New In The Phoenix -- Deval Out Of The Spotlight

In this week's issue of the Boston Phoenix -- in print tomorrow, online now -- I take a look at Governor Deval Patrick, who has found himself, for once, left out of the spotlight and off the front pages. In theory, the distraction of the local elections and US Senate race is providing a perfect respite for Patrick and his team to regroup, re-staff,strategize, prepare, and be ready to emerge with some political victories heading into his re-election year.

His defenders say that's exactly what's happening; his detractors say they see no signs at all. Instead, they see a stream of top talent toward the exits, and legislation stalled on Beacon Hill.

The article is here: The Quiet Storm: In this desperate downtime, is Deval Patrick regrouping, or cluelessly steering a sinking ship?

You may also want to check out this week's editorial on the election results.