that the sticker campaign by her primary opponent will be dropped.

How sad that it took an FBI sting to let the legitimate Democratic primary winner breathe free. This is like a rerun of "The Wire" but set in Boston instead of Baltimore.

I have a question: if someone is convicted of a felony, can they retain their legislative office? We don't let felons vote, why should they get to serve? I'm also referring to Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska, who just got convicted on a felony. If there isn't a law about this, there should be, both at the state and the federal level. I don't care what party you represent: if you're convicted, you should be thrown out of office.

Any shock and indignation coming from Republicans is rich considering their pathetic track record over the last 8 years - dwarfing anything the Democrats have done. If true, her actions certainly should be condemned. Beyond that, overzealous Republican buttheads should all be nominated at:

www.buttheadpolice.com

Vote for extreme buttheads, like Palin and McCain to get asses stamped on their heads. You heard right. Check it out! Spread the word!!

#9

Should white people denounce the actions of all of the crooked white politicians that have ever "served" our state or country?

I didn't think so.

Hey Robin,

you don't think #2's comments are racist?

This isn't a Democratic or Republican thing! This is about evil and lowest of the low in human behavior.

Just let her crawl back under the rock from whence she came. Keeping her behind bars at the taxpayers' expense will just be one more time she rips off the system.

Deval, Mumbles, Barnie (who gives everyone else our money), Dimasi- you call yourselves leaders.... of trash like her?

How many more are there? Isn't there someone out there who can lead the charge to clean out these vermin?

I wonder where she came up with the $50,000. Here to fore, she had no money. Or at least that is what she has claimed in the past. Or was she just ignoring her "patriotic duty" to pay taxes each year. Throw the book at her. It's about time. As for race, she should be ashamed of herself for tarnishing hers.

Even without seeing the charges or knowing any of the particulars I know the woman charged must be a Democrat and that while she has been charged, she might actually be innocent, though not necessarily, but certainly for lesser crimes than one could list a hundred Republican for actually committing. I know this because it is a consistent pattern, repeated across the US.

Ted Stevens was convicted but is still running, Larry Craig is still a senator and will never be even censured, Mark Foley was/is a child molester but only went to a Rehab clinic, McCain was involved in the Keating mess and only apoligised and barely an apology at that. Hundreds more were part of Jack Abramoff's K-Street Republican bribery project but not even named.And even more Republicans at every level skate in spite of very serious charges of everyy sort.

But if a Democrat is even charged with anything, even hiring a hooker, then suddenly there are massive calls for their resignation, even before any charges are brought, much less a conviction.
I have no idea of the facts of this particular case, but I do think there should be one set of rules that is for not only Democrats, but the same rules apply to them and Republicans, no matter if in office or not.

Until that happens there can be no respect for this kind of hypocrisy

Voting yes on 1 won't fix this. You'll have crummy schools, police and fire protection -- and you'll still have crooked politicians running all of the above. IF you really want to fix Beacon Hill, run against an incumbent. Nothing gets their attention quite like that.

This is not her past catching up with her. This is real time. She has been breaking the laws which she was elected to create for years. It is now time for her to come clean and take her punishment. A few years away on a Federal vacation will bring forth her remorse. I feel sorry for the naive constituents who have come to her defense and supported her all theses years while she was committing these crimes.

Wilkerson ... has ... no ... shame. I mean that literally. Too bad it took this latest humiliation to get her apologists to see how the rest of the world sees her.

What the hell are you people who keep saying Obama stole the election talking about?!?!?!?

According to my calender, the election isn't till next week, and for the record, he beat Hillary fair and square.

In any case this lady is the worst kind of politician, and should be thrown in the can. No mercy for cheaters, and crooks.

Chuck

Can it be that Senator Wilkerson was just scratching her bra line? It gets itchy and sweaty under there, you know!

"Elicit shock.."
How about friggin' ANGER?

Tell me she sold her morality out for just $23k?

Really, $23k? If this was over multiple years then it is really sad. She could have waited on tables if she needed the extra cash.

Of course, any amount of bribery is bad but seriously she does not really value her own corruption.

I admit I didn't thoroughly read each and every word on the affidavit, but I believe it said she threatened to hold up legislation that would save the taxpayers $500,000 if the City Council didn't rubber stamp the liquor license request. Essentially, she didn't mind costing the taxpayers half a million dollars in order to get a few thousand for herself. Do you think she's the only one doing this? That's why I'm voting "yes" on question 1.

