POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: CLARK on PELOSI, flipping the House — GONZALEZ files signatures — DEVAL on ‘conscious capitalism’

CLARK on PELOSI, flipping the House — GONZALEZ files signatures — DEVAL on ‘conscious capitalism’

05/02/2018 07:14 AM EDT

By Lauren Dezenski (ldezenski@politico.com; @LaurenDezenski) with Brent D. Griffiths (bgriffiths@politico.com; @BrentGriffiths)

GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Hope you're ready to hit the mid-80s in Boston today!

KATHERINE CLARK ON PELOSI AND HER OWN HIGHER ASPIRATIONS - Rep. Katherine Clark not only represents the Massachusetts 5th district but also co-chairs the DCCC's Red to Blue initiative charged with flipping red seats around the country into the hands of Democrats. In an interview with me from a coffee shop in Melrose yesterday, Clark had some interesting things to say...

First - She's not 100 percent behind Nancy Pelosi's return to the speakership. Clark may have been behind a Pelosi fundraiser in Boston on Monday - Clark tells me the fundraiser at the Liberty Hotel raised $1 million - but she's not ready to commit to backing Pelosi if Democrats retake the House. "I certainly would consider it. I think she's done a good job. I think we just have to see where we are and we have to see if she's even staying and running. ... We have plenty of time and I hope that we get to have a robust discussion about who should be speaker in November."

She's in it for the connections. Asked why she'd take on the extracurricular activities of crisscrossing the country backing blue candidates in red districts for the D-trip, Clark listed her own legislative goals and frustration that there was no movement on them in this Washington. "This Congress, this leadership, doesn't seem willing to change, so I think we have to change Congress. And what the D-trip offers is economies of scale. It's able to do more for more candidates than if I went out and individually tried to help all of the candidates."

It's important to see more women candidates, but they can't be prioritized over men - which gives us some indirect insight into her endorsement of the incumbent in the race between Rep. Michael Capuano and Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley. "We certainly want to keep our support even. We recognize that we want it [Congress] to be balanced with candidates of color, geographic diversity, gender diversity, so we do keep that in mind, but there isn't necessarily a preference for a woman candidate over a man." Multiple times, Clark reiterated her interest in flipping seats from red to blue rather than getting involved in Democratic primary fights.

She's staying in the House. "I truly enjoy my job now in the minority and I can't even imagine how great it would be in the majority," she said. Asked if we will see her running for higher office like the US Senate or governor, Clark replied, "probably not."

Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: ldezenski@politico.com.

TODAY - House Speaker Robert DeLeo will make an announcement related to gun violence legislation at the Cambridge Rindge and Latin school this afternoon. Also in attendance: state Rep. Marjorie Decker; John Rosenthal, founder of Stop Handgun Violence; Cambridge Rindge and Latin students; Stoneman Douglas High School alumni; Moms Demand Action, Massachusetts Chapter; Everytown for Gun Safety; Chief Brian Kyes, President of the Mass Major City Chiefs of Police; and representatives from the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association - The Jay Gonzalez campaign will file the 12,000 signatures needed to get onto the September primary ballot to the Secretary of State's office today, the Gonzalez campaign tells me. Gonzalez is the first Democrat to file his 10,000 required signatures. Gov. Charlie Baker's team filed the requisite signatures to get onto the ballot back in March - Gov. Charlie Baker presents former Gov. Bill Weld with the Charles E. Rogerson Award at Rogerson's annual Welcome Home gala at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel. The award will be preceded by an interview between WGBH's Emily Rooney and Weld.

ON THE STUMP -

FIRST IN PLAYBOOK - Progressive Massachusetts endorses Jay Gonzalez for governor . From Progressive Massachusetts: "We need allies in the Corner Office who believe in building upon past health care reforms to build a truly universal single payer health care system, in fighting for workers and supporting a $15 minimum wage and paid family and medical leave, in crafting a fair tax system, in transitioning our economy away from fossil fuels and toward clean energy, in investing in the public education and public transit systems that are the bedrocks of our economy, in taking additional steps to reform our criminal justice system, in making Massachusetts a state where immigrants and families can live their lives without the daily fear of deportation, in making sure all Massachusetts residents are treated with dignity and respect, and in ensuring that our democracy is one in which all voices are heard and not drowned out by big money. ... We are proud to endorse Jay Gonzalez for Governor."

