Handicapping the 15-headed horse race that is Boston's at-large City Council election
By CHRIS FARAONE | August 12, 2009
Even knowledgeable City Hall insiders know they're better off scratching lotto tickets than wagering on Boston politics. But if you must gamble in the 15-way horse race that is the September 22 councilor-at-large preliminary election, then it would be wise to bet that current Democratic officeholders Stephen Murphy and John Connolly will win two of the eight positions determined on that day (as well as half of the final four spots yielded by the November 3 election).
As for the rest of the bracket (which consists of nine Democrats, two Republicans, and two unaffiliated candidates — and, remarkably, just one woman), this is our attempt to separate the true wack jobs from the mere moonbat optimists, as Howie Carr might call some of the Obama-inspired idealists vying for at-large positions. Culling information from questionnaires, recent coverage, campaign literature, and interviews, we did our best to offer snapshots of a group that actually has several impressive candidates. We've divided the field into the current favorites, the hopefuls, and the long shots. Feel free to defy the odds, and make up your own mind.
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Final four?, For city council, Menino, again, More 
- Final four?
Some of Boston's savviest political insiders were confident of one thing going into last week's preliminary election: the top four finishers in the at-large City Council race would not be the same quartet to actually win those four seats in November.
- For city council
When Boston City Councilors Michael Flaherty and Sam Yoon declared their candidacies for mayor many months ago, the duo opened up what is normally a very narrow field for at-large Council candidates.
- Menino, again
At a time when Americans are racked by anxiety about the uncertain future of a weak economy, Boston voters handily returned Boston Mayor Thomas Menino to an unprecedented fifth term.
- The rumor mill
The energy in this year’s at-large race for Boston City Council is not to be found on the campaign trail.
- City Hall domino effect
Political prospects are being reassessed inside the rumor-hungry walls of City Hall, all because of an invitation to a party 3000 miles away.
- Youth infusion
In DeLeo's restructuring, white, non-Hispanic men older than 45 fell from power in droves.
- The 12th Annual Muzzle Awards
With the era of repression and secrecy fostered by George W. Bush and Dick Cheney finally over, this should be the best of times for freedom of expression, open government, and civil liberties. Yet change comes slowly.
- Murphy’s big tent
In the past few years, Murphy has recast himself to reflect the changing city.
- Malign neglect
If, as the Globe editorial page put it, Boston politics need CPR, why is the press idly standing by?
- Edifice complex
You’re Boston Mayor Tom Menino, preparing to address the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce on a chilly morning in December 2006.
- Global warming
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is one of those broad-based, high-minded, outfits that drive the Bush White House crazy.
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