News : POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: BIDEN taps WALSH for LABOR — MAYORAL RACE WIDE OPEN

Friday, January 8, 2021

POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: BIDEN taps WALSH for LABOR — MAYORAL RACE WIDE OPEN — Mass. man ARRESTED in CAPITOL CHAOS

Jan 08, 2021

GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. TGIF.

WALSH HEADED TO D.C., MAYORAL RACE WIDE OPEN — It's the equivalent of an earthquake in Boston politics.

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh is headed to Washington as President-elect Joe Biden's nominee for secretary of Labor. And for more than a dozen ambitious pols in the city, Walsh's departure creates a once-in-a-decade chance to be the mayor of Boston.

Biden hadn't even officially announced his choice on Thursday when the mad dash to prepare campaigns began. The news that Walsh was chosen for the Labor job was an afternoon scoop from my POLITICO colleagues covering the transition. (Here's a shameless plug for the Transition Playbook). By the evening, would-be mayoral candidates and allies were huddled in living rooms around the city.

Walsh's new gig came as a shock to some in the Boston political scene, though it had been widely reported that he was in the running for the Labor post. Advisers had pointed to Walsh staffing up his political operation and raising tons of campaign cash as proof he was sticking around. Keeping a new job under wraps is not exactly unusual around here — Speaker Robert DeLeo and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans both threw cold water on the idea they were moving on until the very last moment.

In a matter of hours, the shock wore off. More than a dozen potential candidates — city councilors, state lawmakers and others — were working the phones and testing the waters. Expect a crowded field, and as candidates jump in, pay attention to who can draw from a base of neighborhood support.

This also means Boston City Council President Kim Janey is on track to make history. Janey is in line to become acting mayor, and she will be the first woman and Black Bostonian to lead the city. If Janey decides to seek a full term, she'll have the advantage of running as an incumbent, something that worked in the late Mayor Tom Menino's favor in the early 1990s.

Of course, already in the race are Boston City Councilors Michelle Wu and Andrea Campbell, who have each raised about half a million dollars for their campaigns. Both praised Biden for nominating Walsh.

Here's a lengthy list of pols who are eyeing Walsh's office: Boston City Councilors Annissa Essaibi-George, Ed Flynn, Michael Flaherty and Ricardo Arroyo, state Sens. Nick Collins and Sonia Chang-Díaz, state Reps. Aaron Michlewitz and Jon Santiago, Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Tompkins and City Hall aides John Barros and Marty Martinez.

My warning: Take this list with a grain of salt. Sometimes politicians float their names with no intention of actually running. Other candidates will probably emerge in the coming days. And in a few weeks, we'll know who is for real and who is not.

One big question is whether the city's scheduled 2021 election will proceed as planned, or if the timeline of Walsh's resignation will trigger a special election.

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

TODAY — Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Rep. Seth Moulton are guests on GBH News.

GET THE BIG PRE-INAUGURATION SCOOPS IN TRANSITION PLAYBOOK: Inauguration Day is quickly approaching. Is the Biden administration ready? Transition Playbook brings you inside the transition and newly forming administration, tracking the latest from Biden world and the transition of power. Written for political insiders, this scoop-filled newsletter breaks big news and analyzes the appointments, people and emerging power centers of the new administration. Track the transition and the first 100 days of the incoming Biden administration. Subscribe today.

THE LATEST NUMBERS

– "Massachusetts reports 7,136 new COVID cases, 71 deaths on Thursday as hospitals reach 84% bed capacity," by Tanner Stening, MassLive.com: "State health officials confirmed another 7,136 COVID-19 cases on Thursday, bringing the number of active cases statewide to 81,604. Health officials also confirmed another 71 COVID-related fatalities, for a total now of 12,634 confirmed deaths from the respiratory infection since the pandemic began.

– "219 Massachusetts cities and towns are now at high risk for coronavirus transmission," by Lisa Kashisnky, Boston Herald: "Nearly two-thirds of the cities and towns in Massachusetts are now at high risk for coronavirus transmission as leaders from Gov. Charlie Baker to Boston Mayor Martin Walsh extend restrictions in hopes of stemming the surging tide of cases and easing the burden on hospitals."

– "178 Massachusetts students, 253 staffers positive for COVID during 2-week period that included winter break," by Melissa Hanson, MassLive.com: "During a two-week period that included winter break, a total of 431 coronavirus cases among Massachusetts students and public school staffers have been reported by the state."

