A couple quick notes from new speaker Bob DeLeo’s first appearance before the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce this morning.
DeLeo tried hard to reinforce the “hamburger guy” image he’s crafting for himself, mentioning that he still goes to the post office himself and does his own errands in Winthrop and Revere. Congrats on that count, sir.
The Chamber was one of King Sal‘s favorite forums for destroying political opponents. DeLeo showed no such bent. Instead, he talked about cooperation, etc.
Interesting, though, that the one good shot he did get in was aimed squarely at DiMasi. DeLeo mentioned his first act as speaker was implementing an eight-year term limit on the position. Then he wandered off script, musing that, if his members wanted to reconsider that stipulation seven and a half years into his term, he wouldn’t argue.
Then he caught himself, looked around the room, and mused, “You know, eight years is a long time to be speaker!” The laughs rolled in, so he indulged the crowd. “That’s like an eternity!”
DeLeo also said that, in the upcoming budget debate, his House would “limit earmarks much more than in the past.” That statement is sure to raise eyebrows on Beacon Hill, as DeLeo’s spot in the speaker’s chair was said to depend largely on his ability to dole out earmarks to supporters while suffocating opponents. What a difference a year, and 81 votes, can make.