Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Shannon O'Brien

Shannon O'Brien is an American attorney and Democratic politician from Massachusetts who served as from 1999 to 2003, during which she initiated audits uncovering financial abuses in the , leading to employee firings and tightened oversight controls. She previously represented her district in the from 1987 to 1993 and the from 1993 to 1999, becoming the nominated by a major for in 2002, though she lost the general to . As treasurer, O'Brien addressed inherited scandals, including apparent thefts from operations totaling over $24,000 and broader mismanagement, by commissioning audits and implementing reforms to prevent recurrence, actions that highlighted her focus on fiscal accountability despite early challenges in her term. Her 2002 gubernatorial emphasized economic and anti-corruption measures, securing the Democratic primary but falling short in the general election amid voter concerns over fiscal issues and family business ties scrutinized by opponents. In 2022, she was appointed chair of the Massachusetts Control Commission, where she oversaw regulatory implementation, but faced suspension in 2023 by Deborah over allegations of gross and workplace , claims O'Brien denied as politically motivated. A Suffolk Superior Court judge ruled in September 2025 that O'Brien's removal was unlawful, ordering her immediate reinstatement with back pay and benefits, citing insufficient evidence for the misconduct charges and procedural flaws in the process, which had spanned two years and cost taxpayers over $2 million in investigations. The episode exposed internal dysfunction at the commission, including infighting and a toxic culture, but the court's decision vindicated O'Brien's leadership tenure and underscored tensions in state oversight of the emerging .

Early life and family background

Childhood and upbringing

Shannon O'Brien was raised in Easthampton, a town in , as part of a prominent Democratic with deep in spanning four generations. Her father, M. O'Brien (1933–2004), was a lawyer and longtime member of the Massachusetts Governor's Council, serving for over 18 years and embodying "lunch-bucket Democrat" principles that influenced her early exposure to politics. Her mother, Ann (Lewonis) O'Brien, and the included five children, fostering an environment steeped in civic engagement. The family's political extended to generations: O'Brien's great-grandfather served in the , her grandfather worked for Dever, and her father pursued congressional candidacy alongside his . During her early years, O'Brien attended in Easthampton, where reportedly predicted her in as early as fourth grade. This upbringing in a politically active in western shaped her orientation toward public service from childhood.

Education

O'Brien attended in Easthampton, Massachusetts, for her early elementary education. She later enrolled at , a private preparatory academy in Easthampton, graduating in 1977. O'Brien pursued undergraduate studies at , earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1981; during her time there, she played on the Yale Bulldogs varsity women's soccer team. She continued her legal education at Boston University School of Law, receiving a Juris Doctor in 1985 and subsequently gaining admission to the Massachusetts Bar.

Entry into politics

1990 state representative campaign

In 1990, incumbent Democratic Representative Shannon O'Brien sought re-election to represent the 2nd District in the , which encompassed parts of and surrounding areas in County. O'Brien faced no significant opposition in the Democratic primary held on , 1990, securing nomination with 99.8% of the vote in a largely uncontested . In the general election on November 6, 1990, O'Brien narrowly defeated Republican challenger Stephen Erickson, receiving 7,935 votes (51.9%) to Erickson's 7,353 votes (48.1%), a margin of 582 votes out of 15,288 total cast. This close contest reflected competitive dynamics in the district amid broader Republican gains in Massachusetts that year, though O'Brien's incumbency and local ties contributed to her victory.

Legislative service (1991–1998)

O'Brien continued her service in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, representing the 2nd Hampshire District, through 1993, focusing on committees including Banks and Banking, Counties (as chair), Insurance (vice chair), Judiciary, and Transportation. Her legislative priorities during this period encompassed elderly affairs, health care access, employment initiatives, environmental protection, insurance cost reductions, infrastructure investment, and improving the business climate. In 1992, O'Brien was elected to the Massachusetts Senate for the Hampden and Hampshire District, assuming in and serving until 1995. There, she held positions on committees such as , ( chair), , Steering and (), and Rules, continuing her emphasis on economic development and public policy reform. A signature achievement was her sponsorship of Chapter 340 of the Acts of , signed into law on December 28, 1993, which classified and as felonies and repealed a religious exemption that had previously shielded certain faith-based cases from prosecution. This measure, developed over three years of originating in her House tenure, imposed tougher penalties for nonsexual physical injuries to children and addressed failures to seek care, despite opposition from groups like Christian Scientists who argued it unduly burdened parental religious freedoms. O'Brien also advanced economic development through bills like S.61 on Business Improvement Districts and S.1500 on incentives for business growth, alongside criminal justice reforms including H.4765 on police pursuit guidelines and S.286 increasing penalties for leaving the scene of accidents. In health care, she supported measures such as S.650 for reimbursing nurse anesthetists and initiatives on domestic violence prevention and insurance reforms to lower costs. Her Senate term ended in 1995, after which she pursued statewide office, culminating in her 1998 election as State Treasurer.

Tenure as State Treasurer (1999–2003)

Election and initial priorities

O'Brien secured the Democratic nomination for in the , primary, receiving 99.8 percent of the vote in an uncontested . In the general on , , she defeated the incumbent , , capturing approximately percent of the statewide vote and becoming the elected to statewide in without running on a . Assuming office in January 1999, O'Brien prioritized enhancing fiscal oversight and accountability amid revelations of mismanagement in agencies, particularly the . Within weeks of , her identified operational irregularities, prompting audits that uncovered apparent and inaction on lost tickets worth millions. By June 1999, she fired a longtime lottery employee implicated in and, following a KPMG Peat Marwick audit released in September, suspended additional staff in cases like Fairhaven where significant discrepancies were found, vowing an "action plan" to reform controls and prevent future abuses. Early efforts also extended to broader financial reforms, including of spending; in , O'Brien refused to authorize a issuance for the /Tunnel () over concerns about overruns and . She initiated a statewide to educate citizens on , targeting underserved groups such as women and elders. These steps aimed to restore public trust in state fiscal operations, which generated over $3 billion annually from the lottery alone.

