POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: SENATE cash dash — HEALEY’s gun ban upheld — New hires for WARREN and MOULTON
SENATE cash dash — HEALEY’s gun ban upheld — New hires for WARREN and MOULTON
04/09/2018 07:26 AM EDT
By Lauren Dezenski (ldezenski@politico.com; @LaurenDezenski) with Brent D. Griffiths (bgriffiths@politico.com; @BrentGriffiths)
GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. And we're one week out from the best day in Boston: Marathon Monday.
CASH DASH, GOP SENATE CONTENDERS EDITION - Two Republicans battling for their party's nomination to take on Sen. Elizabeth Warren this fall have announced their quarterly fundraising numbers. The timing is especially important: Massachusetts Republicans will gather at the party's state convention in Worcester on April 28, so this is one of the last, best chances for campaigns to show signs of viability.
Beth Lindstrom, a GOP campaign operative, reports this morning she raised $303,000 in the first quarter of 2018 - coming from 6,800 donors across all 50 states, at an average of $85. Her final cash-on-hand amount is not clear.
Meanwhile John Kingston, a businessman and philanthropist, brought in $275,000 over the same window of time, and has ended the quarter with $3 million cash-on-hand. Remember, Kingston kicked off his campaign by donating $3 million of his own money to his campaign. Kingston also reports the first quarter brought in his "highest number of individual donors to-date."
While both Lindstrom and KIngston tout their fundraising numbers and the apparent grassroots support of smaller-dollar donors, neither they, nor state Rep. Geoff Diehl - whose campaign has yet to release its latest fundraising intel - are expected to come close to matching Warren, the Senate's most prolific fundraiser.
Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: ldezenski@politico.com.
TODAY - Gov. Charlie Baker, Sen. Ed Markey, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Rep. Seth Moulton, U.S. Army Major General Cedric Wins and officials from the Department of Defense visit Northeastern University for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Northeastern University Army Research Lab - The first Suffolk County District Attorney candidates' forum takes place tonight. It'll be co-hosted by NAACP Boston and the JP Progressives at Boston's English High School - Scott Pattison , the CEO of the National Governors Association, kicks off his New England tour in Boston today. He'll be meeting with governors, and business and community leaders across the region.
DATELINE BEACON HILL -
- "Students scramble, AG pledges inquiry, after Mount Ida announces closure," by Jeremy C. Fox, Boston Globe: "The state's attorney general pledged over the weekend to examine the planned closure of struggling Mount Ida College, which will merge with UMass Amherst, as students and parents grappled with an uncertain future. Under the agreement announced Friday, students at the small Newton college will be able to complete their degrees at UMass Dartmouth."
- "Federal judge upholds Massachusetts assault weapons ban, dismisses lawsuit launched after 'copycat' crackdown," by Gintautas Dumcius, MassLive.com: "A federal judge on Friday dismissed a lawsuit brought by gun owners, advocates and dealers amid Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey's crackdown on 'copycat' assault weapons in 2016."
- "Massachusetts lawmakers OK bill calling for rape kit testing," by the Associated Press: "Legislation aimed at prioritizing the testing of rape kits for possible DNA evidence is awaiting Republican Gov. Charlie Baker's signature before becoming law. The bill includes a requirement that all existing untested kits associated with a reported crime be submitted for testing within 180 days."
- "The Topline: State follows voters' lead on criminal justice," by MassINC Polling Group: "The Senate and House sent a sweeping criminal justice reform bill to Governor Charlie Baker's desk [last] week. Details matter, and there are a lot of them to parse, but the overall thrust of the bill is very much in keeping with what voters have said they want to see from the criminal justice system, according to polls we conducted in 2014 and 2017."
- "Wynn's presence in Mass. could be in doubt amid investigation," by Jon Chesto, Boston Globe: "The fate of Wynn Resorts' license for a $2.4 billion gambling palace it is building in Everett now hinges on a state investigation that may not be resolved until sometime this summer. After Massachusetts Gaming Commission chairman Stephen Crosby said Wynn's continued work in Everett is being done on an 'at-risk basis,' speculation has swirled during the past week that the Nevada company might look for an exit."
WARREN REPORT -
- "MSNBC backs out of Westfield State University town hall after student outcry," by Shannon Young, MassLive.com: "Westfield State University announced Friday that MSNBC has reversed its decision to hold a live town hall with U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, on the school's campus following backlash from some students. [University President Ramon S. Torrecilha] added that while work had been underway to hold the live MSNBC Town Hall on Dever Stage, the network decided to back out of hosting it at the university in wake of 'disappointment and passionate opposition' from students involved in the spring musical's production."
