POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Good and bad news for MASS DEMS — CHANDLER backs GONZALEZ — WARREN, MARKEY call for action on Puerto Rico
Good and bad news for MASS DEMS — CHANDLER backs GONZALEZ — WARREN, MARKEY call for action on Puerto Rico
06/01/2018 07:17 AM EDT
By Lauren Dezenski (ldezenski@politico.com; @LaurenDezenski) with Brent D. Griffiths (bgriffiths@politico.com; @BrentGriffiths)
TGIF, MASSACHUSETTS. Welcome to June (!)
THE GOOD AND BAD NEWS FOR MASS. DEMS — On the eve of the state party convention in Worcester, a new poll out this morning has good news and bad news for Massachusetts Democrats.
The good news? The state's most popular Democrat, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, continues to hold a huge lead in match-ups against her three Republican challengers, Beth Lindstrom, state Rep. Geoff Diehl, and John Kingston — she's up by 35 points against each of them. Independent candidate Shiva Ayyadurai, in each matchup, also captures 8 percent support. Warren also has a respectable 53 percent favorability rating.
But the WBUR/MassINC poll suggests the governor's race isn't even close. Republican Gov. Charlie Baker has a 40-point lead over his Democratic opponents, Bob Massie and Jay Gonzalez, both of whom remain largely unknown. Sixty six percent of respondents said they don't know who Massie is, while 79 percent had never heard of Gonzalez. Baker, meanwhile, has a 67 percent favorability rating.
Headed to the Democratic convention this weekend? Me too. Drop me a line/get in touch: ldezenski@politico.com.
TODAY — Day one of the Democratic State Convention gets underway in Worcester with speeches from uncontested Democrats including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, AG Maura Healey, Rep. Jim McGovern, Auditor Suzanne Bump, and Treasurer Deb Goldberg — Boston Pride festivities kick off with a flag raising on City Hall Plaza, which will be attended by Gov. Charlie Baker — Today is the first day the Cannabis Control Commission can begin issuing licenses for marijuana businesses.
ON THE STUMP —
FIRST IN PLAYBOOK — Senate President Harriette Chandler will endorse Jay Gonzalez today. Chandler is the highest-ranking Beacon Hill Democrat to back either candidate for governor. "Jay has the experience to lead and I am proud to endorse his candidacy for Governor of Massachusetts," Chandler said. "The whole world is watching the turbulence in Washington and it has never been more important for Massachusetts to demonstrate progressive leadership. Jay will be that leader with his proven record and his commitment to opportunity, justice, and equality."
ICYMI - "Bernie Sanders campaign co-chairs endorse Jay Gonzalez for governor," by Shira Schoenberg, MassLive.com: "The two co-chairs of Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign in Massachusetts have endorsed Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jay Gonzalez. State Reps. Mary Keefe, D- Worcester, and Paul Mark, D-Peru, announced Thursday that they are supporting Gonzalez for the Democratic nomination for governor."
- "Seth Moulton endorses Josh Zakim in race for secretary of state," by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: "US Representative Seth Moulton, who muscled his way into Congress four years ago by upsetting a seasoned Democratic incumbent, is backing Boston City Councilor Josh Zakim in his primary challenge to six-term Secretary of State William F. Galvin. The endorsement, Moulton's first foray into a statewide race in Massachusetts this year, underscores the growing number of calls from many corners of the Democratic party for younger voices to carry its mantle."
- "Democrats have a lot of energy this year. But in Mass., where do they put it?," by Frank Phillips and Matt Stout, Boston Globe: "Thousands of Massachusetts political activists, bolstered by an influx of newcomers, will converge this weekend for the state Democratic convention in Worcester, full of passion and ready to strike a blow at President Trump and Republicans in general. But the some 6,200 party delegates are also facing the political reality that there are limited prospects for directing that energy."
- "Steve Kerrigan Endorses Quentin Palfrey for Lieutenant Governor," from the Palfrey campaign: "Quentin Palfrey, a former Obama White House official and non-profit leader running for Lieutenant Governor has been endorsed by 2014 Democratic Nominee for Lieutenant Governor Steve Kerrigan."
- "Dem Candidates Slam Baker, Make Case For Governor In Latest Debate," by Antonio Caban, WGBH News: "Democratic gubernatorial candidates Jay Gonzalez and Robert Massie hammered incumbent Republican Governor Charlie Baker's record while also taking jabs at each other in a Thursday debate, their final before party activists this weekend choose their nominee. While largely in agreement on their approaches to education, transportation, gender equity and race, Massie, a longtime activist and former Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, positioned himself as bringing an outsider perspective to the corner office."
