Massachusetts: Dianne Wilkerson

Blue Mass. Group without comments would be unthinkable.  What makes this site interesting (at least to me) is the animated, passionate, and sometimes startlingly well-informed discussions that the posts engender.  I've learned far more from the comments than I have from writing my own posts, and I have no doubt that that will continue.

The same cannot be said, however, for the comments sections at the Globe's site.  Almost any article about local politics -- today's example is another depressing article about "friends" of Dianne Wilkerson who gave her "personal gifts" of $10,000 -- results in a totally predictable cavalcade of angry commentary along these lines:

another cabinet member for barack obama.

As we prepare to ring in the New Year, we here a PolitickerMA.com took a few moments to reflect on what has been an eventful 2008. After surveying several political insiders and observers, here is our breakdown of the Top 11 - cause we couldn't stop at 10 - political stories of the past year.

What did we leave out? The comments section awaits below.

Happy New Year.

BOSTON - Upon delivering a box of campaign finance documents at the courthouse Friday, Boston City Councilor Chuck Turner, his wife Terri, and her lawyer alleged that the government is now "scrambling" to obtain evidence for its case against Turner.

Boston City Councilor Sam Yoon introduced legislation on Wednesday that would require all of the city's commissions and boards all information relative to members and meetings on the internet.

Yoon, of Dorchester, said the legislation seeks to increase citizens' access to government.

"I am a strong advocate of open and accountable government that acts within clearly established boundaries," Yoon said in a statement. "A government that can act arbitrarily and in secret invites corruption, special pleading and trading favors."