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Boston Globe
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
‘Never had an auditor do something like this.' Diana DiZoglio fights, polarizes her fellow Democrats.
Advertisement Practically, DiZoglio's hard-charging approach has yet to realize the audit itself. Even potential litigation over whether the Legislature has to comply sits in limbo. Politically, however, the fight has defined her short tenure as state auditor, and elevated DiZoglio and the relatively obscure constitutional office she holds. The path she chose has led to an odd duality: She's both isolated among party leadership, and simultaneously able to claim wide support among the public. Some Democratic activists view her as a rising star and natural at retail politics; others chafe at her approach, likening her to an unnecessary bomb-thrower. In other words: DiZoglio may be the most polarizing political figure in the Massachusetts Democratic Party. 'To come out in public, take a stand and say, 'This is my mission,' it has a lot of people perplexed. This is a first. You've never had an auditor do something like this,' said Melvin Poindexter, a Massachusetts Democratic National Committee member. Advertisement In contrast to DiZoglio, the role of state auditor previously felt more akin to a low-profile detective, he said, a 'Columbo backstage making sure everybody is doing what they're supposed to do.' By statute, her office must audit hundreds of agencies and departments every three years, and the auditor's website touts her as the ' State Auditor Diana DiZoglio spoke during a rally of public employee unions in front of the State House in 2023. Pat Greenhouse/Globe Staff DiZoglio doesn't work in the wings. Last summer, when it appeared she might temporarily serve as acting governor, she When circumstances robbed her of the temporary role, DiZoglio released it anyway. She 'When I go to town committee meetings, people ask the same question: Is this all a prelude for something else?' Poindexter said. That includes whispers of an eventual run for governor, he said. 'That's one of the things people have tossed out there.' In a Globe interview, DiZoglio waved off waging a Democratic challenge to Healey, who next fall, without directly addressing whether she could one day vie for higher office. She also said she doesn't have 'any plans' yet for 2026, when she, too, would be up for reelection. 'It's not an election year, and I have no plans to run for governor. I am simply focused on the work of my office,' DiZoglio said. 'It's the biggest challenge of my life just to stay standing and continue to say, 'The people voted for this, and the law needs to be followed.'' Advertisement The feud between DiZoglio and the Legislature's leaders has laid bare an extraordinary, and long-running, friction between constitutional branches and the Democrats who control them. DiZoglio told lawmakers in January that she intended to use of nondisclosure agreements dating back years. Lawmakers have resisted every step of the way. House leaders hired an outside attorney, arguing an audit could violate the constitutional separation of powers, which allows the chambers to set their own rules. The Senate launched a subcommittee to craft its response, taking testimony last week from a panel of attorneys and experts, most of whom warned a legislative audit is unconstitutional and that DiZoglio has 'impairments' to her own independence given she is a former lawmaker who's spoken repeatedly about probing the bodies in which she once worked. DiZoglio declined to testify, and cast the hearing as a 'kangaroo court.' 'This committee, regardless of what the media likes to talk about, is not going after the auditor,' state Senator Cindy Friedman told reporters afterward about the chamber's efforts. 'We're going after the question.' State Auditor Diana DiZoglio held up a sign during last month's annual St. Patrick's Day Breakfast touting the support a ballot question, which gave her the authority to audit the Legislature, received at last November's ballot. Pat Greenhouse/Globe Staff DiZoglio's targets have varied. She publicly about the goal of her audit. She has openly criticized Attorney General Andrea Campbell for not answering her request to allow her to bring a lawsuit against the Legislature over her audit attempts. Advertisement The two Democrats have also after DiZoglio's office issued a letter calling a massive rezoning law advancing multi-family housing known as the MBTA Communities Act an ' a pointed rebuke from Campbell, who's DiZoglio wasted no time, either, punching back against even a one-time ally, state Representative Mike Connolly, a progressive Cambridge Democrat who supported DiZoglio's ballot question. In late February, he DiZoglio's decision to produce a 12 minutes later. 'Shame on ANY Democrat who tries to tie this 72% voter approved mandate, a democratically decided law, to Trump,' she That combative style makes some Democratic officials careful in openly prodding her, particularly given what she lacks in Beacon Hill allies she can wield in public support for the audit. 'Let's say you use my name in this article,' said one Democratic town committee chair, who spoke on the condition that their name not be used. 'And I say, 'Diana has been an incredible auditor. But I'd like to see her do better on the (MBTA) Communities Act.' I would be dead to her. It would be, I'm on the other side, and I'm the enemy.' DiZoglio swept into office in 2022 as part of a history-making class of women, who Advertisement That dynamic offered an opportunity to create a 'power bloc' of women working together at the highest reaches of state government, said Jacquetta Van Zandt, a Democratic strategist. 'Instead,' she said of DiZoglio, 'she's too busy tearing them down.' 'She's trying to make this office as powerful as the other constitutional offices. But I think her approach is wrong,' Van Zandt added. 'She's losing ground with people like me.' DiZoglio said she's never hidden her goals as auditor, or ways of accomplishing them. As a state representative in 2018, for example, she bucked leadership on the House floor, 'My platform was presented very clearly, and my style was always very apparent. And some people like my style and some people don't,' DiZoglio told the Globe. 'That doesn't change that 72 percent of voters in this commonwealth went out and voted for this initiative.' Indeed, her approach has drawn pushback but not shock in the legislative bodies she once served. 