Fiscal policies and reforms

O'Brien focused on bolstering internal fiscal controls after identifying in the state's Unpaid shortly after taking office in 1999. Investigations revealed that oversight had enabled the of millions of dollars in unclaimed funds, prompting her to implement stricter auditing protocols, internal safeguards, and accountability mechanisms to prevent similar across state financial operations. These reforms addressed systemic vulnerabilities in and unclaimed handling, reducing risks of in an office overseeing billions in state assets. A key initiative involved expanding public financial education to foster greater economic among . O'Brien established a statewide , including the launch of "The Money for Women," which delivered seminars on budgeting, investing, and to over 8,000 attendees across three years. Complementing this, her produced a quarterly financial distributed to promote practical fiscal awareness, targeting underserved demographics often overlooked in traditional policy frameworks. As chair of the Pension Reserves Investment Management (PRIM) Board, O'Brien directed policies for the PRIT Fund's , emphasizing diversified investments to support long-term pension obligations amid volatile markets. Her tenure coincided with the dot-com bust and , during which the fund posted negative returns reflective of equity market declines—such as approximate -5% for periods ending in 2001—necessitating conservative adjustments without altering core fiduciary standards. Overall, these efforts aimed to enhance transparency and efficiency in state fiscal stewardship, though critics later questioned the pace of broader debt reduction amid rising expenditures.

Criticisms and challenges

O'Brien's tenure encountered early challenges from financial irregularities uncovered in state-managed funds. In June 1999, an audit revealed apparent theft of approximately $24,000 from the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission's Boston office, prompting O'Brien to fire one employee, suspend two others, and initiate further investigations into abuses such as unauthorized vendor payments and improper reimbursements. These actions stemmed from scandals inherited from prior administrations but drew legal pushback; for instance, fired field service manager Edward Wojcik sued the Lottery Commission and O'Brien, alleging wrongful termination in connection with the probe, though federal courts later dismissed claims against her on sovereign immunity grounds while awarding Wojcik partial retirement benefits in a related state proceeding. A separate incident involved an attempted embezzlement of $9 million from the Treasurer's Unpaid Check Fund by four individuals, including two state employees, which O'Brien addressed through arrests and enhanced internal controls, though it highlighted vulnerabilities in fiscal oversight at the outset of her term. O'Brien faced criticism for a campaign finance impropriety when her gubernatorial committee solicited donations from lottery agents in 2001, raising concerns about potential conflicts given her regulatory authority over the Lottery Commission; she publicly apologized, describing it as a mistake by campaign staff unaware of the sensitivity. Opponents, including Republican gubernatorial candidate Mitt Romney, leveraged such episodes and broader state fiscal woes—such as rising debt and pension liabilities under Democratic legislative majorities—to question her effectiveness in curbing inefficiencies, though specific indictments of her treasury management were often tied to inherited systemic issues rather than personal fiscal lapses.

2002 Gubernatorial campaign

Primary victory

In the Democratic primary for the , held on , , state treasurer secured in a four-way against former U.S. of Labor , , and Warren Tolman. O'Brien, leveraging her incumbency as treasurer and prior legislative , emerged as the in pre-primary polls. With approximately 89% of precincts reporting, O'Brien received % of the vote, totaling around ,000 votes, compared to Reich's 25%, Birmingham's %, and Tolman's 17%. This margin of roughly 8 percentage points over her closest rival reflected a fragmented field but a decisive for O'Brien, amid what election officials described as light voter turnout. O'Brien's win marked her as the first woman to clinch a major political party's for in , positioning her as the Democratic against in the . The primary's outcome underscored divisions within the Democratic field, with no candidate achieving a majority but O'Brien consolidating support from party endorsers and key constituencies.

General election against Mitt Romney

O'Brien, having secured the Democratic nomination on September 17, 2002, faced Republican nominee , a businessman credited with salvaging the in , in the held on November 5, 2002. The race, marked as the most expensive gubernatorial in up to that point, featured heavy spending on advertising, with Romney's team outspending O'Brien's by a significant margin through independent expenditures. Initial polls showed O'Brien leading by double digits, leveraging her incumbency as state treasurer and appeal in a predominantly Democratic state, but Romney closed the gap through aggressive negative advertising that highlighted O'Brien's ties to the state legislature and questioned her fiscal management. The candidates engaged in multiple televised debates, including sessions on October 1 and October 29, 2002, where they clashed on issues such as abortion rights, with O'Brien defending her pro-choice stance and criticizing Romney's perceived equivocation on the topic, and education policy, including bilingual programs and school vouchers, which Romney supported for reform while O'Brien opposed as undermining public schools. Romney emphasized his private-sector experience in job creation and fiscal discipline, positioning himself as an outsider to Beacon Hill's entrenched politics, whereas O'Brien countered by touting her record of advocating for consumer protections and state investments during her treasury tenure. Other flashpoints included same-sex marriage, with O'Brien supporting civil unions and Romney favoring traditional definitions, and economic recovery amid a post-dot-com slowdown, where both pledged tax relief but differed on implementation details. On election night, Romney secured victory with 1,091,988 votes (49.77%), defeating O'Brien who received 985,981 votes (44.93%), while candidate Jill E. Stein garnered 3.5% and write-in votes accounted for the . The five-percentage-point margin reflected Romney's in mobilizing voters and suburban , despite Massachusetts' Democratic leanings, and marked the first time since that a won the governorship. O'Brien conceded the following morning, acknowledging the outcome while noting her campaign's on priorities.

Key issues and outcome

The 2002 Massachusetts gubernatorial campaign between Democrat Shannon O'Brien and Republican Mitt Romney centered on the state's severe fiscal crisis, exacerbated by a post-dot-com revenue plunge that created a projected budget shortfall exceeding $2 billion for fiscal year 2003. O'Brien emphasized her tenure as state treasurer, where she had navigated bond market pressures and maintained investment-grade ratings amid deficits, arguing for pragmatic budgeting that might include targeted revenue measures to protect education and local aid. Romney countered with promises of no new taxes, leveraging his business background and Olympic turnaround experience to advocate efficiency-driven cuts and private-sector incentives for economic growth, positioning himself as an outsider untainted by Beacon Hill's entrenched spending habits. Other prominent issues included education funding, strained by proposed cuts of up to 10% in local school aid, with both candidates pledging to prioritize classroom resources but differing on funding sources—O'Brien favoring restored state commitments, Romney stressing performance-based reforms. Healthcare access and the ballooning costs of the Big Dig infrastructure project also featured, alongside debates on crime reduction and abortion rights, where both professed pro-choice stances amid Romney's past shifts scrutinized by O'Brien. The race devolved into intense negativity, with O'Brien's ads highlighting Romney's wealth and policy inconsistencies, while Romney's portrayed O'Brien as fiscally reckless, including ads criticizing her threats to withhold Big Dig payments from contractors to enforce compliance. Televised debates, particularly one moderated by Tim Russert on October 29, amplified these clashes on fiscal policy and leadership, where Romney's sharp performances helped him overcome early polling deficits. The , 2002, saw Romney secure with 1,091,988 votes (49.77%), defeating O'Brien's 985,098 votes (44.93%) by a margin of 4.84 points, while Green-Rainbow Jill garnered 3.5%. Turnout was approximately 2.2 million, amid a concurrent failed initiative to eliminate the income tax, rejected 54% to 46% and reflecting voter fatigue with fiscal woes but resistance to radical cuts. The contest marked Massachusetts' most expensive gubernatorial race to date, with combined spending over $30 million, fueled by independent expenditures and national party involvement. O'Brien conceded the following day, becoming the first woman to win a major-party nomination for governor in the but falling short in a race analysts attributed partly to Romney's outsider appeal and debate momentum, alongside gender dynamics that drew insufficient female voter consolidation despite her endorsements from women's groups.

