Go Back to Rome, Ray

Well, that was quick.

Only months after departing to become the ambassador to the Vatican, full of purported high hopes and idealism, former Boston Mayor Raymond L. Flynn is back, announcing his candidacy for governor of Massachusetts.

Even for a career politician, Flynn's latest display of self-promotion has been sickening. Flynn worked tirelessly for the Clinton campaign and expected to enjoy the spoils of victory. When he was appointed to the minor post of ambassador, Flynn made a public display or wrangling with the administration over his duties. He argued that he should become an ambassador-at-large, able to visit hit spots and bring comfort and aid.

The administration, as can be imagined, was hesitant about annointing the less-than brilliant mayor as America's all-purpose representative overseas. Although Flynn made noise about turning down the post, his ego was eventually soothed by the administration and he accepted.

Once at the Vatican, Flynn mailed out regular press release to keep the homefolk aware of his good deeds abroad. One such self-congratulatory and glowing account to a recent trip to India seemed to indicate that the erstwhile mayor had found his niche.

Now he's throwing away his post like a baby would an old toy. The mayor's behavior is disturbing. Chances are e knew when he left that he was going to return for the gubernatorial race, in which case the whole thing was a cynical charade intended for public consumption. And if he knew, just a year ago, that he wanted to leave local politics so much, we don't think he should be allowed back in so quickly.

Or, the mayor set himself up for a fall with his public expectations for the job. When he realized that the power of an ambassador is limited, Flynn may have simply decided to give up.

Flynn has also complained about not being able to support himself on $115,000 a year. According to The Boston Globe, he has looked for sinecures with several Boston-area universities, so he can collect a salary while he runs for governor.

None of these explanations say much for Flynn's qualifications for governor.