- Progressive Massachusetts also backed Quentin Palfrey for Lieutenant Governor - Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor Quentin Palfrey earned his second major progressive endorsement of the week with Progressive Massachusetts backing his candidacy for LG. Palfrey, a former Obama White House official, earned over 70% of the votes cast in the endorsement process for each organization.

- "In visit to Attleboro, Diehl says he won't ask primary opponents to drop out of Senate race," by Jim Hand, The Sun Chronicle: "State Rep. Geoff Diehl may have won the Republican Party endorsement at last weekend's convention, but he won't call on his primary challengers to drop out. Just two days after a convincing win at the convention with 55.7 percent of the vote, Diehl, R-Whitman, made Attleboro one of several campaign stops Monday."

EVER NOTICE HOW REPUBLICANS NEVER ADDRESS ISSUES?

ANOTHER SLOGANEERING REPUBLICAN! ACCEPTING A PAY RAISE IS 

THE BEST YOU CAN DO? 

JUST ANOTHER CANDIDATE REGURGITATING THE PROPAGANDA FROM THE MASS FISCAL ALLIANCE.

- "Auditor candidate [HELEN] Brady wants to serve on Baker's 'deeper bench'," by Katie Lannan, State House News Service: "As she officially accepted her party's nomination, the Republican candidate for state auditor sought to position herself as an ally to Gov. Charlie Baker and rapped the Democrat incumbent for accepting a pay raise last year. 'Let's face it, Massachusetts has in Charlie Baker the Tom Brady of governors. He needs a fearless slot receiver like me, who won't back down,' Brady said."

TSONGAS ARENA -

FIRST IN PLAYBOOK - Democratic Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán endorses Juana Matias, from the Matias campaign: "Today, State Rep. Juana Matias announced the endorsement of Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA-44), in her campaign for Congress in Massachusetts' Third District. This endorsement comes on the heels of the endorsement of the Congressional Black Caucus PAC."

- Dan Koh rolls out comprehensive campaign platform, from the Koh campaign: "Emphasizing that 'a good education is the lynchpin to the American Dream,' Democratic congressional candidate Dan Koh today unveiled a detailed education policy proposal. Koh's platform focuses on implementing universal Pre-K, strengthening public schools, supporting teacher development programs, improving school infrastructure, investing in tuition-free community college, and reducing student debt."

- Sheet Metal Workers local 17 endorse L'Italien for Congress, from the Barbara L'Italien campaign: "Local 17 Sheet Metal Workers are proud to endorse Barbara, a public servant and working family advocate our members know well and respect. Barbara has been there for us, and there is no better person to be our next congresswoman. She's the one who has proven her ability to fight hard for the best interests of working folks - and win." - Neal Kelleher, Director of Labor Development, Sheet Metal Workers Local 17.

- Rufus Gifford announces opening of Fitchburg office, per the Gifford campaign: The campaign, with headquarters in Lowell, is announcing the opening of its second office in Fitchburg. It is the first campaign in the race to open an office in Worcester County.

DATELINE BEACON HILL -

- "'Sparse' marijuana market expected this summer," by Colin A. Young, State House News Service: "With two months until retail pot sales are expected to begin, the Cannabis Control Commission chairman said to expect a "sparse" marijuana market this summer, even as the CCC opened the license application process to more applicants Tuesday. The CCC on Tuesday approved another 16 economic empowerment applicants and two registered marijuana dispensary (RMD) companies to have their license applications reviewed on an expedited basis."

BRAVO! CHARLIE BAKER DID SOMETHING! WHY THE 2 MONTH DELAY?  

- "Gov. Baker seeking federal disaster relief for March storm," by Associated Press: "Gov. Charlie Baker is seeking federal disaster relief for six Massachusetts counties hit hardest by the March 2-3 nor'easter that pounded the region with hurricane-force wind and rain and downed trees. The Republican governor on Monday asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency for a major disaster declaration for Essex, Plymouth, Norfolk, Bristol, Barnstable and Nantucket counties."

- "AG Maura Healey: More cases may have been affected by Amherst drug lab chemist Sonja Farak," by Shira Schoenberg, MassLive.com: "State prosecutors have already dismissed 8,000 drug cases touched by Amherst drug lab chemist Sonja Farak's misconduct. But Farak may have tampered with more cases than that, Attorney General Maura Healey wrote in a court brief in which she urged the court to consider dismissing additional cases."