Intervening career (2003–2020)

Private sector roles

Following her 2002 gubernatorial election loss, O'Brien transitioned to the private sector, joining Boston's WB56 (WLVI-TV) as an investigative journalist and consumer advocate from 2003 to 2005. In this role, she focused on exposing consumer issues and earned an Emmy nomination along with a Telly Award in 2005 for her reporting. In 2005, O'Brien assumed the position of CEO of the Girl Scouts' Patriot's Trail Council, overseeing operations for the organization serving Greater Boston and surrounding areas. She led the council through its merger into a larger entity, departing in 2020 when Ruth Bramson succeeded her as CEO of the consolidated councils. Under her leadership, the council emphasized youth development programs amid evolving non-profit challenges in the region.

Advocacy and board positions

In the years following her 2002 gubernatorial campaign, O'Brien held a board position with OIKOS Software, Inc., a Manchester, New Hampshire-based company specializing in cloud-based financial applications for planning, budgeting, and reporting. She joined the board in February 2014, bringing expertise in , , and communications derived from her tenure as Massachusetts state treasurer. Her service lasted until February 2016. No prominent advocacy roles or nonprofit board memberships for O'Brien are documented during this interval, during which she primarily pursued opportunities in the private sector.

Cannabis Control Commission chairmanship (2020–2023, reinstated 2025)

Appointment and regulatory framework

Shannon O'Brien was appointed by Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg as the Treasurer's designee to the on August 31, 2022, and simultaneously designated as chair of the commission, with her five-year term scheduled to end on August 31, 2027. This appointment filled the Treasurer's commissioner slot, positioning O'Brien to lead the agency's executive functions alongside the Governor's and Attorney General's designees. The Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) operates under Section 76 of Chapter 10 of the Massachusetts General Laws, established through St. 2017, c. 55 to execute the regulatory provisions of Question 4, the 2016 voter-approved ballot measure legalizing adult-use cannabis. The commission consists of five members serving staggered five-year terms: one appointed by the Governor, one by the Attorney General, one by the State Treasurer, and the remaining two by majority vote of those three officers. Each of the three principal officers designates one appointee as an executive commissioner, with one executive serving as chair; the commission may also elect internal roles such as secretary and treasurer annually. The CCC's regulatory , codified in M.G.L. c. 94G and implemented via 935 CMR 500.000, empowers it to oversee all aspects of the , including issuing provisional and final licenses for cultivators, product manufacturers, retailers, and other establishments; enforcing seed-to-sale tracking and testing standards; inspections and investigations for ; and administering social equity programs to prioritize licensing for applicants from disproportionately impacted communities. The must public health protections, such as age restrictions and potency limits, with goals, while prohibiting certain practices like home delivery without legislative approval and mandating host community agreements for operations. As of , proposed legislative reforms, including H.4160 passed in , to restructure the into a three-member body appointed solely by the Governor, but these changes remain pending enactment.

Achievements in cannabis oversight

During her tenure as chair of the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) from September 2022 to September 2023, Shannon O'Brien prioritized initiatives to position the state as a leader in research, leveraging public resources to advance medical applications and consumer education on effects related to functionality and pain management. She emphasized consumer protection measures, including enforcement of accurate THC labeling on products to inform users about potency and mitigate risks. O'Brien oversaw a maturing adult-use that had expanded to over licensed dispensaries by mid-2023, contributing to cumulative exceeding $3 billion since the 's , though much of this predated her chairmanship. Her supported the CCC's ongoing , aimed at prioritizing licenses for applicants from communities disproportionately affected by , aligning with statutory goals to historical inequities. Following her reinstatement in September 2025, O'Brien pledged to build on these foundations by conducting a comprehensive regulatory review to streamline compliance for operators while maintaining safety standards, and by enhancing inclusivity in the industry for impacted communities. This included directives for increased oversight of commercial cultivation and efforts to reduce unnecessary burdens on retailers amid falling market prices.

Workplace controversies and allegations

In 2023, suspended Shannon O'Brien from her as chair of the () following complaints from and commissioners alleging a of , , and abusive toward colleagues. The allegations included claims that O'Brien made rude, disrespectful, and racially insensitive remarks, contributing to a hostile work environment; specific accusations involved "cavalier" comments perceived as ethnically or culturally insensitive, though exact statements were redacted in public filings. Tensions reportedly escalated in interactions with Commissioner Shannon Sinclair, who is Black, where Sinclair alleged discriminatory treatment by O'Brien, while O'Brien countered that Sinclair discriminated against her on the basis of gender. The CCC initiated an internal and hired external investigators to examine the complaints, which stemmed from multiple members and included assertions of O'Brien's inability to foster a amid broader , such as high-level departures and internal conflicts. Over ,000 pages of documents related to the were later released, detailing claims of gross misconduct but also highlighting procedural disputes in the handling of the investigations. O'Brien denied the allegations, characterizing them as unfounded and politically motivated, and maintained that her leadership focused on regulatory enforcement rather than personal conflicts. Goldberg formally terminated O'Brien on , , citing the investigations' findings of and O'Brien's alleged to perform her duties effectively. O'Brien challenged the dismissal through legal under certiorari , arguing procedural irregularities and lack of substantive for the claims. In a , , ruling, Superior Court D. Ricciuti declared the termination unlawful, finding that Goldberg exceeded her and that the did not a finding of gross sufficient for removal without due process; O'Brien was ordered reinstated with back pay for the remainder of her term. Goldberg subsequently dropped her appeal, allowing O'Brien's return, though the episode underscored ongoing debates over workplace standards in state regulatory bodies.

