When Massachusetts Governor Paul Cellucci took a job as Ambassador to Canada, he left Lieutenant Governor Jane Swift with a lot on her plate (or, in this image, her stove). "MCAS opposition" refers to the movement to keep the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System exam from being a prerequisite for high school graduation in Massachusetts (view the November 18, 2000 and May 20, 2000, cartoons for more on MCAS; see the October 7, 2000 cartoon for more on Cellucci's need for a career change).

"Prestige projects going belly-up" refers to the stalled South Boston Convention Center.