A three-way tie. House Speaker George Keverian, Boston mayor Ray Flynn, and Senate president Billy Bulger.
Keverian for getting the Duke's wormy 1988 budget and the universal-health-care package through the legislature in time for the Democratic convention. Flynn for the wisdom he showed in announcing he was not running for governor—even if he had to announce it twice and even though he'll probably change his mind. And Bulger "for getting away with it yet again," said one admiring panelist.
Maurizio's
Ah, civility—a welcome change on a street known for interminable lines and cutthroat competition for tables on Saturday nights. Maurizio's is intimate but not stuffy, the kind of restaurant where you know you're guaranteed perfect ambience. You even get a complimentary glass of bubbly as soon as you sit down. And then there's the food—Italian, delicious, and democratic. From the rack of lamb in Chianti wine sauce to the grilled tuna, there's something for everyone. 364 Hanover St., Boston, MA mauriziosboston.com.
Tom Stemberg, Staples
Except for his feckless attempt at twisting the Globe's arm during the Barnicle scandal, Stemberg has made one right move after another in building his office-supply company into the industry leader. As a topper, he bagged the naming rights to the soon-to-be completed Los Angeles arena—just in time for next year's Democratic National Convention. At least someone from Boston came out a winner on that deal.
Ayanna Pressley
COURTESY PHOTO If we thought Ayanna Pressley had nerves of steel for challenging and taking down one of our longest-serving Democratic congressmen, it was only because we hadn’t yet seen her take on the Trump administration. In her first speech on the floor of the House in January, she delivered a scathing rebuke of President Donald Trump and the government shutdown. More recently, in an exchange that went viral, she scolded Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson for interrupting her and evading her questions. As a result, Pressley’s take-no-prisoners approach has made her a star on the national political stage. Read more
Scott Harshbarger and Paul Tsongas
What? They're not running? Does anyone have the number for that short Greek guy from Brookline?
Andrew Card, who Washington insiders blame for provoking Jim Jeffords' defection and throwing the Senate to the Democrats.
Maybe some people aren't Cabinet level after all.
Vice President Al Gore
He invented the Internet, starred in Love Story, cured cancer, solved global warming, won the Nobel Peace Prize, and married someone named Tipper. Looks like presidential timber to us.
Frank Bellotti. Or Ray Flynn. Or Evelyn Murphy. Or Jack Flood.
Frankly, my dear, we don't give a damn.
Marjorie Clapprood
Her Sunday cable talk show, Clapprood Live, featured Marjorie flirting with Jack Kevorkian. In a surreal interview, Clapprood praised Mr. Sleepy's choice in ties and promised to find him some female companionship. Maybe Der Silber was the sane one after all.