Suspension, firing, and legal proceedings

In September 2023, Massachusetts Deborah suspended Shannon O'Brien from her as chairwoman of the , citing allegations of gross that included rude and disrespectful comments perceived as racially or culturally insensitive, as and creating a for , particularly former Shawn Collins. Specific accusations involved O'Brien's use of terms like "" to refer to individuals of Asian descent and "buddies" for Black colleagues, yelling at employees, and threatening to fire the over parental leave requests. O'Brien denied the allegations, asserting that she had been appointed as a change agent to address staff insubordination and operational inefficiencies, and that her push to remove Collins had strained her relationship with . The prompted two independent outside investigations into the workplace complaints, supplemented by 19 hours of private meetings among CCC commissioners during the summer of . In , after the , formally terminated O'Brien's , concluding that the demonstrated repeated violations of the 's and of , including retaliation against critics and to maintain conduct. O'Brien responded by filing a lawsuit in Suffolk Superior Court against Goldberg, challenging the legality of both the suspension and termination under state appointment statutes and due process requirements, arguing that the actions lacked sufficient cause and procedural fairness. The proceedings highlighted internal divisions at the CCC, with some commissioners supporting O'Brien's leadership style as necessary for reform, while others backed Goldberg's intervention to address ethical concerns.

Court ruling and return to position

On September 2, 2025, Suffolk Robert ruled that Massachusetts Deborah had unlawfully suspended O'Brien in September 2023 and fired her in September 2024 as chair of the (CCC), finding Goldberg's stated grounds—involving allegations of workplace and inadequate from external investigations—insufficient to justify the actions under . The ordered O'Brien's immediate reinstatement to the chair , along with back pay and benefits retroactive to the September 2024 firing date, and confirmed her to serve the remainder of her five-year term, expiring on August 31, 2027. Goldberg appealed the ruling, and on September 5, 2025, a single Appeals Court justice issued a temporary stay, delaying O'Brien's return by at least one week pending further . However, on September 18, 2025, Goldberg withdrew her appeal, clearing the path for O'Brien's reinstatement without further legal obstacles. O'Brien resumed her duties as chair in late 2025 and presided over her first meeting since the on October 2, 2025, where she announced plans to all decisions and regulations adopted during her absence to with statutory and equity goals. The reinstatement concluded over two years of litigation stemming from workplace complaints against O'Brien, which the court deemed did not meet the threshold for removal absent violations by the appointing .

Political positions and ideology

Economic and fiscal views

During her tenure in the from to , O'Brien supported that raised the , , gas tax, and automobile tax, contributing to efforts to address shortfalls amid economic challenges. As from to , she emphasized fiscal , including initiatives to pay down the state's long-term and criticizing then-Acting Governor Swift's proposals for potentially adding $8 billion in costs to taxpayers. O'Brien advocated for reforms such as requiring state funds to be self-funded by employee contributions rather than relying on state revenues, aiming to reduce fiscal burdens on the commonwealth. In her 2002 gubernatorial campaign, O'Brien pledged to hold the state accountable for revenue collection and spending decisions, while supporting the permanent extension of a to encourage and . She also promoted consumer-oriented policies, such as fostering banking through of fees and pressuring to maintain low ATM surcharges, positioning these as measures to finances amid economic pressures. Critics, including opponent , highlighted her votes for increases as of a pattern favoring higher taxation over spending restraint. More recently, upon her 2025 reinstatement as of the , O'Brien expressed concerns that excessive regulation could hinder economic success by excluding diverse market entrants and impeding business operations, committing to a regulatory focused on streamlining to oversight with . This stance reflects a pragmatic approach to fiscal impacts in regulated industries, prioritizing to maximize revenues from the sector without compromising public safety standards.

Social policies

O'Brien supports a woman's right to , having shifted from opposition during her 1986 legislative to advocating in the 1990s. She favors reducing the minimum for abortions without from 18 to 16. On LGBTQ issues, O'Brien endorses civil protections for and individuals, including of civil unions for committed same-sex couples. Although personally opposed to same-sex marriage, she stated she would sign legislation legalizing it if passed by the Massachusetts Legislature. Regarding gun control, O'Brien Massachusetts' existing strict regulations, including mandatory locks or , while seeking to with the of hunters and sportsmen. She proposed increasing penalties for by felons. In criminal justice, O'Brien opposes the penalty, preferring without for serious offenses, and supports DNA fingerprinting for convicted felons to investigations. On education policy, as state treasurer, O'Brien launched the U.Fund in 2001, a tax-advantaged 529 savings aimed at increasing to . She advocated for and resources to implement standards-based schooling.

Criticisms from conservative perspectives

During the 2002 Massachusetts gubernatorial , Republican Mitt Romney criticized Democratic nominee Shannon O'Brien's fiscal approach, asserting that her would result in "another massive increase," portraying her as aligned with policies favoring higher and taxation typical of the state's Democratic . Romney further contrasted his platform against O'Brien's, accusing her of representing "waste and destructive big-government" inefficiencies amounting to at least $9 billion in state expenditures. Conservative commentator has lambasted O'Brien as a "fourth-generation " emblematic of entrenched political , questioning her in public roles like chairing the given her of alleged unprofessional conduct and ineffective leadership in prior offices. Such critiques frame her career progression through Democratic networks as prioritizing insider connections over merit-based governance, a common conservative indictment of machine politics that sustains expansive regulatory bureaucracies like the CCC.

Personal life

Family and marriages

O'Brien is married to Emmet Hayes, a former representative and lobbyist whom she met while both served in the . The resides in . In July 1999, while serving as , O'Brien announced her with a child due in December of that year. No further details on additional children or prior marriages are publicly documented in reliable sources.

Health and other personal matters

O'Brien attended Catholic for much of her early , including , where she learned prayers she continues to recite. regarding her have not been publicly disclosed in available records.

