Chanukah's flames have stilled, their warmth still inspiring

Now Christmas approaches, with trees, bulbs and wiring.

So in the columning business, we renew an annual tradition:

To call the roll and send greetings in a special edition.

We name politicians who enhance life in these parts

Though some may have a little larceny in their hearts.

Whether these people are honest or not is beside the point

They give us stuff to write about, and enliven the joint.

And there are others to cite, some barely known,

Who make Rhode Island better and lift up the tone.

So let's get on with the task, as we look toward a new year

The rhymes may be tortured, but they're offered with cheer.

Let's start with Bill Clinton, who reached his reelection goal -

A bit of it was skill, the rest was Bob Dole.

Big changes are coming to the state's Washington slate:

Farewell to Claiborne Pell, and to Nuala, his mate.

Welcome to the U.S. Senate, West Pointer Jack Reed

We hope you remember us in our time of need.

The same goes for Bob Weygand, the congressman-elect.

As you enter a club whose membership is select.

John Chafee's still in the Senate, on the GOP's left wing

Which is a marvel of science - a practically invisible thing.

Now here's something to watch, as it begins to gain speed:

Patrick Kennedy's run against Chafee - a headline race indeed.

Before we leave the Washington arena,

We want to greet those whose efforts proved leaner.

Nancy Mayer tried for Senate, which she wanted the most,

But voters chose to keep her in her old State House post.

And Congress candidate Joe Paolino - what's left to say?

He lost his touch in those years away.

As for Giovanni Cicione, whose chances were thinner,

If next time you lose, just coo, "Congratulations to the winner]"

THE LATKES are gone, but the egg nog's still coming:

Notice the tall man whose appetite's humming.

That would be Linc Almond, governor of the state,

Accompanied by Marilyn, who hopes to keep down his weight.

By the way, Gov, if you think someone's after your job -

Don't look around, this is becoming a mob.

There's old friend Myrth York, who already gave it a try,

And Senator Paul Kelly, the sharp-tongued, silver-maned guy.

Let's not forget former Warwick Mayor Flaherty, Frank

Or Sheldon Whitehouse of your old U.S. attorney rank.

Though Secretary of State Jim Langevin's not in that field,

One day he'll be in Congress, asking, "Will the gentleman yield?"

We want to say hi to Attorney General Jeff Pine,

It would be nice to report his office is fine.

We watch a drama unfold in Judge Dominic Cresto's court,

And ponder whether a former governor might have been bought.

Or is he getting a raw deal, his rights being trampled?

The feeling is mixed among those we have sampled.

Greetings, Kathleen Hagerty, prosecutor in the case,

On the TV screen, you've become a familiar face.

So too Richard Egbert, a defense lawyer supreme,

And R. Robert Popeo, the other star of the team.

BELLS ARE RINGING, the legislators await -

It's amazing to think these folks hold our fate.

Hail, Speaker John Harwood, hockey's gift to the law

And his ally George Caruolo, master of the House floor.

Some reps are dedicated, but their numbers are teeny,

Which is why you should treasure David Cicilline.

Most reps were born here, but one came from Tennessee,

Her name's Mel Benson and she's as warm as can be.

Good luck, Dennis Algiere, new Senate Republican leader,

You can talk all day, but will anyone heed ya?

If you're prowling the chamber with a bill in tow,

Maryellen Goodwin is a great senator to know.

So is Charles Walton, this guy's been around

He has stature and wisdom, at least that's what I've found.

And Teresa Paiva Weed can kick up a storm

In taking an issue like welfare and bringing reform.

Though losing Assembly primaries, two folks were a hit:

Watch them in the future: Victor Capellan, Delia Smidt.

As we look at the judges, we're proud to report,

Bob Flanders stands out on the state Supreme Court.

And regards to Senior Federal Judge Raymond Pettine,

A long-towering figure on the local judicial scene.

MAKE A SNOWMAN, bring on the Yule log,

We have a special citation for Mayor Publicity Hog.

That would be Buddy Cianci, with a gift of gab

Though we must admit, the ice-rink idea is fab.

