Massachusetts: House Gop Caucus

The Bay State's population increased, but not by as much as other states. Let the grumblings about losing a congressional seat begin.

Sen. Kennedy and his staff continue to work meticulously behind the scenes to avoid previous health care reform pitfalls.

State House Minority Leader Brad Jones said Wednesday that his caucus opposes any cuts to local aid.

Facing shortfalls in tax collections and a looming national economic crisis, House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi had said this week  that he expects local aid to be cut between 5 and 10 percent.

Jones, of North Reading, said Republicans opposed this year's budget because they feared local aid would have to be cut.

Breaking a much speculated eight-to-eight tie, Republican state Rep. F. Jay Barrows said Monday that he will support Brad Jones' effort to retain his post as House minority leader.

With Barrows' support, Jones, of North Reading, has secured nine votes in the 16-member caucus, enough to stay on as minority leader. Jones is being challenged by Holden state Rep. Lewis Evangelidis.

Republican state Rep. Donald Humason said late Sunday night that he is supporting Lewis Evangelidis in his challenge to Brad Jones for House minority leader.

Evangelidis, a Holden Republican, announced last week that he is seeking the post on the heels of the GOP caucus loss of three seats in this year's election.