References

  1. [1]
    Superior Court judge orders O'Brien reinstated as CCC chair
    Sep 3, 2025 · O'Brien's past history as State Treasurer in identifying and cleaning up the scandal in the state lottery commission in 1999 and then blowing ...
  2. [2]
    Audit turns up Lottery abuses, scam - SouthCoastToday.com
    Jul 16, 1999 · After initial results from the private audit showed $24,000 missing from the Lottery's Boston office, O'Brien fired one employee, suspended two ...Missing: scandal | Show results with:scandal
  3. [3]
    Former treasurer Shannon O'Brien picked to lead cannabis board
    Aug 31, 2022 · O'Brien has a long history with state government. A Democrat, she was elected to the House in 1986, at age 27, then to the state Senate in 1992.Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  4. [4]
    Massachusetts Democrats Pick Nominee For Governor
    Sep 18, 2002 · Shannon P O'Brien, Massachusetts state treasurer, wins heavily contested Democratic primary for governor and will face Mitt Romney, ...
  5. [5]
    O'Brien Winner In Mass. Primary - The Washington Post
    State Treasurer Shannon O'Brien won the Massachusetts Democratic gubernatorial primary yesterday and carries the distinction of being the first woman ...
  6. [6]
    O'Brien tries to fix problems, not blame - Cape Cod Times
    Jun 21, 1999 · The second scandal broke a couple of weeks ago when O'Brien fired a longtime Lottery employee after an audit revealed the apparent theft of at ...
  7. [7]
    O'Brien Concedes Bitter Campaign | News - The Harvard Crimson
    Nov 6, 2002 · In the ballroom at the Sheraton Boston where Democratic gubernatorial candidate O'Brien held her election night event, the mood was somber ...
  8. [8]
    Who is Shannon O'Brien, and why are her ties to a cannabis ...
    Nov 9, 2022 · O'Brien has a long history in Massachusetts politics She held the office of state treasurer from 1999 until 2003. Before that, she was a ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  9. [9]
    Treasurer Goldberg fires Shannon O'Brien as state's top cannabis ...
    Sep 10, 2024 · Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission Chairwoman Shannon O'Brien was suspended from her position Thursday by Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, who ...<|separator|>
  10. [10]
    Shannon O'Brien wrongly fired from cannabis post, judges rules
    Sep 2, 2025 · A Suffolk County judge on Tuesday ruled the state treasurer wrongly fired Shannon O'Brien as chair of the state's Cannabis Control ...
  11. [11]
    Court rules fired CCC Chair Shannon O'Brien must be reinstated
    Sep 2, 2025 · O'Brien was wrongfully terminated and is entitled to back pay, a judge ruled after two years of legal drama.
  12. [12]
    MassGOP Statement on Reinstatement of Shannon O'Brien as Chair ...
    “After two years and $2 million wasted, Treasurer Goldberg should resign for her firing of Chair O'Brien while insulating her politically-connected staffers.Missing: politician | Show results with:politician
  13. [13]
    Failed oversight: Beset by infighting, a toxic culture, and an ...
    Oct 29, 2024 · ... scandals and the firing of the agency's top official: well-known politico Shannon O'Brien. They argued a new governance charter would soon ...
  14. [14]
    Shannon Patricia Elizabeth O'Brien on life, Boston and more
    Mar 10, 2017 · Shannon O'Brien was Massachusetts State Treasurer (1999-2003), and served in House of Representatives (1987-1993) as well as Massachusetts ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  15. [15]
    Shannon O'Brien '77 - Williston
    Dec 6, 2022 · My family has been involved in public service for four generations in Massachusetts. I was always taught that I can and should make a ...
  16. [16]
    Shannon O'Brien, former Massachusetts state treasurer, shares her ...
    Oct 20, 2012 · She's a member of the short list of women who have been elected to statewide public office in the Bay State, having served as state treasurer ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  17. [17]
    O'Brien addresses Cape Democrats - Cape Cod Times
    ... Edward O'Brien, has served on the Governor's Council for 18 years. O'Brien's talk was sponsored by the Democratic town committees of Barnstable, Brewster ...<|separator|>
  18. [18]
    Edward O'Brien Obituary (2004) - Springfield, MA - The Republican
    Jan 22, 2004 · Edward O'Brien Obituary ... EASTHAMPTON - Governor's Councillor Edward M. O'Brien, 70, of Dragon Cir., Easthampton, died January 20, 2004 at the ...
  19. [19]
    State Treasurer Joins Mass. Gov. Race - Midland Daily News
    O'Brien's family has a political pedigree: Her father, Edward O'Brien, sits on the Governor's Council; her grandfather worked for Gov. Paul Dever; and her ...
  20. [20]
    Commissioner of Cannabis - The Williston Northampton School
    May 25, 2023 · Shannon O'Brien '77 was a fourth grader at Easthampton's Immaculate Conception School when her teacher Louise Meisner predicted that someday ...Missing: raised | Show results with:raised
  21. [21]
    Yale soccer a proving ground for Bay State's O'Brien - Yale Daily News
    Nov 4, 2002 · The daughter of a Yalie, O'Brien grew up in a politically active family that was prominent in western Massachusetts. Her father, Edward O'Brien ...
  22. [22]
    Politician and Entrepreneur Shannon O'Brien '77 to Speak at Cum ...
    Dec 17, 2018 · O'Brien earned her B.A. from Yale University and holds a J.D. from the Boston University School of Law. She lives in Massachusetts with her ...
  23. [23]
    Shannon O'Brien - Chair of Massachusetts Cannabis Control ...
    Experienced board member who brings special expertise in crisis management and communications. Advisor to early and growth stage companies.
  24. [24]
    Shannon P. O'Brien Profile | Whitman, MA Lawyer | Martindale.com
    Education & Credentials. University Attended: Yale University, B.A., 1981. Law School Attended: Boston University, J.D., 1985. Year of First Admission: 1985.
  25. [25]
    Commission and Leadership Team
    Chair Shannon O'Brien is the former State Treasurer and Receiver of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, serving in the role from 1999-2002.
  26. [26]
    PD43+ » 1990 State Representative Democratic Primary 2nd ...
    Viewing 1990 State Representative Democratic Primary 2nd Hampshire District. Candidates in this election and votes received: Shannon P. O'Brien (99.8%)
  27. [27]
    1990 Election Results for 2nd Hampshire District, MA ...