Politics and corruption go hand in hand always have, always will. , are all capable of wrongdoing because it's a human thing not a Democratic or Republican thing, not a conservative or liberal thing, not a black or white thing, not an Italian or Irish thing. Stop ascribing corruption to any one group and stop perpetuating the divisiveness. I'm black, I live in Mattapan, and I think her resignation is LONG overdue!! Good Riddance, Dianne.......wasn't voting for you anway!! And, I'm looking forward to Chang-Diaz.

I have a friend who attends DW's church every Sunday in Mattapan. She--along with other parishioners--became disheartened with DW a long time ago because she is only in attendance when it serves her politically. The rest of the time she's MIA. Nothing new for a politician but at the same time small character flaws can be indicative of much bigger ones.

We have faith in President Obama to pardon any and all transgressions and misunderstandings that this beautiful and talented black woman may be accused of. Thank the Lord for a black president! Our day has come!! We will no longer be harrassed and framed for crimes. This will be payback time people - just you wait and see!!

Obama/Biden '08

I hope Deval Patrick is implicated in some type of scandal and get bounced too. I'm a DEM, but I loathe the MA dem state party. It's truly about time that Wilkerson got busted. ALSO, and MORE IMPORTANTLY, to the comment posted by jd...how can you say that about the DEMs having control of DC (i.e., in the leg and exec branches) after how badly the REPs governed for six years of unified exec-leg government?!!! NOTHING has been or ever could be as bad as the REPs exec-leg tenure in DC from 2000-2006! In all seriousness jd...are you totally insane?

Sadly, I'm not surprised by this and I doubt that the people who work closely with her are either (read: other politicians). Which makes me question why Mayor Menino and Gov. Patrick campaigned for her. Either they are incredibly naive (probably not possible for a Massachusetts politician) or they chose to look the other way. Whatever it is, it's disgraceful.

wow. racism is still going strong. what diane did was wrong and she will be punished, but what is with all the racism. yes, senator wilkerson is black, so is deval, so is obama. so what! get over it. your racist remarks are disgusting.

@"Sad transgressions"????? She didn't pay taxes. She lied under oath. WTH else did she need to do to be booted? Oh - take bribes and get caught. I guess that was a "high enough level" to show indignation.

The reason she's been in office is that, politically, nobody (of her constituents) has cared enoughI to elect someone else. There is no requirement to resign due to a conviction--look at Alaska and Stevens. Since her constituents haven't removed her from office with their votes, probably the only thing that would would being unable to do her job because she is in a jail.

St

this is cell. Although I'm not sure what the attendance requirements are for the State Senate.

Obama steals the white house? Are you nuts? What's wrong with you people? Where was your concern about electoral votes the past two elections.

It's obvious she was framed. Bush framed her. It's a vast right-wing conspiracy. However, if she just appoligizes and blames it on mistreatment when she was a child everything will be forgiven.

>> "Senator Michael Morrissey, a Quincy Democrat, said, "I'm surprised. You hate to see anybody in that position, but people in elected office are held to a higher standard."

---
Not on Beacon Hill they aren't.

I do have faith in Obama to do the right thing when he gets into the White House. I am a white American who believes that Barak will look past color and race and do better for all of us. I hope he will do as he says and heavily use the line item veto to keep wasteful spending out of the budgets. He will recover America's standing in the world as a great country with great people. He will unite us as one country for the better of us all. #52 is obviously baiting us to think that every incarcerated black person will be freed. That is stupid people thinking. Obama is the only chance we have for getting back on the right track. Bush policies have been a train wreck all over the world. My biggest worry is that Bush will do everything possible to ruin the next 4 years for Obama after he wins the election. Bush/Cheney can do a lot of damage in their last 2 months. The Bush presidency has been the most spiteful ever. Their "you're either with me or with the enemy" was the worst position ever taken y a president. Bush/Cheney will go down as the most corrupt presidency ever. Good riddance to him and Cheney. I'm proud to endorse Barak Obama and sign my name to this.

Annoyed, after reading your comment, I went back and looked at the previous comments several times to exactly where racism had entered. Couldn't find any of it so perhaps you'd like to enlighten us. It' s looking more and more like it's not the "staunch, stuckup republicans" that are obsessed with race but the oh so open minded Libs that are oh so against labels.