ON THE STUMP -
- "What if, in a Boston congressional race, the candidates seemed to agree on nearly - everything?." by Joshua Miller, Boston Globe: "... Last week US Representative Michael E. Capuano and his Democratic primary challenger, Ayanna Pressley, a city councilor, answered questions before students at Emerson College on consecutive evenings. And yes, they differed on the subject of their most passionate comments (Capuano's on his vote against the Patriot Act and the importance of civil liberties; Pressley's on the need for more empathy and compassion in government) ... But the policy positions of the two progressive politicians struck many of the same notes."
- "Will The New Tax Law Help GOP U.S. House Candidates In Mass.?," by Steve Koczela, WBUR: "The tax bill pushed by Trump and passed by Republicans in Congress late last year was supposed to help. But polls show this help has yet to happen."
- "Will A Pack Of Criminal Justice 'Reform' Candidates Lead To The Election Of A 'Conservative' Suffolk County DA?," by David S. Bernstein, WGBH News: "It's not just Massachusetts lawmakers embracing a new approach to handling law-breakers. Four of the five declared candidates for Suffolk County District Attorney, running to succeed Dan Conley, supported passage of the bill ... several of them say it did not go far enough."
- "Geoff Diehl says his experience on Beacon Hill, organizing efforts make him best GOP challenger to face Elizabeth Warren in 2018," by Shannon Young, MassLive.com:"Despite a field of GOP rivals and a comparatively small campaign war chest, State Rep. Geoff Diehl says he's confident about his chances of unseating U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren this fall. The Whitman lawmaker, following a recent campaign stop in Springfield, said he believes his experience as a Beacon Hill legislator, business owner and organizer for ballot and presidential campaigns should give him the edge over other Massachusetts Republicans running for U.S. Senate in 2018."
ENDORSEMENT WATCH -
FIRST IN PLAYBOOK - "Barbara L'Italien Endorses Diana DiZoglio for Senate," from the L'Italien campaign: "DiZoglio is running for the seat currently held by Senator Kathleen O'Connor Ives (D-Newburyport), who is retiring at the end of her term. In that district, L'Italien formerly represented Haverhill, Methuen, and North Andover as a state representative. ... DiZoglio was recently outspoken about her work to get rid of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in the General Court, citing her experience with her own NDA, an effort that L'Italien praised."
- "Setti Warren earns transit endorsement in bid for governor," by Cyrus Moulton, Worcester Telegram & Gazette: "The union of bus drivers at the Worcester Regional Transit Authority and the Funding for Public Transit Committee endorsed Setti Warren for governor Friday, saying the Newton Democrat was a strong ally as they fight proposed service cuts due to level funding in the governor's budget."
- Moving Forward Arlington has backed Jay Gonzalez for governor. Per MFA: "MFA's endorsement of Jay adds to the strong support he has in Arlington where he has already gained the endorsement of State Senator Cindy Friedman and State Representative Sean Garballey. Jay also won support of 31 out of 36 delegates from Arlington to the Democratic state convention in June."
THE KENNEDY COMPOUND -
- "Joe Kennedy III on his legacy and future," by CBS News: "At 37, Congressman Kennedy is the latest of the legendary Democratic clan to pick up the political mantle. He's well aware of all that implies. '"Should we be watching you in 2020?' ['CBS This Morning''s Gayle King asked] 'I wouldn't hold your breath on that one,' he said."
WOOD WAR - Herald: "TRANS WOMEN TO RUN MARATHON," "A BIG PRICE TO PAY" - Globe: "Trump warns of 'big price' for Syria raid," "Rail firm knew of license suspension," "Twisting in storm of tweets," "High cost of replacing high-tech car keys," "Addiction center fuses data, compassion," "CRAZY EIGHTS."
THE LOCAL ANGLE -
- "Could there really be five Mass. politicians running against Trump in 2020?," by Annie Linskey, Boston Globe: "President Trump's unconventional presidency has shattered all kinds of norms, but there's one very local tradition that he seems to be reviving: Massachusetts presidential ambitions. Count them: Senator Elizabeth Warren. Former governor Deval Patrick. Representative Seth Moulton. Even former secretary of state John Kerry and Representative Joe Kennedy III are often named. (And, as a bonus, some theorize - or fantasize - that Mitt Romney could jump in on the Republican side and offer a primary challenge to Trump, though the former Massachusetts governor is shedding his ties to the Commonwealth as he campaigns for the Senate in Utah.)"
- "How gerrymandered is Massachusetts?," by Nik DeCosta-Klipa, Boston.com: "Massachusetts has come a long way since the days of Gov. Elbridge Gerry. But how much does gerrymandering still play a role in the state where the term was first coined?"