    1990-11-06 State House Election Results for 2nd Hampshire District, MA ... Shannon O'Brien* (D), Stephen Erickson (R), Other ... Total R vote: 7,353 (48.1%) Total D ...
  28. [28]
    [PDF] Name and Location of Repository - State Library of Massachusetts
    O'Brien served as the Democratic Representative in the Massachusetts House of. Representatives from the 2nd Hampshire District from 1987 to 1992 and as ...Missing: campaign | Show results with:campaign
  29. [29]
    Massachusetts State Legislator's Papers Collections at ... - Mass.gov
    Personal papers collections of former Massachusetts Senators, Representatives, and prominent political figures<|separator|>
  30. [30]
    Shannon P. O'Brien (D) - PD43+ » Candidate Profile...
    Election results and vote counts for Massachusetts federal, state, and county candidates for office, plus past Massachusetts ballot ...Missing: gubernatorial | Show results with:gubernatorial
  31. [31]
    Learn the Facts - Victory in Massachusetts
    On December 28, 1993, Governor William Weld, R-Massachusetts, signed S.219 into law. The bill made child abuse a crime and repealed a religious exemption from ...
  32. [32]
    Bay State Governor Vetoes Child-Abuse Bill - CSMonitor.com
    O'Brien said that preserving the religious-treatment provision may send Christian Science parents ``the wrong message'' about the circumstances in which it ...
  33. [33]
    Church Says Abuse Bill Leaves Parents Vulnerable - CSMonitor.com
    The bill toughens criminal penalties for people who inflict nonsexual physical injury on children, and also for people who, in certain circumstances, ``permit ...
  34. [34]
    1998 Treasurer Democratic Primary - PD43+
    Viewing 1998 Treasurer Democratic Primary. Candidates in this election and votes received: Shannon P. O'Brien (99.8%)
  35. [35]
    O'Brien makes state history - Cape Cod Times
    In a Democratic sweep, the new treasurer is the first woman elected to Massachusetts office on her own. BOSTON - Shannon O'Brien became state treasurer and ...Missing: election | Show results with:election
  36. [36]
    https://www.masscannabiscontrol.com/about/commission-leadership-team/
  37. [37]
    The Crooks, Their Greed, Their Mistresses & The Crime
    May 15, 2006 · New state Treasurer Shannon O'Brien was trying not to panic. Only two weeks into her administration, her staff was still settling in when ...<|separator|>
  38. [38]
    Audit questions Lottery's inaction on lost tickets
    Sep 18, 1999 · The news comes as state Treasurer Shannon P. O'Brien once again promised to clean up the scandal-ridden Lottery, which does more than $3 billion ...
  39. [39]
    Fairhaven Lottery workers fired - SouthCoastToday.com
    Sep 22, 1999 · Last month, Treasurer Shannon O'Brien suspended the three employees in Fairhaven when an investigation found significant problems. Yesterday ...
  40. [40]
    'Action plan' vowed for mismanaged Lottery - Cape Cod Times
    Sep 17, 1999 · Treasurer Shannon O'Brien yesterday released an audit of the Lottery by KPMG Peat Marwick of Boston, saying that, following the guidance of the audit, she had ...
  41. [41]
    The NOT-so-Accidental Treasurer - CommonWealth Beacon
    Aug 2, 2014 · Treasurer Shannon O'Brien put a spotlight on Big Dig spending under Gov. Paul Cellucci in 1999, when she refused to authorize a bond ...
  42. [42]
    [PDF] Chair Shannon O'Brien's Statement 4875-2961-3773 v.1
    Sep 9, 2024 · Shortly after I became State Treasurer, I helped uncover widespread corruption inside the. Unpaid Check fund. Because of poor oversight and a ...
  43. [43]
    Shannon O'Brien - AICPAConferences.com
    She also brings experience working with startup cannabis entrepreneurs. Chair O'Brien is a graduate of Yale University and Boston University School of Law.
  44. [44]
    [PDF] 2002-1333-3 Pension Reserves Investment - Mass.gov
    Jul 15, 2002 · Investment performance results declined over the two years ended December 31, 2001, with the fund experiencing declines of –5.32% and –1.2% as ...Missing: 2003 | Show results with:2003
  45. [45]
    WOJCIK v. MASSACHUSETTS STATE LOTTERY COMMISSION
    They named as defendants the Lottery Commission; appellee Shannon O'Brien, the Massachusetts State Treasurer and Chairman of the Lottery Commission ...<|separator|>
  46. [46]
    Fired Lottery worker wins retirement funds - SouthCoastToday.com
    Jun 5, 2002 · Wojcik is worth $8000 per year much less than the $24000 annual retirement he sought. Michael Travaglini a spokesman for State Treasurer Shannon ...Missing: v. | Show results with:v.
  47. [47]
    Treasurer apologizes for soliciting lottery agents for donations
    State Treasurer Shannon O'Brien acknowledged Tuesday that her campaign made a mistake in soliciting donations from lottery ...
  48. [48]
    Romney rips O'Brien in debate, ad Discussion is first to allow all 5 ...
    Oct 10, 2002 · BOSTON -- Republican Mitt Romney went on the offensive in the governor's race yesterday aggressively taking on Democrat Shannon O'Brien in a ...Missing: criticisms | Show results with:criticisms
  49. [49]
    O'Brien leads as primary approaches - Cape Cod Times
    With four days before the Democratic gubernatorial primary, state Treasurer Shannon O'Brien had a strong lead over her three rivals ...
  50. [50]
    Treasurer Wins Mass. Gubernatorial Primary - Los Angeles Times
    State Treasurer Shannon O'Brien scored a strong victory Tuesday in Massachusetts' Democratic gubernatorial primary, setting up a November battle ...
  51. [51]
    O'Brien, Romney off and running - Cape Cod Times
    Sep 18, 2002 · State Treasurer Shannon O'Brien last night became the first woman to be nominated for governor by a major political party in Massachusetts history.<|separator|>
  52. [52]
    Romney wins Massachusetts governor's race - Nov. 5, 2002 - CNN
    Nov 5, 2002 · Republican Mitt Romney defeated State Treasurer Shannon O'Brien Tuesday as the GOP sought to continue its 12-year hold on the Massachusetts ...
  53. [53]
    MASSACHUSETTS; Ex-Steward Of Olympics Wins Governor
    Nov 6, 2002 · Republican Mitt Romney is elected governor of Massachusetts, defeating Shannon O'Brien after most expensive campaign in state history; ...
  54. [54]
    Down in the polls, Romney won 2002 race after debate - CNN
    Oct 3, 2012 · Former Massachusetts Treasurer Shannon O'Brien speaks with Brooke Baldwin about her experience debating Mitt Romney.Missing: campaign | Show results with:campaign
  55. [55]
    Where Mitt Romney Learned How To Go Negative, And Win
    Jun 4, 2012 · Romney was able to erase a 10 point deficit in 2002 by negative campaigning, by turning voters off to his opponent.
