Most of his work revolved around the annual budget process, a Beacon Hill ritual in which the governor, Republican or Democrat, presents a budget to the Massachusetts legislature, which quickly dismantles the plan and replaces it with its own agenda, overriding any eventual veto attempts by the governor.

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What seems like a ritual to others is really just practical, she says: Always do it in the same sink -- the process is "gross, but so good" she says in her iReport -- and always have a roll of toilet paper next to me.

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