Those working for the candidates who want Boston's four at-large councilor spots are engaged in the typical mudslinging--but with a twist. Dave Wedge reported that someone sent anonymous fliers slamming incumbent Stephen Murphy for using the position as a stepping stone. (Look, what politician doesn't use a post as a stepping stone?)

The anonymous flier story swiftly gathered speed, and Adam at Universal Hub noticed similarities in the anonymous flier and another flier sent out by John Connolly's team. Later on Connolly's team 'fessed up to sending out that information, but the release doesn't mention that they did so anonymously. Instead, they keep going after Murphy.

Voters might see this as an example of "Politics As Usual," but Adam expresses what a lot of Boston voters might be feeling right now: "I agree with the point the mailing makes - that Murphy seems bored with being a councilor, as shown by his repeated efforts to get another job. But if a gutless wunderkind thinks the only way to make a political argument is through an anonymous mailing, then he is equally worthy of scorn - and equally unfit to be a city councilor."

To make sure that no one is left out of the spotlight during the Connolly-Murphy spat, there are nine people running for four at-large city council spots. The incumbents are Felix Arroyo, Michael Flaherty, Sam Yoon, and Stephen Murphy. The aspirants include John Connolly, Martin Hogan, David James Wyatt, Matthew Geary, and William Estrada (who appears to be somewhat mysterious). A full list is available at the city's elections website.

Brighton Centered gave each of the at-large candidates a questionnaire. Most of the candidates responded, and the questionnaire results are well-organized.

Bostonist has not endorsed a candidate but believes the news about the mailing may be of interest to voters.