A cameo in Worcester, GOP infighting, and a ghost of 2003

Cameo guest appearance from Murray

When Governor Deval Patrick takes the stage in Worcester Friday to address the Democratic state convention for the last time as chief executive, he'll have a familiar opening act. Democratic sources say former lieutenant governor Timothy Murray, who resigned last year to become chief of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, will introduce the governor. It will also be a chance for Murray to bask in the affection of the delegates, many of whom expected to see him on the ballot this year.

GOP infighting, Round 2

Infighting among the leaders of the Massachusetts Republican Party is not calming down. A faction on the state committee is questioning how John Cook has collected close to $1 million over the past few years in fees for fund-raising for the party and candidates. Cook is seen as a highly influential behind-the-scenes power for the party — but also a target of discontented social conservatives and libertarians, who are complaining. Party establishment insiders defend Cook, saying he is an invaluable asset who, because of his close relationship to donors, is listened to when it comes to strategy.

Ghost of 2003

Former state senator Jarrett Barrios, the Cambridge Democrat on the front lines in the marriage equality battle in 2003, has created a minor political storm by protesting MassEquality's endorsement of Martha Coakley in the Democratic gubernatorial campaign.

Barrios sent an e-mail last month to MassEquality's executive director, Kara Coredini, claiming that Coakley, then Middlesex District attorney, ignored his and other legislators' calls seeking support to stave off attempts to undo the Supreme Judicial Court decision legalizing gay marriage. Coredini said she didn't have any information that Coakley hesitated in supporting gay marriage. "Anyway, this is a forward-looking endorsement,'' she said.

Arline Isaacson, who led Beacon Hill lobbing for marriage equality, said she never heard a complaint about Coakley.

There has been bad blood between Barrios and Coakley since she refused to endorse him for Middlesex DA in 2006.