- "Gun owners stage 'peaceful 2nd Amendment gathering' on Greenfield Common," by MassLive.com: "One day after a federal judge upheld Massachusetts' assault weapons ban, and in response to nationwide calls for stronger gun control, dozens of Franklin County gun owners gathered to show their support for a broad interpretation of the Second Amendment. Many of the sign-carrying demonstrators assembled on Greenfield Town Common Saturday said they want to counter negative perceptions of law-abiding gun owners, and opined that they should not be penalized for the actions of criminals."
- "Students in charge with town halls," by Jordan Frias, Boston Herald: "Student activists inspired by the students of Parkland, Fla., and the March for Our Lives rally organized a town hall yesterday afternoon to question leaders on gun violence and prevention. U.S. Reps. Michael E. Capuano and Stephen F. Lynch were among state legislators and city councilors in Roxbury who took part in a 'Town Hall for Our Lives.' Similar events were held state- and nationwide."
- "Walsh commits $2 million to police body camera program," by Milton J. Valencia, Boston Globe: 'Mayor Martin J. Walsh has put aside $2 million in next year's budget proposal to fund a police body camera program - a measure that could allow the city to begin implementation as soon as July. But Walsh said the funding is intended to start the process, district by district, of putting the cameras in place - part of an overall initiative in the city's spending plan to improve technology and boost resources in the Boston Police Department."
- "Vision-impaired runners get boost from app in time for Boston Marathon," by Lindsay Kalter, Boston Herald: "The city is partnering with California-based tech company Aira, which makes an app that connects users with agents who - through smartglasses or a smartphone camera - see and vividly describes the person's surroundings. During the frenetic marathon week, it will allow people who are blind or with low vision to navigate the city more easily."
- "Pitts Stop: Could Smarter Tolling Reduce Traffic Congestion In Boston?," by Breana Pitts, WBZ CBS Boston: "'So right now in Massachusetts we toll in a really dumb way. We don't give drivers an incentive to get off the road at rush hour-which other states and regions around the country are doing,' says Chris Dempsey, director of Transportation 4 Massachusetts, the group behind the billboards. Dempsey is referring to a concept known as 'Smarter Tolling' where toll prices are lowered during off peak times and raised during rush hour."
- "Rail officials knew that judge's son had poor driving record, yet made him an engineer," by Andrea Estes, Boston Globe: "The former operator of the state's commuter rail system said earlier this year that it was unaware one of its engineers had a poor driving record - more than 80 pages long - when it put him behind the controls of a locomotive train. But internal records obtained by the Globe indicate that the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company, which operated the system until 2014, knew that Roberto Ronquillo III had had his license suspended twice after being pulled over for drunken driving."
- "Police warning of bear sightings after Northfield bear tried to break into home," by Jeanette DeForge, MassLive.com: "Police in several communities are warning residents that bears are now on the move and people should take measures to avoid attracting them. Northfield Police said Sunday morning a resident was awakened by a noise at her back door and found a bear trying to enter her back door."
- "Russian woman facing deportation given sanctuary in Northampton church," by Dave Canton, MassLive.com: "A Russia woman has been given sanctuary in a Northampton church as she fights deportation, church officials said Friday night. Irida Kakhtiranova sought sanctuary at the Unitarian Society of Northampton and Florence, Congregation President Laurie Loisel said in a statement."
- "Marathon OKs trans runners," by Antonio Planas, Boston Herald: "At least five openly transgender women are signed up to run April 16. And while they aren't the first, they're helping bring clarity to the race's stance on transgender runners."
NEW THIS MORNING - Massachusetts native Alexis Prieur L'Heureux will be Rep. Seth Moulton's new chief of staff. Alexis joins the staff today and will be based in Moulton's Washington D.C. office. Alexis assumes this position from interim Chief of Staff Carrie Rankin, who will be transitioning into a senior advisory role.
MAZEL! - Christopher Huntley starts on Monday as speechwriter for Sen. Elizabeth Warren. He previously was communications director for Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) and was director of millennial media at Hillary for America.
- HAPPY BIRTHDAY - to State Rep. Dan Cullinane of Dorchester.
- DID THE HOME TEAM WIN? Yes and No! - The Red Sox edged the Rays 8-7, Celtics lost to the Hawks 112-106 and the Bruins fell to the Panthers 4-2.
ICYMI - THE LATEST HORSE RACE PODCAST EPISODE: Former State Senator Ben Downing is back! He reappears this week as the body's mountain of bad press has us testing a State Senate Chaos Theory. Then we look west with Matt Szafranski of Western Massachusetts Politics & Insight, checking in on the unexpected primary challenge to former state Senate President Stan Rosenberg. Plus, it's almost caucus time! Steve and Lauren break down what it means when the largest number of delegates are "uncommitted." Subscribe and listen on iTunes and Sound Cloud
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