If House speaker Sal DiMasi really wants to prove he is up to the task of managing this state and fend off those who want his crown, then he better crack down on the shenanigans at the State House. All ethical shadiness aside, yesterday a state rep said that another rep threatened her during the budget debate. Rep. Jennifer Callahan was behind a nurse staffing amendment, which apparently didn't please the other lawmaker:

"He leveled his eyes at me and he said, 'I've been in this building for a long time, Jen,' and, 'I wanted you to know that I could make things real difficult for you. I mean, Jen, I could really hurt you if I wanted to,"' Callahan told her colleagues.

She didn't name this person, but the alleged threat stopped the State House cold. The public has a right to know whoever it is so he can be voted out. This is the State House, not a bully-filled schoolyard. WBZ has the audio of her announcement if you want to hear it.

On the bright side, at least lawmakers seem to want to do something about phantom voting. But setting up a special committee of legislators monitoring legislators doesn't seem like the most efficient idea. Would taxpayers be up for paying a State House Hall Monitor?

All mentions of threats alleged until proven under law.