Comment .25 says it all.....grow up folks and realize the goverment is by the people for the people. Stop letting either side tell you what to do and start being apart of the process. That means don't just choose someone and sit back, but keep a close eye on it all.

Ah yes, Ol' Lord Acton had it right: "All Power Corrupts, Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely". Witness the 40 plus years of almost 87% Dems in power in the MA. House and Senate, and the 10 years or so of the Repubs in the House and Senate in Washington D.C. Here in MA. (All Politics are Local..wonder who said that?) Wilkerson is the "Resident Political Sleeze-Bag du Jour", until a new one comes along, and we have "Fun" with him/her. Believe me, there will be another one to replace her, its the nature of the political game.

to #52- is your comment a threat?
you should be careful

vote REPUBLICAN- I came from socialism and communism-that is exactly where we going- are you al blind and deaf? USA is disappearing- just read Obama's book- "he will stand with muslims" as he claims-and we all know what they want....

Freedem, I suggest you pull your head out of your butt. Republicans everywhere have been calling for Stevens, Criag, and Foley to resign. As for Abramoff, I seem to recall that 40% of the money he raised went to Democrats. Hey don't let facts get in the way of a little pansy whine, right?

Hey Deval, how about another ringing endorsement for your partner in crime? Why should this change anything for those moonbats in the South End and Jamaica Plain? She can serve them just as well from a jail cell, she just won't be able to shake them down. At least she won't have to worry about the mortgage anymore. 3 square meals a day and an 8x10 cell ,hope she looks good in stripes.

Morrissey says people in elected office are held to a higher standard? What the heck does that mean? The higher standard in his terms is that you are expected to get away with more before you're caught!

Too bad they didn't catch her accepting bribes from the developers of Columbus Center or the Bio lab. These two projects were not supported by most of the voters living in their shadows. So much for elected officials representing their constituents fairly....

we need someone like sarah palin to start clearing out the 'corruption' and bring efficiencey, effectiveness and accountability to the statehouse.

I love Senator Morrisey comments "people in elected office are held to a higher standard" Oh so its OK to take a bribe and use your power for a select few if you are not in an elected office... or is it OK ,Mike, as long as you dont get caught..... which is it Mike

I GOT TWO WORDS..... UNFRICKEN BELIEVABLE !!!

AND WHY DO YALL HAVE TO BE SO DAM RACIST ????

THERE ARE PLENTY MORE CORRUPTION GOIN ON IN THE DAM WHITE HOUSE, ETC. AND LIKE #55 SAID.......what diane did was wrong and she will be punished, but what is with all the racism. yes, senator wilkerson is black, so is deval, so is obama. so what! get over it. your racist remarks are disgusting. !!!

Has anyone heard from mumbles Menino? He still hasn't backed the democratic candidate - signaling that he still supports Sen Wilkerson. IF she is sentenced to the same halfway house that she lived in before, she will probably continue to hold a job in MA. Vote YES on question 1.

Can we fix Diane up with DC's Mayor Marion Barry? Talk about a dream couple.
They have alot in common - they were both re-elected to public office after very publicly committing multiple felonies while in office. The people who voted for these folks ought to have their voting rights rescinded. One can only imagine how much corruption and patronage the taxpayers are footing the tab for here in the Commonwealth. Shame on all of you. If your children only knew what you are made of. As for you idealistic, utopian-seeking, Kool-aid drinking Dem's and your ridiculously naive expectations of the upcoming administration and its impact on the world - get your heads out of your butts and grow up.

This is not an issue of race. It is an issue of a state senator who has demonstrated violations of the laws and income tax evasion for many years and yet some voters continued to elect her. I live in her district and was not someone who voted for her. Assuming the alleged charges of bribery are true then she should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Taking money in return for favors is unacceptable and other politicians should keep this in mind or find themselve in the same situation - caught and prosecuted. Congratulations to the police and FBI for doing their job.

It is real simple. She must replaced. There is no room for criminal activity by elected officals.

Oh come on, she lost her tax bill behind her dresser, she's not a crook!!! She forgot....

Wilkerson's actions are shall we say, her. She over the years continued to take advantage of her position and the people of Masschusetts. Many of her friends are living off us poor taxpayers , like "Brucie" Bruce Bowling of Mass Alliance who I hear just got a huge state contract.(maybe he can use it to bail her out)....shakie because the feds banned him from doing business. Any relation to Mrs. Bowling. Oh, Dianne's best friend and former campaign worker????? Dianne has padded alot of pockets in her day. They will need a big cell for her and her friends who have ripped us off. Hope Dianne remembers to write her friends in the adjacent cell. Bowling should take a Bow.

