Howie Carr: Suffolk ‘High Sheriff’ Steven Tompkins earns his Democrat credentials

Steve Tompkins, the erstwhile marijuana mogul and current High Sheriff of Suffolk County, has managed to earn his Democrat credentials in a most unconventional manner.

Tompkins' rise to power began with a typical hack politician's move: he was appointed by a Democrat governor, Deval Patrick, to fill a vacancy as a driver for another high-ranking Democrat. From there, it was just a matter of time before he landed the coveted job of High Sheriff of Suffolk County.

However, Tompkins' tenure has been marred by controversy and indictment. Just like his predecessors, including former High Sheriffs of Middlesex and Essex counties, "Honest" John McGonigle and Charles "Chuckles" Reardon, both appointed by Gov. Mike Dukakis.

It seems that Tompkins' penchant for corruption has led to a familiar pattern: first, he runs the jail, and then he ends up inside one. The tradition continues, with Tompkins facing allegations of extortion and other forms of misconduct.

But despite his checkered past, Tompkins has managed to secure funding from some unexpected sources. He has been fined a total of $14,800 by the State Ethics Commission over the years, including a notable amount for "leave buy back."

The Demise of Ethical Politics in Massachusetts

It's worth noting that Tompkins is not the only Democrat to have fallen victim to scandal. In recent weeks, Rep. John Lawn had an accident on Bowdoin Street and then again at Sheriff Tompkins' jail on Nashua Street, marking the first time a Massachusetts sheriff has been arrested in 11 months.

Even more recently, Hampden County Sheriff Nick "Thirsty" Cocchi was arrested for driving his state vehicle to the MGM Casino in Springfield with one tire missing and another flat. It's clear that corruption runs deep in the Democrat Party of Massachusetts.

The Rise of Lydia Edwards as Next High Sheriff

But despite the woes of Tompkins, there is hope on the horizon for the next generation of Democrats. State Sen. Lydia Edwards of East Boston has emerged as the heavy favorite to become the next High Sheriff of Suffolk County.

Edwards' Democrat Credentials are In Order

Edwards checks almost every single DEI box, except one: her mortgage, which she justified by saying she was starting a family with her new husband. However, she has cited mitigating circumstances – quickly selling the property as part of a painful divorce.

Aside from this minor misstep, Edwards' Democrat credentials are solid. She boasts zero experience in the private sector, numerous phony-baloney public jobs, and slobbery awards from reputable publications like the Boston Globe and Boston Magazine.

A Woke Candidate with an Unconventional Background

Edwards comes from a humble background – Michigan, that is. Unlike Richie Rouse, who was born and raised in Suffolk County, Edwards brings a unique perspective to the table.

The heavy favorite to become the next High Sheriff, Edwards' appointment would be seen as a form of affirmative action by Maura Healey's administration. But will she be able to put her past mistakes behind her and run a clean campaign? Only time will tell.

Sorry Eddie Flynn

Eddie Flynn, Boston city councilor, had hoped to capitalize on the scandal surrounding Tompkins' tenure as High Sheriff. However, his own lack of experience and questionable background make him an unlikely candidate for the job.

The tradition "No Irish Need Apply" has once again come into play, with Flynn's chances of becoming the next High Sheriff dwindling by the minute.