After talking it over with family and friends, Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett has decided against running for attorney general if, as now seems likely, incumbent Martha Coakley is elected to the U.S. Senate in January.

It was a tough call for the Peabody resident who worked at the Statehouse while getting his law degree, is highly respected among his fellow DAs and has long been active in Democratic politics. The thought of running for statewide office was tempting, but in the end he opted to stay put and seek another four-year term as DA in 2010.

It was the right call. Gaining the visibility and raising the cash needed to run for attorney general would have required him to be on the road virtually every night and weekend between now and next November. Besides, it's not as if he doesn't have plenty to occupy him right here in Essex County.

Indeed, Blodgett finds himself dealing once again with the fallout from more teen drinking parties, including the recent bash in Middleton, in which some parents just can't seem to understand why their children are being hassled by police and prosecutors.

"It's the law," Blodgett says of the statute making it illegal to consume alcoholic beverages if one is under 21 years of age. "There's no gray area. Either you're 21 or you're not 21."

He points out that minors caught in possession of alcohol and not suspected of any other crime are given the opportunity to enter a diversion program and avoid having a criminal record. What he finds most disturbing is the refusal of some parents to acknowledge that their children did anything wrong.

"It's the greatest snapshot of what's wrong with our society today," he commented.

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Not wanting to waste any time taking advantage of incumbent state Rep. Mary Grant's decision not to seek another term in 2010, Republican Brett Schetzsle announced this week he will host a series of "community outreach forums" this coming March and April "to engage the community in a positive discussion of issues important to Beverly's residents."

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Beverly's Art Powell sent out a note this week informing fellow Democrats that Marilyn Hazel, a member of the Democratic State Committee and chair of the Danvers Democratic Town Committee, is recovering from recent surgery.

"Many of you are aware that Marilyn has struggled with mobility issues for a number of years," wrote Powell, who also represents the 2nd Essex District on the state committee. He says Hazel "will soon be available online at nsmarilyn@prodigy.net."

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Does Gov. Patrick have a death wish? As if he doesn't have enough problems, this week he unveiled a plan to provide tuition subsidies and driver's licenses to those here illegally.

The GOP response, though predictable, probably reflects the feelings of many: "The Patrick-Murray Administration's policy on in-state college tuition discounts for illegal immigrants sends the wrong message to those immigrants who have played by the rules. If an individual breaks the law, this should not entitle them to a taxpayer subsidy. It makes no sense for Massachusetts taxpayers to bear the cost of college tuition for an illegal immigrant when that same immigrant cannot legally work in the U.S. and contribute to our state's economy after graduation."

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The span that carries Water Street (Route 35) over the Waters River has been designated the Danversport Bridge as a result of legislation filed by state Rep. Ted Speliotis, D-Danvers, and state Sen. Fred Berry, D-Peabody, in commemoration of the 2006 explosion near there.

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Nelson Benton writes every Friday on North Shore politics.