“Twas the night before Christmas and all through the Rhode Island Statehouse, the politicians were stirring and clicking a mouse.
The stockings were hung in the House and Senate with care, in hopes the lobbyists soon would be there.
On Farrell, Octeau, and McMahon. On Travis, Goldberg and Lopes, all sleighing up to Smith Hill.
They filled the lawmakers stockings, then fled to the Capital Grille. They called for bartender Paul ‘cause they knew he’d set up drinks for them all.
The pols were nestled all snug in their beds, as visions of legislative grants danced in their heads.
Then out on the South Lawn there arose such a clatter, the reporters sprang to see what was the matter.
Away to the window they flew like a flash, when Gov. Gina Raimondo appeared, both hands out for campaign cash.
Betting on games once was a crime, now Senate President Ruggerio wants point spreads on line.
Speaker Nick Mattiello says to the budget he’ll take an axe, but don’t mess with his phase-out of the car tax.
Massachusetts is tops in high tech jobs, but Rhode Island has fewer snobs. Rhode Islanders aren’t smarmy; they know we have the best calamari.
Getting PC basketball back to NCAAs won’t be easy, but it helps that the Friars are backed by Mike Tranghese. As the Ryan Center fans throng, Marilyn and Linc Almond know every word of the URI fight song.
If you like rhetoric as coarse as Brillo, your man is Warwick’s Joe Trillo. Joe’s campaign boat crashed into a rock but unlike Matt Brown he’s not in hock.
On election night, Democrats partied with glee, which was fine with labor’s George Nee. For Republicans elections brought groans; maybe it’s time to bring back John Holmes.
Republicans called Sheldon a louse, but the voters showed they love Senator Whitehouse.
For David Cicilline the election was rosy; he’s on the team with new Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Worcester came after the PawSox like a condor, which wouldn’t have happened if Rhode Island still had Ben Mondor.
You know Rhode Island journalism is on the ropes, when there aren’t enough reporters to fill the bar at the old Hope’s.
But If you seek news amid the holiday glitter, follow Ian Donnis and Ted Nesi on Twitter.
If you think hospitals are getting health costs in line, you need a chat with Dr. Mike Fine.
For Mayor Jorge Elorza, the tower proposed by developer Jason Fane has become quite the pain.
As you celebrate the New Year jollies, sing a verse of Auld Lang Syne for Benny’s and the Providence News Guild Follies.
As you make your Christmas Eve wishes, enjoy the Feast of Seven Fishes. HoHoHo and a Happy New Year from all of us here at the Public’s Radio.
Scott MacKay’s commentary can be heard every Monday morning at 6:45 and 8:45 and at 5:44 in the afternoon. You can also follow his political analysis and commentary at our web site at ThePublic’sRadio.org
