So, this Tim Murray thing.

I've been steering clear of this controversy, not least because I know I can't resist the inappropriate driving-related puns like the one I just made, but mostly because I'm not really sure what to make of it.

You see, a lieutenant governor scandal/controversy is an odd duck, because the LG job is an odd one.

Boston City Councilor Mike Ross, who had opened an exploratory committee to consider running for Congress, in the district where Barney Frank is retiring, announced today that he has decided against running. He will remain in his current council seat, which he has held for 12 years.

Ross was the last significant Democratic pol known to be looking at that race, since Joseph Kennedy III announced his interest in running.

Last night's Presidential debate opens the door for someone (maybe someone from CNN, in Thursday's debate?) to pose a question I've long suggested for Mitt Romney: Why did you return to Marriott Corporation's board of directors in January 2009, knowing that the company is the very epitome of the "illegal immigration" problem? And what, if anything, did you propose there to change things?

With Steve Tolman gone, Senate President Therese Murray unveiled changes to her leadership team today. Boston's own Jack Hart moves up to Assistant Majority Leader; Worcester's Hariette Chandler takes his place as Majority Whip; and Karen Spilka of Ashland gets Assistant Majority Whip.

Gale Canderas becomes chair of Economic Development, replacing Spilka.

In this week's issue of the Boston Phoenix -- in print tomorrow, online now -- I take a look at how political phenom Elizabeth Warren transformed herself from obscure Harvard academic, to popular public advocate.

I call it "The Dr. Phil Years," because part of it included regular appearances on that show. But the change also involved writing for a general, rather than academic audience.

MassUniting and others are holding an anti-Romney protest today outside Bain Capitals HQ in Copley Square. They are calling the action a "funeral for American jobs," and plan to have a casket, pallbearers, a priest giving a "eulogy," and tombstones. This will be at noon.

Just a few blocks away, at St. Cecilia's, the very real funeral for former mayor Kevin White is just underway this morning.

In this week's issue of the Boston Phoenix -- in print tomorrow, online now -- I ask why Massachusetts seems incapable of moving forward with serious, evidence-based reform to its public-safety and criminal-justice system. The answer, I suggest, lies with the state legislature.

Please check it out, and let me know what you think: House of Incorrections

You don't want to miss Boston Phoenix editor-in-chief Peter Kadzis's take on Kevin White, from this week's issue. A quick taste:

The wake was a belated celebration of the Irish-Catholic Democratic culture that reached its zenith during White's 16 years in office, but which began to decline even before White left office in 1984.

According to reports, Donald Trump will endorse Mitt Romney today.

Yeah. So, if Mitt had snagged that Michele Bachmann endorsement earlier this week, he really could have alienated the sensible center in one swoop.

Reports have it that the Trump endorsement was worked out at the "highest levels" of the Romney campaign, and came about because of their fear of a Trump third-party candidacy.

It's been a long time since the rhyme rode a rough road, as Chuck D put it, and a long time since my last Ask Me Anything Day. So bring it on -- leave your questions as comments to this post, or email them to me at dbernstein@phx.com. Or, you can Tweet them to me at @dbernstein or with the hashtag #AskMeAnythingDay.

I will provide my best answers, guesses, predictions, analyses, speculations, or gossip in separate posts throughout the day.

So, ask me anything!

Sure, everyone is talking about the Presidential race, or Liz vs Scotto, but the cool kids have their eye on the Massachusetts state legislature!

"Guest" asks:

Do you think Comrade Eldridge will be able to successfully recruit a band of idiots to run against his state Senate colleagues, who he deems as "not progressive enough?"

From the Twitters, "AltoidLover" asks:

Newt clearly isn't going to win the nomination, but how much damage do you think he can do as he stumbles on fueled by superpac?

That depends a great deal on how long the Adelsons, and/or others, decide they want to prop Newt up. He's not likely to have any momentum-driving victories in the next couple of weeks, so we'll see if the Adelsons want to keep paying for Romney-bashing ads in Super-Tuesday states and beyond, or just pack it in.

"Marty" asks:

I hear Bob Hedlund might be in a fight for his political life in November, any truth to that?

That depends on how seriously you take Steve May. I can't give you a fair answer on that yet, but he hasn't raised big dough yet -- he ended the year with less than $2000 on hand. I wouldn't bet against the mighty Hedlund at this point.

"Micah" asks:

Who will challenge Menino next year?

Will Dorcena, who ran a solid but losing campaign for city council last year, has declared that he will take on that suicide mission. I don't think John "JC Pennies" Connolly will try it, especially after slipping out of the top at-large spot. I haven't heard much about anyone looking at it, beyond prepping in case Menino doesn't run.

"Stephen" asks:

Kim Driscoll....Governor?

I swear I just asked someone yesterday this exact question. The individual I asked agreed that the Salem mayor would be a great candidate, but thinks Driscoll is looking at running for lieutenant governor. That's probably the smart move. Of course, Driscoll has still not disproven my suggestions that she may be a witch.

What's your over/under on number of Massachusetts Democrats to be indicted in Probation Dept. scandal?

And relatedly, "MAGal" asks:

I'm a proud MA Democrat in many respects, but I get really embarrassed by all the corruption in state government (a la the McLaughlin/Murray story).

Loving the great questions -- please keep 'em coming! On Twitter, "DuncanDubs" asks:

Any chance Joe Curtatone would run for Gov?

Personally, I put the Somerville mayor in my top 5 likely next Massachusetts governors, but I hear mixed things about whether he is seriously interested in running.

(Which is my way of saying that I want you people out there to tell me what you're hearing.)

"RMC Strategies" asks via Twitter:

Handicap a Tim Murray v. Steve Grossman primary?

I'll assume we're talking about governor 2014, although I'd lay odds that they won't both be in that race. But let's assume that it's the two of them head-to-head. Let's also assume that nothing substantially worse comes out about Lil' Timmy's recent escapades and whatnot.