DATELINE DC -

- "Nancy Pelosi doesn't plan on going anywhere," by Liz Goodwin, Boston Globe: "Despite grumblings from some Democrats and dismal approval ratings, the House minority leader aims to keep an iron grip on her leadership role, saying in an interview Tuesday that she fully intends to lead House Democrats if they recapture control of the chamber in November, as many prognosticators believe is likely. 'This is not 2006,' [Rep. Seth] Moulton said. 'I fear that a problem we have in our party is we keep looking backwards when we need to look forwards.'"

- "Markey tries to intercede in Fall River plant closure," by Jon Chesto, Boston Globe: "There's usually no turning back once a factory closure is announced. That didn't stop Massachusetts Senator Edward J. Markey from trying, after Philips Lighting recently decided to shut down manufacturing operations in Fall River."

THE WARREN REPORT -

- "Senator Elizabeth Warren on health care and minimum wage," by Jimmy Kimmel Live: "Senator Warren talks about getting her fighting spirit from her mom, how hard it is to live off of minimum wage in America, Donald Trump's inauguration, the fight to bring health care to all Americans, why calling your representatives is important, and reveals whether or not she's running for president."

AS A NATION, WE OWE SENATOR JON TESTER A DEBT FOR DEFENDING OUR VETERANS AND SPEAKING OUT AGAINST THE NOMINATION OF RONNY JACKSON:  A NOMINEE WHO WAS NOT VETTED, LACKED THE EXPERIENCE TO ADMINISTER A VAST AGENCY LIKE THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION AND IS CURRENTLY BEING INVESTIGATED. 

THANK YOU SENATOR TESTER! 

AMERICANS DESERVE MORE SENATORS WITH THE COURAGE TO SPEAK OUT FOR WHAT'S RIGHT! 

DISREGARD THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN!

- "Warren rushing to Tester's aid after Trump attack," by Zachary Warmbrodt, POLITICO: "Sen. Elizabeth Warren is coming to the rescue of Sen. Jon Tester in the face of escalating attacks by President Donald Trump, just weeks after her campaign trashed the politically vulnerable Montana Democrat for supporting a landmark bank deregulation bill. In a fundraising email Monday, the progressive leader called on her vast base of supporters to donate to Tester's reelection campaign and help him fight back."

EXCERPT:

For his part, Tester defended his actions on the Jackson nomination. "It's my duty to make sure Montana veterans get what they need and have earned, and I'll never stop fighting for them as their senator," he said over the weekend.

THE KENNEDY COMPOUND -

- "As Philips Lighting reaps profits, Kennedy, delegation want answers on Fall River closure," by WCVB: "$300 million in profits and buying back $187 million in shares in 2018. Congressman Joe Kennedy III and the rest of Massachusetts' congressional delegation are fighting to convince Philips Lighting North America not to move a factory from Fall River to Mexico. In a letter signed by all nine of the state's representatives and both senators, the politicians warn that closing the factory will result in the loss of 160 jobs and negative economic repercussions for the region."

TSONGAS ARENA -

- "Task for 3rd District Democrats: Standing out," by Chris Lisinski, Lowell Sun: "By the time the second of two debates at UMass Lowell wrapped up Sunday afternoon, it became clear again that the 3rd Congressional District race is still defined more by who the candidates are than by what they have to say. In a field of 12, that may be the best way to stand out, although the occasional remarks about the role of money hint that top fundraisers such as Dan Koh and Rufus Gifford may come to face attacks from their opponents on that topic."

- WOOD WAR - Herald: "IMMIGRATION GRIDLOCK," "PLEADING THE FIFTH," "STATIES PROBING OWN HANDLING OF FATAL CRASH" - Globe: "State Police response to crash will be probed," "Everyone pays for this South Boston deal," "Pelosi plans to stay put as leader," "He'll do it his way," "Boston plans to float in parts for bridge to Long Island."

THE LOCAL ANGLE -

- "How To Be a Conscious Capitalist, According to Deval Patrick," by Ellen McGirt, Fortune Magazine: "'The woke need to make room for the still waking.' This was the poignant insight offered by former Governor Deval Patrick yesterday at the Conscious Capitalism conference in Dallas, the annual convening of people who believe that business does well when it creates human value."

- "Attorney for State Police troopers in Alli Bibaud case plans to name Worcester DA Joseph Early Jr. in federal lawsuit," by Gintautas Dumcius, MassLive.com: "Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr.'s name will be added to a federal lawsuit sparked by edits to the arrest report of a judge's daughter, according to the attorney for two Massachusetts State Police troopers. 'We intend to flesh out the complaint to name the people we now understand were involved in the conspiracy, and he certainly was involved,' Leonard Kesten, the attorney, told MassLive."

