From Eric Dondero:

Republican candidate Bill Hudak has been called an extremist for his Tea Party/libertarian-leaning views: Abolish Dept. of Education, Flat tax, eliminate the Death Tax, questioning Obama's background and legitimacy as President. Polls have shown him behind by the low double-digits in this northern Mass district. But an unexpected late election year scandal has erupted in the Bay State.

From the Eagle-Tribune:

Less than a month away from the Nov. 2 election, Patrice Tierney's guilty plea yesterday to four counts of aiding and abetting the filing of false federal tax returns has emboldened Republican Bill Hudak's underdog candidacy and put U.S. Rep. John Tierney's political future in jeopardy.

The congressman strongly denied any involvement in the transgressions to which his wife pleaded guilty.

"I'm sure my opponent would like to run against my wife's family, but he's not going to have that luxury," Tierney said in a phone interview yesterday after his wife's court appearance.

The Chair of the Massachusetts GOP Jennifer Nassour has commented:

"Voters are going to have a hard time believing his wife was managing $7 million, and he never noticed or asked any questions. After the federal indictments of three consecutive House speakers and a state senator, the voters of Massachusetts are sick and tired of entrenched politicians who think the rules don't apply to them and that they owe no explanation to the voters for their actions."

Note - this is one of two potential GOP pick-ups in Mass. The other is Jeff Perry against Democrat William Dellahunt in the 5th CD (southeast Coast).

On the ground in New England.