'This is her modus operandi. She's just a puncher,' said one Democratic lawmaker, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. 'This is her comfort zone.' It also hasn't changed what DiZoglio said can be an 'isolating' experience. She said she'll take photos with rank-and-file lawmakers at events, only to be asked not to post them online. Healey, Campbell, and others have publicly said they voted for the ballot question, but the constitutional questions have muted any full-fledged backing from other elected officials. Advertisement 'You feel very alone,' she said. Not entirely. Liz Bradt, Salem's Democratic city committee chair, said DiZoglio 'has inspired the people of Massachusetts' with the ballot question. Ray Gottwald, the longtime chair of Harwich's local Democratic committee, said DiZoglio spoke at a committee event on the Cape in February, arriving with citations to honor party activists. She works the room, remembers people's names, 'she calls people back,' said Gottwald, a former administrative manager in the auditor's office under Bump. DiZoglio is a regular at local committee meetings, speaking to activists in 'I'm 72 years old, and I've been involved in politics a long time. I've never met a more effective politician than Diana DiZoglio,' Gottwald said. 'I sincerely haven't.' Matt Stout can be reached at
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Local officials release statements on passing of former first lady of Massachusetts, Kitty Dukakis
BOSTON (WWLP) – Local officials have been releasing statements on the passing of Kitty Dukakis, the wife of former Massachusetts governor and presidential candidate Michael Dukakis. Decades in making, South Coast rail service begins Monday Dukakis was 88 years old and died on Friday night surrounded by her family and her son, John Dukakis. The Associated Press states that Dukakis was highly regarded for her openness about her struggles with substance use disorder and mental health issues. She worked tirelessly to break down the stigma and advocated for seeking help. Dukakis also championed support for the homeless and political refugees. During her husband's 1988 presidential campaign, Dukakis earned high praise as a political campaigner, actively campaigning and promoting his candidacy. Dukakis and her future husband met while attending high school in Brookline, Massachusetts. Governor Maura Healey issued a statement on her passing: 'I'm saddened to hear about the passing of Kitty Dukakis, who was a force for good in public life and behind the scenes. She was a strong advocate for children, women and refugees, while also taking a leadership role in ensuring that the horrors of the Holocaust are never forgotten. She spoke courageously about her struggles with substance use disorder and mental health, which serves as an inspiration to us all to break down stigma and seek help. My heart is with Governor Dukakis and their loved ones during this difficult time.' Governor Maura Healey Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Steve Kerrigan released the following statement on her passing: 'Kitty Dukakis used her role as first lady of the Commonwealth to champion refugees and the homeless, promote greater awareness of the Holocaust, and advocate for placing more women in leadership roles within state government. Yet, it was her courage in publicly sharing her struggles with depression and substance use disorder that truly defined her strength. Her honesty and bravery helped break down stigma, inspiring countless others to seek support and begin their own journeys of recovery. Kitty Dukakis made our Commonwealth—and our world—a better place. We extend our deepest condolences to Governor Dukakis, John, Andrea, Kara, and their families.' Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Steve Kerrigan Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) sent 22News the following statement: 'I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend Kitty Dukakis, a woman whose dedication to public service, to uplifting others, and to human rights was fueled by her indomitable spirit. Throughout her remarkable life, Kitty transformed her personal struggles into positive and persistent change – a proud legacy that continues to benefit our Commonwealth and our country. 'Kitty was her husband's most trusted adviser and confidant, fighting alongside Michael to advance the causes in which they believed. She was a champion for the most vulnerable in society and a fierce advocate for raising awareness about the Holocaust. Kitty worked to push open the doors to opportunity for more women to serve in government and leadership positions. She did all of this with a joy and selflessness that only brought us closer to her. 'Kitty was open about her battle with depression and addiction when few others were, and her grace and humility in the face of an intensely personal struggle inspired countless people to better understand these diseases and to extend assistance and understanding instead of recrimination and judgment. Today, the Kitty Dukakis Treatment Center for Women stands as a testament to her life's work serving others. 'Kitty was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Long after they left the public spotlight, Kitty and Michael continued to live purposeful lives together, dedicated to public service in all forms, and fighting for a better future for everyone. Whether you knew her or not, Kitty Dukakis made all of us better, stronger, and more compassionate, and that legacy will never be forgotten. My prayers are with Michael and the entire Dukakis family.' Senator Edward Markey WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Boston Globe
22-03-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Mass. political leaders mourn death of Kitty Dukakis