  56. [56]
    Massachusetts Gubernatorial Debate | Video | C-SPAN.org
    Oct 1, 2002 · Candidates debated one another in front of a live studio audience, fielding questions posed by a panel of journalists. Among the topics they ...
  57. [57]
    Massachusetts Gubernatorial Debate | Video | C-SPAN.org
    Oct 29, 2002 · Candidates debated in front of a studio audience and answered questions posed by Mr. Russert. Some of the topics discussed included the ...Missing: election | Show results with:election
  58. [58]
    O'Brien, Romney go on attack in second debate - Milford Daily News
    Mitt Romney and Shannon O'Brien touched all the hot button issues last night with spirited debate on abortion, gay marriage, bilingual education and school ...
  59. [59]
    Romney, O'Brien squabble in debate – Deseret News
    O'Brien, whose campaign is supported by Finneran, said she has disagreed with him on a host of issues, from abortion rights to the Clean Elections campaign ...
  60. [60]
    Governor Candidates Bicker in Debate | News | The Harvard Crimson
    At the same time, O'Brien attacked Romney for his “multiple choice” stance on the abortion issue—a phrase coined by Sen. Edward M. “Ted” Kennedy '54-'56 (D-Mass ...<|separator|>
  61. [61]
    In Mass., No Letup in Debate - The Washington Post
    O'Brien, who has led among female voters, challenged Romney's assertion of being a consistent supporter of abortion rights and, unlike Romney, said she would ...
  62. [62]
    2002 Gubernatorial General Election Results - Massachusetts
    Gubernatorial Candidate, Lt. Gubernatorial Candidate, Political Party, Popular Vote. Mitt Romney, Kerry Healey, Republican, 1,091,988, 49.77%. Shannon O'Brien ...
  63. [63]
    2002 Governor General Election - PD43+
    Viewing 2002 Governor General Election. Candidates in this election and votes received: Mitt Romney (49.8%), Shannon P. O'Brien (44.9%), Jill E. Stein ...
  64. [64]
    [PDF] State Budget '02: Heading for a Crash
    Driven by a dramatic decline in tax revenues, the state is heading for a crash similar to the fiscal crisis of the late 1980s. After growing an average of 10 ...Missing: gubernatorial | Show results with:gubernatorial
  65. [65]
    THE 2002 CAMPAIGN: THE ACCUSATIONS; Tight and Heated ...
    Nov 2, 2002 · the accusations: tight and heated race rages in Massachusetts**Republican candidate Mitt Romney's depiction at recent debate of aggressive ...Missing: gubernatorial | Show results with:gubernatorial
  66. [66]
    How Mitt Romney handled Massachusetts' spending problems
    Jul 14, 2012 · Mitt Romney, elected Massachusetts governor in November 2002, used more than just spending cuts to right his state's budget.
  67. [67]
    Attacks in Governor's Race Getting Personal - Los Angeles Times
    Oct 24, 2002 · Whichever, the Massachusetts governor's race between Democrat Shannon O'Brien, the insider, and Republican Mitt Romney, the outsider, is heated, ...
  68. [68]
    In '02, Mitt Romney capitalized on debates - The Boston Globe
    Oct 1, 2012 · About six weeks before a crucial election, and shortly after he had won the Republican nomination, Mitt Romney was trailing badly.<|separator|>
  69. [69]
    Observers Dissect Role of Gender in O'Brien's Loss - Women's eNews
    Nov 8, 2002 · Shannon O'Brien may have lost because she was female, because not enough women voted for her, or because Mitt Romney attracted more men.
  70. [70]
    Shannon O'Brien - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia
    Oct 10, 2024 · Following her defeat in 2002, O'Brien joined Boston-area local television station WLVI as a consumer advocate. She left there in 2005 to ...
  71. [71]
    Ruth Bramson to Serve as CEO of Merged Girl Scouts Councils
    Apr 19, 2020 · ... head the organization ... 1, taking over from former state treasurer Shannon O'Brien, who headed ...
  72. [72]
    Judge reinstates O'Brien as cannabis commission chair, two years ...
    Sep 2, 2025 · A Superior Court judge ruled Tuesday that State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg unlawfully fired Shannon O'Brien as chair of the Cannabis Control ...Missing: Easthampton | Show results with:Easthampton
  73. [73]
    General Law - Part I, Title II, Chapter 10, Section 76
    The commission shall annually elect 1 of its members to serve as secretary and 1 of its members to serve as treasurer.
  74. [74]
    [PDF] CANNABIS CONTROL COMMISSION 935 CMR 500.000 - Mass.gov
    The purpose of 935 CMR 500.000 is to implement St. 2017, c. 55, An Act to Ensure Safe. Access to Marijuana, and M.G.L. c. 94G. 500.002: Definitions.
  75. [75]
    Amendment #1 to H.4160 - Massachusetts Legislature
    Jun 3, 2025 · Section 223. (a) There shall be a Massachusetts cannabis control commission, which shall consist of 3 commissioners, appointed by the governor.
  76. [76]
    [PDF] Fifth Annual Activities Report - Cannabis Control Commission
    Oct 1, 2022 · On May 14, 2022, adult use Marijuana Establishments surpassed $3 billion in retail and delivery sales since the first two adult-use retail ...Missing: achievements | Show results with:achievements
  77. [77]
    Chair Shannon O'Brien Issues Statements Regarding Her Priorities ...
    Oct 1, 2025 · Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission Chair Shannon O'Brien today announced her priorities for the agency as it continues to regulate ...Missing: bills | Show results with:bills
  78. [78]
    Reinstated Cannabis Control Commission chair pledges smarter ...
    Oct 1, 2025 · Shannon O'Brien chaired a public meeting of the commission regulating Massachusetts' marijuana industry for the first time in two years on ...
  79. [79]
    Massachusetts cannabis chief vows to 'repair trust' with industry
    Oct 2, 2025 · Shannon O'Brien, reinstalled as chairperson of the state Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) last month after a yearslong legal and political ...
  80. [80]
    Ex-cannabis regulator would 'abuse' colleagues, treasurer charges
    Feb 13, 2025 · Shannon O'Brien would 'bully' and 'abuse her colleagues' as top cannabis regulator, treasurer said in firing her. By Matt Stout Globe Staff, ...
  81. [81]
    Docs: Cannabis chief fired over bullying, 'racially insensitive' remarks
    Feb 19, 2025 · Shannon O'Brien, the state's former top cannabis regulator, would “bully, humiliate, and abuse her colleagues” and “cavalierly” made racially insensitive ...
  82. [82]
    SHANNON O'BRIEN v. DEBORAH GOLDBERG[1] - Social Law Library
