Politics

Birmingham reaches out

by Seth Gitell

BIRMINGHAM shines on his home turf

Is Senate president Tom Birmingham improving his politicking skills? Birmingham, whom political insiders criticized for failing to work the floor of the state Democratic convention in Lowell (see "Staying Above the Fray," This Just In, News and Features, June 9), scored big at a pair of events this past weekend.

Birmingham won high marks for his speech at the dedication of a Revere Beach bandstand in honor of the late state representative and Revere mayor William Reinstein. Birmingham also served as MC for the Bunker Hill Associates Bunker Hill Day Breakfast -- Charlestown's closest analogue to the St. Patrick's Day Breakfast in South Boston.

Birmingham performed well at the Revere Beach event, says one insider: "He was great. He looked great. He had the people right in the palm of his hand. He's a formidable guy."

At the breakfast, Birmingham introduced local politicos, including Suffolk DA Ralph Martin. "And now, in our nod to diversity, our next speaker will be Ralph Martin -- a Republican," Birmingham quipped. Following the breakfast, Birmingham worked the Bunker Hill Day parade.

Birmingham's good performance after recent criticism may mean he's trying to gear up for his run at the governor's office. Or it could mean that he plays better near -- and on -- his own turf.