'She was a strong advocate for children, women and refugees, while also taking a leadership role in ensuring that the horrors of the Holocaust are never forgotten,' Healey said in the Saturday statement. 'She spoke courageously about her struggles with substance use disorder and mental health, which serves as an inspiration to us all to break down stigma and seek help.' Advertisement Sen. Ed Markey said Dukakis broke barriers for women in government and leadership 'with a joy and selflessness that only brought us closer to her.' Related : 'Throughout her remarkable life, Kitty transformed her personal struggles into positive and persistent change - a proud legacy that continues to benefit our Commonwealth and our country,' Markey said in a statement. Mayor Michelle Wu said the Dukakis family fostered a lasting spirit of kindness and joy across the state, inspiring people to help one another. 'It was so inspiring to know that they had built a life and also were living as examples of what it meant to do right in your community to speak out and to try every day to make life a little bit better for everyone around you,' Wu said. Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Steve Kerrigan echoed the positive impact Dukakis had on the community, specifically for refugees and the homeless. He said it was her willingness to discuss her personal struggles when others were often afraid to talk about their private issues that made her unique. 'It was her courage in publicly sharing her struggles with depression and substance use disorder that truly defined her strength,' his statement posted on X said. 'Her honesty and bravery helped break down stigma, inspiring countless others to seek support and begin their own journeys of recovery.' Rest in peace, Kitty Dukakis 💙 — MA Democratic Party (@MassDems) Rep. Bill Keating Advertisement Kitty Dukakis was a remarkable woman. Her courage in speaking in public about her personal struggles created hope and inspiration for countless individuals in need. — Congressman Bill Keating (@USRepKeating) 'Our Commonwealth was lucky to have her as our First Lady. Kitty's legacy is one of resilience, compassion, and a commitment to making the world a better place,' he said. Talia Lissauer can be reached at
Boston Globe
29-01-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Moulton tackles culture war backlash, Dems' response to Trump at first 2025 district town hall
He said Democrats need to propose compromises to counter Republicans who will 'push a lot of anti-trans legislation,' adding: 'We need to make sure that we actually win these legislative debates in Washington for laws and the ability to act that actually target trans kids.' Advertisement Moulton's hour long event, which drew more than 300 attendees, came days after Trump returned to the White House, implementing a number of sweeping changes ranging from trying to 'I don't know exactly why there hasn't been that same kind of organic reaction, millions of people, Democrats, descending on Washington, the way there was in 2016,' Moulton said. He added some leaders like Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries 'believe that that kind of strategy is, at the end of the day, not going to get us the wins that we need.' But, he continued, 'I believe the single most important thing that Democrats can do is get our act together so we start winning again two years from now.' Around a dozen protesters, organized by a local city councilor, held signs outside supporting transgender people in the freezing temperatures ahead of his event. That response was the latest in a months-long saga after Moulton, following Trump's win, told Advertisement 'I have two little girls, I don't want them getting run over on a playing field by a male or formerly male athlete, but as a Democrat, I'm supposed to be afraid to say that,' he continued. Those comments drew immediate backlash from residents in his district and the Massachusetts Democratic Party. Moulton went on to defend his remarks, In January, however, Moulton Ahead of Moulton's town hall Tuesday, Kyle Davis, a first-term Salem city councilor, called for supporters of transgender people to protest the event. It wasn't the first time : In November, Davis helped organize another protest he said garnered more than 400 people and support from over a dozen LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. 'We certainly don't think that we can change Moulton's mind about the issue — he's doubled and tripled down,' Davis said ahead of the event. The goal, Davis said, was to 'display that this district does not agree with the transphobic remarks from him' and 'to make sure pro trans leaders considering a run against Moulton really take note of the large community of LGBTQ+ people and allies that are ready to rally behind a serious challenger.' Advertisement Moulton's remarks Tuesday did little to assuage those who came to protest his event. 'To see him be that dismissive was disheartening — I felt like he was telling the LGBTQ community, who has been fighting for our rights for centuries, how we should feel about things, and that he somehow knows more about this fight than people who have been fighting it all their lives,' said Melissa, who works with LGBTQ students at a local high school and asked to have their last name excluded. In November, the chair of Salem's Democratic city committee Moulton, who has served in Congress since 2015, did not face an opponent in either the 2024 Democratic primary or general election. In 2022, the congressman defeated a Republican in the general election with nearly 63 percent of the vote. He won 78 percent of the vote during his last primary challenge in 2020. As Democrats evaluate their next steps, Moulton told the crowd on Tuesday he's looking to see his party do more listening and 'less preaching' and find leaders 'who have political courage.' 'We're being a little bit more calculated because we can't just oppose everything Trump does,' Moulton told reporters of Democrats' approach to Trump this time around. 'We want to be a little bit smarter, more strategic, about making sure we win the battles we absolutely need to win but also making sure we're setting up to win the election two years from now.' Advertisement But many residents who attended said they were more concerned about how Democrats were handling the present moment. Brenda Sheridan, a Democrat from Swampscott, said she attended because she she felt compelled to 'do something and be part of something' in the wake of Trump's first week in office, which she said had left her 'terrified and furious.' 'I'm really concerned that there's a lawlessness happening ... The only people that can do anything about it are our elected representatives and they're not doing it, and they're saying, 'what can we do, we don't have the full control of Congress,'' Sheridan said. 'The Republicans would never have acquiesced in that way.' Anjali Huynh can be reached at