    Sep 2, 2025 · [8] O'Brien alleged that Sinclair discriminated against her based on her gender, whereas Sinclair, who identifies as black, alleged that O'Brien ...Missing: achievements controversies
  83. [83]
    Did O'Brien commit 'gross misconduct'? Read some of the ...
    Sep 12, 2024 · Treasurer Deborah Goldberg fired Shannon O'Brien, the chair of the Cannabis Control Commission, on Monday evening because she allegedly committed “gross ...Missing: achievements | Show results with:achievements
  84. [84]
    Here are the 3,000+ pages detailing the removal of CCC Chair O'Brien
    Jul 24, 2025 · O'Brien was removed from her post by State Treasurer Deb Goldberg in 2023 amid allegations of discriminatory behavior. O'Brien has denied those ...
  85. [85]
    Cannabis Commission head was wrongly terminated, judge says
    Sep 2, 2025 · Shannon O'Brien, a former state treasurer, should be reinstated to serve the remainder of her term and awarded back pay, the judge ruled.
  86. [86]
    Goldberg drops legal effort to prevent O'Brien's return to CCC
    Sep 22, 2025 · O'Brien's term as chair of the CCC was set to run through August 31, 2027. The next public meeting of the CCC, which has been led in recent ...
  87. [87]
    https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2023/09/15/cannabis-control-commission-chair-suspended/
  88. [88]
    https://www.wbur.org/news/2024/09/09/treasurer-goldberg-fires-shannon-obrien-cannabis-commission
  89. [89]
    https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2024/09/10/treasurer-goldberg-fires-the-head-of-states-cannabis-control-board/
  90. [90]
    Judge orders fired Cannabis Control Commission chair should be ...
    Sep 2, 2025 · State Treasurer Deb Goldberg suspended O'Brien in 2023 and fired her last year, accusing O'Brien of making racist comments and creating a ...Missing: controversies | Show results with:controversies
  91. [91]
    Judge temporarily blocks O'Brien's return to CCC following ...
    Sep 5, 2025 · An Appeals Court judge has temporarily blocked Shannon O'Brien's ... fired O'Brien as CCC chairwoman last September. Tan ordered that O ...
  92. [92]
    Goldberg drops legal effort to prevent O'Brien's return to CCC - WGBH
    Sep 18, 2025 · Treasurer Deborah Goldberg is dropping her appeal of Shannon O'Brien's reinstatement as chairwoman of the Cannabis Control Commission, ...
  93. [93]
    Reinstated CCC Chair O'Brien pledges smarter rules, equity in 'new ...
    Oct 2, 2025 · Chairing her first public meeting in two years after being reinstated to the Cannabis Control Commission last month, Shannon O'Brien on Oct.
  94. [94]
    Pot boss returns to Cannabis Commission, will review all decisions
    Oct 2, 2025 · O'Brien's return comes after her removal and firing by State Treasurer Deb Goldberg. Her position was reinstated by a Suffolk Superior Court ...<|separator|>
  95. [95]
    Ousted Mass. cannabis chair reinstated after court overturns firing
    Sep 2, 2025 · Shannon O'Brien has been ordered back to her role as chair of the Cannabis Control Commission after a judge ruled her September 2024 ...Missing: controversies | Show results with:controversies
  96. [96]
    O'Brien returns to cannabis commission, two years after suspension ...
    Sep 25, 2025 · O'Brien was first appointed chair of the CCC in September 2022 and was on the job for a year before Treasurer Deborah Goldberg suspended her, ...
  97. [97]
    Romney announces job creation plans - SouthCoastToday.com
    Romney said O'Brien had voted as a legislator to raise the income tax the sales tax the gas tax and the automobile excise tax. "The Shannon O'Brien approach to ...
  98. [98]
    Shannon O'Brien on the Issues - OnTheIssues.org
    Tired of media reports of fundraising and poll results instead of policy issues? At OnTheIssues.org, you can see the view of every candidate on every issue.
  99. [99]
    Today, Shannon O'Brien is not so sure what she'd say about ...
    Jun 24, 2019 · When O'Brien first ran for the Legislature in 1986, she opposed abortion. She changed her position to support expanded abortion rights in ...Missing: LGBTQ gun
  100. [100]
    Gender played part, but didn't save Shannon - SouthCoastToday.com
    Nov 6, 2002 · O'Brien's stance on abortion -- she favors lowering the age at which a young woman can get a legal abortion without parental consent from 18 ...Missing: LGBTQ gun
  101. [101]
    Shannon O'Brien on Civil Rights - OnTheIssues.org
    Protect civil rights of gays; allow civil unions. Shannon supports full and equal rights for gay & lesbian citizens, and believes that committed couples ...Missing: views | Show results with:views
  102. [102]
    Lokvani Talks To Shannon O'Brien
    Her political career began more than a decade before that. She was first elected to the Massachusetts house in 1986 at the age of 27, after growing up in a ...
  103. [103]
    O'Brien compares her gay marriage stance to Romney on abortion
    Oct 17, 2002 · O'Brien says she personally opposes gay marriage, but if the Legislature passed a gay-marriage law, as governor she would sign it into law.Missing: Massachusetts | Show results with:Massachusetts
  104. [104]
    O'Brien would sign bill OK'ing gay marriages - Cape Cod Times
    Oct 16, 2002 · BOSTON - Democrat Shannon O'Brien said yesterday that as governor she would sign legislation allowing gays to marry, giving a degree of support ...Missing: views | Show results with:views
  105. [105]
    Vote O'Brien For Governor | Opinion - The Harvard Crimson
    Oct 30, 2002 · As the corner office has passed from Republicans Bill Weld to Paul Cellucci to Jane Swift, the quality of the state's leadership has ...Missing: positions | Show results with:positions
  106. [106]
    Five gubernatorial candidates make for more lively debate
    Oct 10, 2002 · ... Romney and Democrat Shannon O'Brien. Romney and O'Brien took a brief ... "There is at least $9 billion in waste and destructive big-government ...
  107. [107]
    Howie Carr: If it were anybody but Shannon O'Brien, I might feel a ...
    Dec 2, 2023 · Shannon is also accused of engaging in “distressing yelling episodes” against the staff, which is never acceptable.Missing: criticism | Show results with:criticism
  108. [108]
    Treasurer O'Brien expecting baby in December
    Jul 9, 1999 · Treasurer Shannon O'Brien announced yesterday that she and her ... O'Brien, 40, and her husband, lobbyist Emmet Hayes, 48, live in ...
  109. [109]
    July 8, 1999 State Treasurer Shannon O'Brien and her husband ...
    Oct 19, 2023 · July 8, 1999 State Treasurer Shannon O'Brien and her husband Emmet Hayes are all smiles as they announce her pregnancy to the press. staff ...