Today’s Boston Globe had an interesting article about the apparently growing rift between Mayor Tom Menino and Governor Deval Patrick. The Matt Viser piece rehashes some old ground, which Mayor Menino seemed more than willing to talk about, including Governor Patrick’s election night celebration snub of the Mayor. The focal point of the jousting is the Mayor filing a Home Rule Petition that would exempt Boston from using civilian flagmen in accordance with the Governor’s new policy. On top of throwing his mayoral opponents into a ball of confusion the Mayor delivered a good hard kick to the Governor when he can least afford it. And for those who are dismissive of Tom Menino and his political skills they can do so at their own risk. I thought racking up huge majorities in the urban areas would be the key to a Deval Patrick win next year, if it is to come. So now we are to hear from some Deval Patrick supporters that it is great to ignore and try to marginalize other elected officials. What a winning strategy. Its as if developing the grass roots is mutually exclusive to having good relationships with other elected officials. I know how hard it must be to pick up the phone when you are as busy as the Governor, but Tom Menino is a guy I would be calling often. It is still early but Menino is showing why he has coated to victory in all his re-elects. He is smothering the opposition with a well oiled machine, and is very likely to be in place during as Mayor for the state election cycle next year. Maybe Governor Patrick is better off without him, but somehow I doubt it.