The Week In Politics – April 6, 2012

It looks like Oliver P. Cipollini Jr. is coming back for his third shot at governor’s council of the first district.

The Marstons Mills Democrat has confirmed that he is running for the seat he ran for unsuccessfully in 2008 and in 2010, making him the third Democrat to throw his hat into the ring, along with Walter Moniz of New Bedford and Nicholas D. Bernier of Swansea.

The incumbent, Republican Charles O. Cipollini of Fall River — Oliver Cipollini’s older brother — is at present a “probable candidate” for re-election.

For those of you who might have forgotten, Charles won an unusual race that pitted him against his brother. The two men frequently campaigned together, and throughout his run, Charles openly declared that he didn’t really want to win and would prefer it if voters supported Oliver.

Charles’ tenure has been equally colorful. He questioned Supreme Judicial Court nominee Barbara Lenk’s capacity for impartiality on same-sex marriage issues in light of the fact she is a lesbian; asked SJC nominee Fernande R.V. Duffly during his confirmation hearing his thoughts on polygamy and communal living; and, commenting on Governor Deval L. Patrick’s efforts to expand the diversity of the SJC, wondered aloud how long it would take the governor to “nominate an illegal” (as in illegal immigrant).

His supporters regard Charles as a breath of fresh air and a change of pace from the (real or imagined) rubber-stamp nature of the governor’s council, while his detractors view him as a disruptive presence on the council.

Whether Charles will run again is a topic for another day, but if he does, voters could be looking at a repeat of the brother-versus-brother non-race of 2010. They can do better than that.

***

Sandwich Democrat R. Patrick Ellis this week officially kicked off his campaign for State Representative of the Fifth Barnstable District. John Walsh, chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, joined Mr. Ellis and his supporters for the campaign launch event, held last night at Hemisphere in Sandwich.

Mr. Ellis is currently the lone challenger to State Representative Randy Hunt (R – Sandwich), who is running for a second term.

Political news and announcements may be e-mailed to Michael Bailey, senior political reporter, at bailey@capenews.net.

Tags: Charles Cipollini, Governor's Council - 1st District, Nicholas Bernier, Oliver Cipollini, Patrick Ellis, State Representative - 5th Barnstable, Walter Moniz

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