- "Amazon formally announces expansion into Boston's Seaport, plan to create 2,000 jobs," by Michelle Williams, MassLive.com: "Amazon formally announced Tuesday plans to expand its presence in Massachusetts. The technology giant is expanding its team focused on Alexa and Audible, opening an office in Boston's Seaport."

HAS ANYONE DONE ANY COST ANALYSIS? EXCERPT:

The city of Boston approved $5 million in property-tax breaks for Amazon's Seaport office. Should Amazon expand its Seaport offices and lease an additional 610,000 square feet of commercial space, which would house an additional 2,000 workers, it will receive an additional $5 million property-tax breaks.

- "Everyone pays for this South Boston Airbnb deal," by Adrian Walker, Boston Globe: "... The rental is one bedroom in a unit of the Mary Ellen McCormack housing development, owned and operated by the Boston Housing Authority... When city officials got wind of that situation a few days ago, they were anything but supportive. Boston Housing Authority chief Bill McGonagle immediately started the process of evicting the tenant, charging that turning the back bedroom of a housing unit into a rental constitutes a violation of his lease."

- "At Harvard, Eric Holder says he may throw his hat into the ring," by Maddie Kilgannon, Boston Globe: "President Eric Holder? The former US attorney general thinks it has a nice ring, telling Harvard students Monday that he's contemplating a run for the White House. 'I'm thinking about it,' mused Holder, who served as the nation's chief law enforcement officer in the Obama administration."

- "Mansfield woman who lost son to heroin brings her fight to Washington," by Rick Foster, The Sun Chronicle: "Aimee Manzoni-D'Arpino lost her 20-year-old son Emmett to heroin two years ago, and his death has propelled her onto the front lines of combat against a national health epidemic, and for more opportunities for treatment and recovery. Manzoni-D'Arpino and 800 others affected by drug abuse tragedies traveled to Washington last week to learn and lobby local members of Congress for policy changes to help victims and families."

- "There were nearly 100,000 Uber and Lyft rides per day in Boston last year," by Adam Vaccaro, Boston Globe: "It's not your imagination: There are an awful lot of Uber and Lyft cars in Boston traffic. The ride-hailing companies provided nearly 35 million trips in Boston in 2017, or an average of about 96,000 every day, according to data released by Massachusetts officials Tuesday."

- 'Northampton mayor among those urging lawmakers to support immigrants," by Hayley Crombleholme, WWLP-22News:"Dozens of residents rallied outside Northampton City Hall to support immigrants, and workers rights Tuesday night. Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz was at Tuesday night's rally to announce the city's efforts to protect undocumented immigrants."

- "Boston meteorologist retires after 45 years of forecasts," by Laney Ruckstuhl, Boston Globe: "After decades of tracking New England storms like Hurricane Bob, the 'Perfect Storm' of 1991, and a slew of fierce blizzards, meteorologist Bob Thompson retired Monday from the National Weather Service."

- "Plymouth nuclear plant powered down again," by Christine Legere, Boston Globe: "The reactor at Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station is once again shut down, marking the third time this calendar year that operators have been forced to take the 45-year-old plant offline to deal with equipment problems. In total, the reactor has been in shutdown for 53 of the last 120 days - 44 percent of the time since Jan. 1."

- "Mount Ida's struggles included deficit, low graduation rate," by Laura Krantz, Boston Globe: "Mount Ida College was on track to run a $10 million deficit this year - the third year in the last four that its books would not balance. Only 40 percent of its students generally graduated on time, and about 10 percent of alumni default on their student loans, worse percentages than its peers."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - to State House News scribe Matt Murphy and former State Rep. Dianne Wilkerson.

DID THE HOME TEAM WIN? No! The Red Sox lost to the Royals 7-6.

POLITICO's Ben White is bringing Morning Money to the Milken Institute Global Conference to provide coverage of the day's events and evening happenings. The newsletter starts on April 29th. Sign-up to keep up with your daily conference coverage.

FRESH OUT OF THE GATE - THE LATEST HORSE RACE PODCAST EPISODE: The Ballot Stakes. It's a busy week in the bunker with Voter Choice Massachusetts' Adam Friedman on ranked choice voting, and -- in a return to the pod -- our senior campaign finance correspondent Sean Curran on the funding behind ballot question campaigns. Then, Steve and Lauren dig into the latest polling and upcoming debate in the race for the MA-3. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and Sound Cloud

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