Vote yes on question 1. Don't let them try to tell you that your opinion doesn't matter, your vote doesn't matter, or voting isn't the appropriate way to send a message... VOTING IS THE ONLY WAY TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! Make them try to pass property tax increases. Make them show you who they really are. In the meantime, you'll get a little spending cash back. Not a bad thing.

What a tremendously enlightened and insightful set of commentary. I'm so glad I spent time scrolling through it all as it really changed what I think about Diane Wilkerson and the political system in general. Thank you all for being the mensa candidates that you are, regardless of party affiliation.

Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei said in a statement. "The latest charges brought against Senator Wilkerson rise to a whole new level, and significantly tarnish the reputation not only of the Massachusetts Senate, but government as a whole."
What government? Sen. Ted Stevens convicted in a corruption case Monday, or maybe James Traficant, the hairhat-wearing former Ohio congressman, or Tom Delay, booked on conspiracy and money laundering charges.? Are there any good people left in Washington?

Marzilli, Wilkerson and any others under arrest in the Senate should resign or be thrown out. Don't let them stay in office past Jan 1 sothat they can collect another year's pension credit. (see Jacques)

"hmm...wasn't McCain part of the Keating scandal? I believe so yes."

Actually, mmm, no. Google is your friend. Go look it up. He was named as one of the "Keating Five" but cleared of wrongdoing.

McCain was cleared ahead of time by the lead investigator, but the Dem controlled Congress insisted that it was unacceptable to only investigate four Democrats. So they lumped him in with the guilty Dems only to clear him a second time at the end of investigation.

McCain was completely exonerated in the Keating Five incident. Innocent, and proven not guilty.

Funny how Wilderson's arrest reflects on "one party rule" in MA a calls for Sarh Palin to clear things out. Patrick is the first Democratic Governer in 12 years, and MA is in pretty good shape compared to * years of "one party rule" in DC

Perhaps folks missed the other news of the day; Sen Steven's, perhaps a no so upstanding Republican from Alaska, was convicted of seven felony charges today. And get this, he can still run for office and no one seems to be calling for his resignation! Please explain the standard.

OH BUT YOUR HONOR, I HADE A DREAM..........MARTIN TOLD ME TO SAY THAT SO, I WOULDN'T DO JAIL TIME.

If you stuff $1000 of bribes in your bra they make an example of you. If you stuff $250,000 of bribes in your bank account they make you speaker.

Vote YES on #1.

Elgin #39

no #2 was not making a racist remark--he was talking about Gov. deval and Sen. Obama... they are friends, and he cont. on about one party in dc--like in Ma...the democratic party...is it his fault the the gov and sen. are black. Which just proves my point, You just read it the way you wanted to as a racist comment.....if they are black keep your mouth shut or you'll be called a racist...............this country is messed up......

Wait a minute. This IS the USA, and therefore Senator Wilkerson remains innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Despite her tarnished past, she should be treated with respect and we should let the judicial system do its job.

What epitomizes politics in this state was that beautiful footage on the news today of that fraud Wilkerson standing at the podium at some bogus photo op with all the "leaders" of this state behind her.....the smirking Demasi and company, et.al ,standing behind one of their own. That thief with her murdering family members are a disgusting disgrace to humanity, let along public service.
Typical example of someone with an arrogant entitlement attitude that justifies ignoring every law and rule in whatever place they go. That stain of a woman and this state makes me sick.

#39----no #2's comments were not racist--he was talking about the gov and the sen who are friends and the democrats in dc and mass--you my friend read race in it because the gov and sen are black--kinda proves my point doesn't it.. Perhaps you are the raciist since you that's what you saw.

What in the world does voting yes on 1, Deval Patrick, Barrack Obama or anything else have to do with this. Are you people telling me you've never had a friend of family member get caught doing something you were totally unaware of? Please, you finger pointers are complete hypocrits. Nobody, left or right, should be blamed for this.

Tragic end for someone with so much talent. But DW could never play by the rules, could she? Lying, blaming, inflammatory words and actions, never taking personal responsibility for her own issues. Even with such strong supporters who stood by her again and again. Ugly legacy for one so gifted. As far as the timing of her indictment and arrest - --- DW played "hardball" knowing that her words and actions would hurt. Now, it's apparently her turn to be on the receiving end. I hope Boston Police detectives are feeling a small sense of vindication.