So thanks to Fleet's Terry Murray for making it real,

If he could help the FleetCenter's teams, life would be ideal.

Herb Cummings retires from Citizens, leaving a big hole,

Though Senior Veep Babs Cottam will still play her role.

Now here's a question for Dan Lugosch above all -

We're getting impatient, where the heck is that mall?

At the Chamber of Commerce, where the outlook's always bright,

You can find Carol Grant, Jim Hagan, Laurie White.

And listen, we don't want business types to get huffy,

So here's greetings of the season to Sheldon Sollosy, Dave Duffy.

In labor, Frank Montanaro and George Nee always excel,

As do Marcia Reback, Nancy Reed and the gov's pal Tom Chellel.

By the way, as we think of life being lived in a bubble,

Let's remember press aides who keep officials out of trouble.

Next time you see Almond, look for Eric Cote by his side,

And with Jack Reed, Todd Andrews is along for the ride.

Patrick Kennedy's Larry Berman once worked for The Call,

Jennifer Bramley left ESPN to help Bob Weygand play pol.

AT THIS TIME of year, gift-crazed people look north,

But we want to pay tribute to some folks of the cloth.

Episcopal Bishop Geralyn Wolf must reflect God's glory,

She certainly inspires with her health and her story.

Regards to the Rev. Robert Farrow, he contributes to the good,

As does another guy I run into - the Rev. Virgil Wood.

About baseball and travel trivia, you always can learn

By visiting Greenville to see Father Gerald Beirne.

His boss is in Providence, amid incense and oils -

In the imposing Cathedral, Bishop Louis Gelineau toils.

Shalom, Rabbis Jim Rosenberg and George Astrachan,

Did you know the latter is a devout Patriots fan?

At the Council of Churches you can pick out a hymn,

And meet executive honcho, the Rev. Miller named Jim.

He mounts spirited campaigns to keep gambling at bay,

Which reminds us to say hi to his friend, Howard Kay.

There's still plenty of action in the lottery's realm,

So it's good to see Gerald Aubin take over the helm.

And thanks to Tom and Marie Baylis, whose spirits ran free -

They were kind enough to name a thoroughbred for me.

But if you're seeking a fortune, here's a piece of advice:

If you want to bet on this horse, think about it twice.

WHEN WE CELEBRATE our blessings, we really should sing

Of colleges and universities and the benefits they bring.

I'll admit, I'm partial, the list is headed by Brown

A tribute to Vartan Gregorian, its president of renown.

Congratulations to Bob Carothers, Kingston's chief ram,

He's deftly led URI through many a jam.

Welcome, Ron Machtley, new president of Bryant,

The Patriots' home - don't look there for a Giant.

When it comes to Friars, only one man fits the bill:

It's Providence College's leader, the Rev. Smith, Phil.

There's another educator essential to mention:

School principal Serena Conley, who deserves some attention.

Dr. Pablo Rodriguez is also someone to cite -

As Planned Parenthood's medical director, he leads a brave fight.

When Narragansett Indians send someone to speak,

It's often Randy Noka, who never sounds meek.

This is a season for joy, let's not have any hatin',

Amos House needs help - just ask Cindy Doyle or Deb Brayton.

Guy Abelson, Alan Feinstein - they fight hunger too,

And animals get care from Tony Vecchio at the zoo.

Barbara Fields wants more housing as the order of the day,

Joan Abrams is out on the water, saving the bay.

Hello, Susan Farmer, at the Channel 36 scene,

Where the Lively Experiment graces the screen.

Want to honor Jim Taricani? Do him this favor:

Sign on as an organ donor - you'll wind up as a savior.

Speaking of journalists who've brushed up against Fate:

Larry Estepa's recovering - that's news that is great.

And let's tune in some voices from the sports radio box:

WHJJ's Steve McDonald, and Joe Castiglione of the Sox.

The poem is over, our rhyming labors now cease

Here's wishing everyone health, and a full year of peace.

* * *

M. Charles Bakst is Journal-Bulletin political columnist.