Editorial

There has been much talk in the media about how a left-leaning state like Massachusetts could elect a conservative Republican to fill Ted Kennedy's Senate seat in last week's special election. The bulk of the conversation has run along predictable lines - Republicans gloat about their victory and look forward to taking back control of the Congress, Democrats and tame allies to their left bemoan the loss and figure that Brown won't be able to hold onto the seat. But I'm not so sure about that.

Web-based platforms for political discussion have really taken off in Massachusetts in the last few years. First there was Blue Mass Group - a very popular and groundbreaking online forum for partisans of the Mass. Democratic Party and liberals in general. Then Red Mass Group launched - and provided the same kind of virtual space for the Mass. Republican Party and right-wingers in general.

It's a lazy holiday week here at Open Media Boston HQ - not just because lots of folks are taking a couple of days off, but also because it's really really cold and not too much is happening around our usual beats. So what better time to bring up how our viewers can help us keep growing and improving our almost 2 year old news operation by helping us out. Yes, with money - although I addressed that subject in our holiday appeal a few weeks ago - but also with other kinds of support.

Last week, only a few days after hearing that he was ill, I got word that my friend and mentor Tim Costello had passed away. He was 64. Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to speak to Tim in the last few months before he died. A private person as regards health issues and family matters, he did not wish for most of his friends and acquaintances to know that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

I am told that he wanted no public funeral, and I respect that. However, I do think it's important to say a few words about Tim for the Open Media Boston audience.