Race isn't the issue here. The issue is simply a crooked politician who has always been crooked and finally getting her hand caught in the high profile cookie jar. It is time for voters to wake up and examine everyone that we vote for at all levels of government and begin holding them to the ethical standards we should expect. We need to have elected officials who can provide us with opportunities to achieve the American dream and not just elect officials who promise to give us stuff without earning it.

"Senator Michael Morrissey, a Quincy Democrat, said, "I'm surprised. You hate to see anybody in that position, but people in elected office are held to a higher standard."
Yea, the higher standard of being honest.

What a waste. When the Feds grab hold, they don't let go.

Maybe now Roxbury will finally have a representative that's more interested in furthering the interests of the community instead of their own.

I hope Wilkerson rats out on all the other crooked State politicians and City of Boston officials....the FBI did the law/biding people of Massachusetts a great BIG favor getting the ...real evidence....to convict this rotten excuse of a nefarious woman forevermore....let the FBI get 'em all in this scandal at the State House....get 'em all.

"Another proud moment for Mass. The FBI and ethics committee sure does have it's hands full -Wilkerson,DiMasi,Finneran,Boston Fire Dept etc. Do you really need any more reasons why we should all be voting "Yes on 1"."

Alaska has no income or sales tax. The state actually has a negative tax burden; every Alaskan gets a check from the state every year. Yet the corruption there is legendary: Troopergate, Stevens, Palin as mayor of Wasilla, Palin as governor. At one point last year, Alaska's entire congressional delegation was being investigated for corruption. Ted Stevens just got convicted.

What does this have to do with Question 1?

I agree that Wilkerson has been a shameless example of the type of corruption that exists in government. MA is in something of a downward spiral from what I see. Lately the first thing that happens once he speaker of the house steps down is an indictment for corruption...big change from a cushy job running UMass...so perhaps at least punishment for corruption is on the rise. Deval has been pretty useless so far, but Romney was a disaster too. We haven't had a good governor since Weld left town. Yes he was a republican, but as others have said...one party rule breeds corruption.

Rob from the rich and give to the poor.... You all have been robbing the poor for years; stealing our homes, families, and minds. Yes, what she did was wrong, but so what! Isn't that what Bush said about stealing the Florida votes? That's all this is intended to do; turn us against each other. We were trained to doubt ourselves and our people, follow the white man be good to him, and he’ll lead us to something good. YEAH RIGHT! LOOK how we sat around waiting for someone to help the Katrina victims. We can't keep waiting! We have to take action! Any action is better than no action! I'm supporting her through her hard times. That's what I learned from my President. Follow McCain around with a hidden camera, what would we see? Him scheming on this election or accepting things that he shouldn't be. Its okay, we know that you act concerned, but are dirty, blood sucking, dogs behind closed doors who only care about yourselves.
WE ARE NOT HAVING IT!!!

I just read the US Criminal Complaint (08-1772-TSH) and it appears that Michael Morrisey (Senator Z), Menino (Mayor), Maureen Feeney (BCC), Therese Murray (Senate President), and Daniel Pokaski are named or referred to in the Complaint.

This could get even more interesting, but it is not clear yet how deeply the others are involved. Highly recommended reading!

BizasUze

to 617badgirl:

- the rich didn't steal anything. If you can't afford a house, a mortgage - DON'T GET IT until you make enough. NOONE is entitled to ANYTHING until they earn it... by working
- Bush didn't steal the election. Electoral College, remember? Google for definition
-stop playing the race card, its disgusting and shameful
- it's not "her hard time", it seems that she might have actually committed a umm... OMG, a federal crime?!?!? (we'll we've got pictures at least; it's up to the court to determine though) a shocker!!!
- everything Dems were able to dig up on McCain is Keeting 5. One semi-republican (McCain and 4 Dems). 3 Dems convicted, one semi-republican and one Dem are cleared of ALL wrongdoings.

Oopsie...

I feel empathy for Mrs. Wilkerson .

Governor Deval Patrick, a Democrat who had supported Wilkerson in the September primary, said in a statement that the "initial reports are both troubling and sad. These are very serious charges and I will trust the judicial process to take them seriously."

by metro staff boston globe