The conventional answer is that liberals hate her conservative, pro-life politics; have contempt for certain elements of her family history; and either don't like her Wal-Mart lifestyle, or believe she's faking it. But even that doesn't totally explain the meanness directed Palin's way. (Page K9, 645 words)By: Joan Vennochi|Date: Nov 22, 2009

Whether it is losing abortion coverage in the health care reform package or putting coverage for routine mammograms at risk, it seems like women must always work to not get thrown under the political bus. (Page A17, 693 words)By: Joan Vennochi|Date: Nov 19, 2009

Voting for a health care package that contains an antiabortion provision raises questions of principle for Senate candidates. (Page A15, 667 words)By: Joan Vennochi|Date: Nov 12, 2009

The fight between Patrick Kennedy and the Providence bishop signals the start of another new day. The bishop has had no qualms about pointing out that Kennedy's views do not mirror church teachings. (Page A9, 688 words)By: Joan Vennochi|Date: Nov 14, 2009

Arguing that more than 600,000 out of 3.2 million Massachusetts workers can trace their jobs back to venture capital, he calls it "incontrovertible" that such investment increases jobs. (Page K9, 697 words)By: Joan Vennochi|Date: Nov 8, 2009

About 2,500 community activists are part of the ONE Massachusetts network. Their message -- raise taxes, don't cut state programs -- could be enough to launch the next Barbara Anderson on a new, antitax crusade. (Page K9, 691 words)By: Joan Vennochi|Date: Oct 25, 2009

None of the four Democrats vying to replace Ted Kennedy in the US Senate came across as the one true heir or heiress to the seat that Kennedy held for 47 years. (Page A11, 282 words)By: Joan Vennochi|Date: Oct 27, 2009

US Senator John Kerry is prone to nuance, but when it comes time to determine how -- and whether -- to pursue war in Afghanistan, the answers come down to "yes" or "no". (Page A15, 711 words)By: Joan Vennochi|Date: Oct 29, 2009

A vote on gambling legislation is unlikely to take place until 2010. That's hard to believe, given the political fire power behind the pro-gambling brigade. (Page K9, 687 words)By: Joan Vennochi|Date: Oct 11, 2009

The Bay State's most vulnerable citizens -- those with physical disabilities, intellectual challenges, and autism -- are sitting vigil right outside the governor's office. They seek an end to cuts to their services, but, in an economic crisis, will anybody hear them? (Page A15, 716 words)By: Joan Vennochi|Date: Oct 22, 2009

The arrogance of power that clings to incumbents seeps down. It makes people like Michael Kineavy, the top political aide to Mayor Thomas M. Menino, decide the rules don't apply to them. (Page A21, 687 words)By: Joan Vennochi|Date: Oct 8, 2009

Senate President Therese Murray has no trouble thwarting the governor. Would she also thwart the president? (Page K9, 669 words)By: Joan Vennochi|Date: Sep 13, 2009

The blogosphere opened up the public conversation to new, thoughtful voices, but it should not provide a shield to hide biases and private agendas. (Page K9, 708 words)By: Joan Vennochi|Date: Oct 4, 2009

Michael Capuano is no Ted Kennedy. But, still, some keepers of Camelot's flame are ready to adopt him. (Page A15, 683 words)By: Joan Vennochi|Date: Sep 17, 2009

Without his $400 million fortune, Stephen Pagliuca’s campaign for the late Edward M. Kennedy's Senate seat would be a joke. He’s unknown outside business circles and untested in political circles. (Page K9, 695 words)By: Joan Vennochi|Date: Sep 20, 2009

Kirk pick a test of Camelot's clout, Patrick's loyalties This was a test of Camelot's clout and Governor Deval Patrick's loyalties. Kennedy's widow, Victoria Reggie Kennedy, lobbied for Paul G. Kirk, Jr. as Ted Kennedy's interim successor. So did Kennedy's sons, Patrick and Edward M. Kennedy Jr.By: Joan Vennochi|Date: Sep 24, 2009

How can Martha Coakley be too "cautious" if she is also too "ambitious," as suggested by Stephen E. Smith, one of Ted Kennedy's nephews? (Page A19, 684 words)By: Joan Vennochi|Date: Oct 1, 2009

State legislative leaders come and go, but a tendency by rank-and-file lawmakers to follow them like sheep remains. (Page A17, 690 words)By: Joan Vennochi|Date: Nov 5, 2009

In death, Ted Kennedy will be idealized, his accomplishments lionized, his weaknesses glossed over. If it can happen to Michael Jackson, a mere king of pop, it will surely happen to the last son of Camelot. (Page A23, 298 words)By: Joan Vennochi|Date: Aug 27, 2009

Can Senator John Kerry ever escape Ted Kennedy’s shadow? (Page A19, 665 words)By: Joan Vennochi|Date: Sep 10, 2009

After 16 years in office, Mayor Menino and his poor articulation are known quantities. It will take more than that -- and challenger Kevin McCrea's eagerness to praise his "deficiency" -- to defeat him. (Page A25, 326 words)By: Joan Vennochi|Date: Sep 11, 2009

Official joy over Ted Kennedy's success in fighting his brain cancer doesn't stop the quiet, behind-the-scenes strategizing about a future run for his Senate seat. In Martha Coakley's case, she needs to take the strategizing a step further. (Page K9, 689 words)By: Joan Vennochi|Date: May 31, 2009

Put Ted Kennedy and Mitt Romney in the same room with President Obama. That is what consensus looks like, when it comes to health care reform. (Page A15, 686 words)By: Joan Vennochi|Date: Aug 20, 2009

The death of Eunice Kennedy Shriver is another reminder that the original Camelot era is coming to an end in Massachusetts. (Page C9, 689 words)By: Joan Vennochi|Date: Aug 16, 2009

Hillary Clinton had an authentic moment in Africa. She got mad and showed it. What's so terrible about that? (Page A13, 687 words)By: Joan Vennochi|Date: Aug 13, 2009