How about a round of applause for SubstiBlogger Nat, who did another fine job yesterday updating the Index, while I toiled in the obscure warrens of democracy...{*applause*} :)

Yesterday was a hot one for politics all over Boston -- starting, of course, with the Somerville Ward 7 Alderman race, and continuing across the river at the Rock the Vote event for the Democratic presidential candidates at Faneuil Hall. My dear friend Marty will not, unfortunately, be taking a seat on the Board of Aldermen -- the evil incumbent, Bob Trane, won by about 100 votes. Double sigh. It was a frustrating night for Howard Dean too -- looks like that good ol' boy pickup truck doesn't shift into reverse too well...