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Editorial

Tim Murray’s patronage politics show deeper problem in Mass.

Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray showed uniquely bad judgment in aligning himself with Michael E. McLaughlin, a notorious political grifter. But the larger system of alliance-building through state and municipal government, greased along by sometimes dubious fundraising and the awarding of patronage jobs, is a deeper threat to Massachusetts’ political culture. And it’s that threat that should be the focus of voters’ attention as they process the revelations about Murray and McLaughlin.

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