Weld has also sparred with legislators over his proposals to dramatically change the entire welfare system, or as he puts it, to "end welfare as we know it."

"The real scandal in welfare isn't the bad apples who break the law and abuse the system," Weld says. "The real scandal is the system itself. Welfare in Massachusetts is bankrupt. It is corrupt. It is messed up. And we're going to tear it apart and make it work."

The governor wants to replace cash grants and instead give able bodied welfare recipient day care and health care.

"Welfare does play a vital role in helping many women and their children through short-term crises," Weld says. "But welfare as it currently exists also subsidizes some of the most destructive behavior in our society."

Weld also says he believes cutting taxes is essential for job creation and economic growth. While the state's unemployment rate has decreased during his administration, Weld says he is still not satisfied with the state's economy.

"I'm encouraged that Massachusetts has created 110,000 jobs [since 1991]," Weld says. "But more must be done. I know that thousands of families are still struggling, and that we need more jobs in Massachusetts and more jobs in Boston."

Weld spent his days at Harvard studying the past and not participating in political activities which have shaped his life since he left the college. As a Classics concentrator, Weld studied the ancient civilizations of Latin and Greece.

And when class ended, Weld walked by a first-year dormitory and a boathouse which bear his prestigious family name. He was also a member of the tradition-laden Fly Club and Hasty Pudding Club.

But now, almost 30 years later, Weld is looking toward the future as he begins his re-election bid.

"This upcoming election isn't about whether [Cellucci] and I get re-elected," Weld says. "It really is about whether we keep moving Massachusetts forward or whether we revert to the terrible, misguided mistakes of the past."