- "Slim Majority Of Mass. Voters Want To Keep Transgender Public Accommodations Law," by Yasmin Amer, WBUR: "A new WBUR poll out Thursday finds that a slim majority of Massachusetts voters do not want to repeal a 2016 state law that offers greater protections for transgender individuals in public accommodations. ... According to the WBUR poll, 52 percent of voters oppose getting rid of the law, while 38 percent support its repeal."
TSONGAS ARENA —
- "L'Italien chides opponents for political connections but raises thousands on Beacon Hill," by Frank Phillips, Boston Globe: "State Senator Barbara L'Italien, a Democrat running for Congress, has railed against several of her rivals for leveraging their relationships with high-ranking local officials to rake in campaign donations and rack up support from insiders. But L'Italien, in her own bid to replace retiring US Representative Niki Tsongas of Lowell, has turned for campaign funds to scores of lobbyists, insiders, and others with interests on Beacon Hill who depend on her decisions as cochairwoman of a powerful regulatory committee."
- "Third District Candidate Green Denounces 'Sanctuary State' Efforts as 'Dangerous'," by Allison Corneau, WHAV: "Third district congressional candidate Rick Green isn't a fan of the efforts to declare Massachusetts a so-called 'sanctuary state' —and he doesn't care who knows it. On Tuesday, the candidate running for Congresswoman Niki Tsongas' seat authored a letter to House and Senate leaders urging them to resist efforts to turn the state into a safe haven for immigrants."
DATELINE BEACON HILL —
- "With $1.8B Deal For Affordable Housing, Baker and Democrats Celebrate Shared Goals," by Mike Deehan, WGBH News: "Massachusetts could see a surge in new affordable housing construction after legislative leaders authorized Gov. Charlie Baker to funnel nearly $2 billion into housing projects, a goal Democratic leaders share with the Republican governor. It took them until nearly the end of their legislative session, but lawmakers finally signed off this month on most of Baker's $1.8 billion dollar housing bond bill, which authorizes the state to spend capital dollars on housing projects."
- "Pension and a paycheck? State may loosen 'double dipping' rules," by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: "Government retirees who are already collecting a public pension could be allowed to work up to 30 hours a week at another taxpayer-funded job, under a legislative proposal that would ease the limits designed to curb 'double-dipping.' The change, which has support in both the state House and Senate, would mark a dramatic jump for the 120,000 state and teacher retirees, and thousands of others who have left local government — hiking by as much as 50 percent the longtime limit on how many hours the former employees can still work in public jobs."
- "Politicians look to limit UMass president's powers," by Hillary Chabot, Boston Herald: "State lawmakers are looking to leash University of Massachusetts President Martin T. Meehan's broad authority to spend millions on real estate and force greater scrutiny on all spending for the sprawling, five-campus system under a blistering list of recommendations being drafted on Beacon Hill. The stringent measures are being developed as Meehan faces attacks from his own faculty and displaced private students after the controversial $75 million purchase of Mount Ida College for a UMass Amherst satellite — even as UMass Boston faces a $30 million deficit."
- "Lawmakers hesitant to apply early voting to primaries," by Michael P. Norton, State House News Service: "Early voting earned positive reviews during its inaugural run in Massachusetts, but lawmakers have so far been hesitant about implementing the voter convenience for this year's primary elections -- historically low-turnout affairs in which some incumbents face challengers. Because it's never been tried before in Massachusetts, the influence of early voting on primary elections -- both on turnout and outcome -- is unclear."
CHARLIE BAKER GOVERNS BY OUTSIDE EXPERTS YET AGAIN!
- "Gov. Baker discusses his vision for Worcester," by Cyrus Moulton, Telegram & Gazette: "Gov. Charles D. Baker Jr. said Thursday that state police will bring in an outside expert to 'provide guidance' to leadership at the agency, which is facing problems ranging from alleged abuse of overtime to the scrubbing of an arrest report involving a judge's daughter. Mr. Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito engaged the editorial board in a wide-ranging interview, touching on other subjects, including the Pawtucket Red Sox possible move to Worcester, commuter rail improvements and capital investments."
- "Online competition, state mandates are hurting Massachusetts retailers, report says," by Shira Schoenberg, MassLive.com: "Massachusetts retailers are struggling due to increased competition online and growing costs from state mandates, according to a new report released by a Massachusetts Senate Task Force on Strengthening Local Retail. However, the report stopped short of offering any recommendations to address the challenges."
