The Democratic National Committee has a new video attacking former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney for defending health care insurers. The group, who target the likely presidential candidate in a minute long wed video, is ramping up their attacks as President Obama reaches out to public about his health care reform push.

Romney is featured in several different interviews over the last week saying health insurers are not to blame to the high cost of health care.

see the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFUlAwGxPGc 

House Assistant Majority Leader Ronald Mariano won’t jump into the crowded field of candidates looking to replace U.S. Rep. William Delahunt.

Mariano, who said he was considering the move last week, said he spent the weekend considering the move but won’t go for it.

“I sincerely appreciate all the encouragement and support I have received.  I look forward to running for re-election to represent the 3rd Norfolk District in the House and continuing my role as Assistant Majority Leader,” Mariano said in a written statement.

I never thought I’d be able to use this hysterical and absolutely awesome clip in my blog, but my story today about the Registry of Motor Vehicles charging customers $5 if they go to a branch or speak with a service rep on the phone is the perfect segue.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8WNwlZJ7ao

Yes, it’s an additional five dollars, and that could be the nuclear meltdown many RMV customers have when they go to a branch to get their license or registration renewed and they get whacked.

See the story here: http://bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1236239

And catch the quick reversal and political fallout here: http://bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1236631

House Speaker Robert DeLeo said a bill to legalize expanded gaming will be released in the next few weeks, and said he expects a vote before the House budget is debated in March.

DeLeo was mum on how many resort casinos would be included, however, but said he’s spoken with Attorney General Martha Coakley about her bill that would tighten regulations surrounding casinos.

DeLeo made his announcement after huddling with lawmakers about a $378,000 legal bill from former Speaker Sal Dimasi’s indictment. An outside lawyer said the spending was properly handled, and DeLeo urged disgruntled lawmakers to move on and focus on the upcoming budget and casino legislation.

Facing a highly partisan vote on a Washington D.C. jobs bill today, a group that works closely with D.C. Dems and the Obama administration has cranked up the pressure on U.S. Sen. Scott Brown.

Americans United for Change unleashed a five-figure ad buy in the Boston area this morning that focuses on Brown’s promise of independence.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtZhvrsBXec

The ad, called “Promise” comes as Brown has remained tight-lipped about how he will vote, and so has Senate Minority leader Mitch McCallum. The vote is scheduled for today.

“When Scott Brown was elected, he promised the people of Massachusetts there would be no more closed-door meetings or back room deals. Does that standard still apply now that he’s in the Senate?” said AUFC acting director, Tom McMahon, in a statement that reflects how different the post-Brown Washington landscape has become. “Today, Sen. Brown will have his chance to cast an important vote on legislation that would put Americans back to work. We know that the Republican leadership will do everything in its power to kill this bill and has been strategizing with lobbyists behind closed doors to make this happen. Will Sen. Brown buck his GOP leaders that have been huddling with lobbyists to block the bill or will he show his independence and vote to put the people of Massachusetts back to work?”