Andrea and Scott: "In all 11 cases, the arbitrator sided with O'Brien's choice, based in part on assurances from O'Brien deputies that the hiring process was fair and transparent." >> Did the original arbitrator (or arbitrators) get fired? Because if you think about it it's pretty clear that an arbitrator is supposed to determine fairness when two parties disagree. So, an artibrator does not just check with "one side and their people" and rule for them if they assure things are being done fairly. So, clearly the original arbitrators should be fired because they don't have the faintest understanding of what arbitration is about. >> The next question is where will the new arbitrator come from? From the same batch as the old one? Is there training and certification for arbitrators? Are there evaluations for arbitrators decisions based on an overseeing body? Let me guess -- none of the above. >> Finally, remember, "cui bono" -- who benefits. Were Mulligan's actions "a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing"? If "the chief justice for administration and management, Robert A. Mulligan, fought a long-running battle with O'Brien, who used his legislative connections to limit Mulligan's influence over hiring decisions" and failed then he was not doing his job. If he was not able to do his job because of the legislature THEN WHY DID HE NOT RESIGN? (Or, perhaps he thought his job was NOT to ensure justice, but to ensure that the will of the legislature was fulfilled?)

So are all these criminals who retired or are on administrative leave receiving their pension or pay? I suspect yes-but why should the tax payer have to support criminals?

Why is it that the Globe never mentions that almost all of the people involved in these seedy corruption cases are Democrats? Why doesn't the Globe ever support the concept of more political balance in Massachusetts? Why does the Globe reflexively endorse Democrats for both state and federal offices? If the Democrats continue to operate without meaningful opposition, Massachusetts will continue to be the most corrupt state in the country.

Ridiculous charges, ridiculous story. Patronage in hiring? Shocking. Every non-civil service job in local, state, federal government is hired this way. The Globe does a non-story and the US Attorney jumps?

They need to make an example of these criminals that we will jail political corruption in this state full of criminal polititions. Why did Patrick not notice this? I hope they meet there brother criminals when they go to jail.

One hundred Dems are breaking the law, one hundred breaking the law Coakley finds none, the Globe names one, 99 Dems are breaking the law...