DATELINE DC —
- "US Sens. Markey, Warren: Puerto Ricans still suffering from hurricane damage. It's time for Congress to act (Guest viewpoint)," by Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey, MassLive.com: "Eight months ago, Hurricane Maria turned Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands into a disaster zone. When FEMA ends the Transitional Shelter Assistance program on June 30, many of these evacuees are caught between two impossible situations - at risk of becoming homeless if they don't return to Puerto Rico and living in dangerously substandard housing if they do return. If the Trump administration continues to turn its back on these U.S. citizens in need, it's time for Congress to act."
WOOD WAR — Herald: "MY HERO" — Globe: "Trump pardons a scourge of liberals," "Three bodies found at Springfield home," "Rediscovering a missing link," "Family divided on reopening RFK case," "Legislature looks to ease 'double-dipping' cap."
THE LOCAL ANGLE —
- "Sexual assault allegations reverberate in Boston theater scene," by Malcolm Gay, Boston Globe: "A freelance theater critic has been blacklisted by area theaters after an actor accused him of sexual assault — a case that was reported to police but not pursued by prosecutors as the critic continued to circulate within Boston's theater community. In a lengthy Facebook post in April, actor Evan Gambardella alleged that Alan Chase, a theater blogger who had registered as a sex offender, fondled him during a late-night bus ride in 2012 from New York to Boston. Chase, 71, did not respond to Globe requests for comment."
- "The Wahlbergs and Dorchester: A complicated story," by Simon Rios, WBUR: "This historically blue collar part of the city is now at the head of a real estate boom, and it offers the opportunity the Wahlbergs needed to open their restaurant in their old neighborhood. But for some Dorchester folks, there's irony in a working class brand opening in one of the most rapidly modernizing parts of the city."
- "Special feature: More potent than rodents," by Laura Kiesel, DigBoston: "Research reveals rat poisons are becoming increasingly commonplace in the bloodstreams of birds of prey in the Bay State. The worst part? Despite this rampant use of rat poison and its unintended repercussions, we are still losing our war against rats."
- "Marty Walsh names new press secretary," by Milton J. Valencia, Boston Globe: "Mayor Martin J. Walsh has named a new press secretary: Samantha Ormsby, who has served as a deputy press secretary, will replace Nicole Caravella, who left the mayor's office last week for a job in the private sector. Ormsby will oversee media relations for the mayor's office and City Hall, and will work under Laura K. Oggeri, the mayor's chief communications officer."
MAZEL! — To Emerge Massachusetts' Executive Director Ryanne Olson, who has been named Training and Curriculum Director for Emerge America.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Gov. Charlie Baker's chief legal counsel Lon Povich.
HAPPY BIRTHWEEKEND — to state Rep. Jay Livingstone of Beacon Hill, who celebrates on Sunday.
DID THE HOME TEAM WIN? No! - The Red Sox lost to the Astros 4-2.
FRESH OUT OF THE GATE - THE HORSE RACE PODCAST: Just before the Democrats' nominating convention, chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party Gus Bickford joins us for a chat about what to expect from candidates and delegates. Then the Springfield Republican's Shira Schoenberg discusses the developments in the race for Stan Rosenberg's former Senate seat. Plus, Steve and Lauren discuss the reality behind the Safe Communities Act that passed the Senate's budget process. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and Sound Cloud
Want to make an impact? POLITICO Massachusetts has a variety of solutions available for partners looking to reach and activate the most influential people in the Bay State. Have a petition you want signed? A cause you're promoting? Seeking to increase brand awareness among this key audience? Share your message with our influential readers to foster engagement and drive action. Contact Jesse Shapiro to find out how: jshapiro@politico.com.
FOR MORE political and policy news from Massachusetts, check out: http://politi.co/1qNSlWx
SUBSCRIBE to the Playbook family: POLITICO Playbook http://politi.co/2lQswbh ... New York Playbook http://politi.co/1ON8bqW ... Florida Playbook http://politi.co/1OypFe9 ... New Jersey Playbook http://politi.co/1HLKltF ... Massachusetts Playbook http://politi.co/1Nhtq5v ... Illinois Playbook http://politi.co/1N7u5sb ... California Playbook http://politi.co/2bLvcPl ... Brussels Playbook http://politi.co/1FZeLcw ... London Playbook http://politi.co/2xfDPuK ... All our political and policy tipsheets http://politi.co/1M75UbX
POLITICO, LLC 1000 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA, 22209, USA
Comments
Post a Comment