DATELINE BEACON HILL

– "Massachusetts to extend its restrictions on gatherings, business capacity for 2 weeks," by Steph Solis, MassLive.com: "Massachusetts will continue its restrictions on public gatherings and business capacity, Gov. Charlie Baker announced Thursday. The state will continue to limit gatherings to 25 people outdoors and 10 people indoors. Businesses are mandated to cap capacity at 25%."

– "Republican Gov. Charlie Baker: Riot, Stoked By Trump, A 'Dark Moment For Our Country,'" by Adam Reilly, GBH News: "Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker opened his regular COVID-19 briefing Thursday with a scathing denunciation of President Donald Trump and his role in the mayhem that erupted in Washington, D.C. Wednesday, when pro-Trump extremists stormed the U.S. Capitol as Congress gathered to certify President-elect Joe Biden's election win."

– "Jobless claims edge up in Massachusetts," by Christian M. Wade, Gloucester Daily Times: "New unemployment claims in Massachusetts ticked up last week as an additional $300 in weekly payments kicked in from a federal relief package. At least 25,869 new benefits claims were filed for the week ended Jan. 2, according to the state Department of Labor. That's an increase of about 2,500 from the previous week."

– "A closer look at the sausage-making," by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: "The avalanche of bills that came out of the Legislature during the nearly 17-hour session spanning Tuesday and Wednesday was a classic case in which lawmakers would argue that the ends justify the means. Beacon Hill legislators tackled a host of bills, close to 200 by some estimates."

– "As COVID patients fill hospital beds, Massachusetts eases nurse-to-patient ratio rules, coordinates cross-hospital talks," by Steph Solis, MassLive.com: "COVID-19 patients are filling hospital beds across Massachusetts, stretching the limits of the hospital system, Health and Human Services Services Marylou Sudders said Thursday. The rise in hospitalizations prompted state health officials to escalate Massachusetts to Tier 4 status, meaning hospitals in each region will meet daily to coordinate patient treatment in light of the tighter hospital capacity across the state."

– "Lawmakers OK faster notice of sewage spills," by Christian M. Wade, CNHI News: "Sewage treatment plant operators would be required to give more timely public notice of discharges into rivers, lakes and the ocean under a proposal passed in the final hours of the legislative session Wednesday."

– "Now What Happens With All Those 2020 Election Ballots? They'll Be Around Longer Than You Might Think," by Edgar B. Herwick III, GBH News: "Twenty-two months. That's how long it's took England's Nick Butter to run a marathon in every one of the 196 UN-recognized countries on the planet. It's how long it takes for an elephant to carry a baby to term. And it's also the lifespan of the ballot that you cast in the November presidential election."

VAX-ACHUSETTS

– "Some second COVID vaccine doses underway in Massachusetts, according to state data," by Tanner Stening, MassLive.com: "Second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are currently going out in Massachusetts, with 1,213 administered so far as of Thursday, according to the latest Department of Public Health's vaccine data."

– "Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe receives COVID-19 vaccines," by Jessica Hill, Cape Cod Times: "COVID-19 vaccinations have come to the Mashpee Wampanoag, and tribal leaders are encouraging members to get the shot. Tribal councilman Brian Weeden received his first dose of the Moderna vaccine on Tuesday morning at the Mashpee Wampanoag Health Service Unit."

FROM THE HUB

– "A day after violent D.C. insurrection, Boston protesters, clergy call for peace, justice," by Jeremy C. Fox, Boston Globe: "A day after a violent mob of pro-Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol, protesters marched through Boston Thursday and clergy gathered outside City Hall to call for peace and justice. About 20 people gathered outside South Station for a 5 p.m. protest organized by the national group Refuse Fascism, some wearing orange T-shirts that read, "Trump/Pence #outnow!'"

– "Boston Mayor Marty Walsh Joins Calls for Trump's Removal After Mob Storms Capitol," by Saraya Wintersmith, GBH News: "A day after right-wing extremists seized the U.S. Capitol in an effort to thwart the finalizing of election results, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh added his voice to the growing chorus calling for President Donald Trump's second impeachment and early removal from office."

– "Outdoor Dining 'Did Not Save The Restaurant Industry,' Says Cambridge Chef," by Arun Rath, GBH News: "There's nothing like winter in New England. But for restaurants trying to break even in the pandemic, the cold, wintery weather is a lot less quaint. Tony Maws, chef and owner of Cambridge's Craigie on Main, said he was grateful for the opportunity to host outdoor dining, particularly when it allowed him and his staff to re-connect with patrons."

PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES

– "Local Transit Advocates Weigh In On Pete Buttigieg As Transportation Secretary," by Bob Seay, GBH News: "With Mayor Pete Buttigieg poised to become the next US Secretary of Transportation, GBH news reached out to four well-known local transit advocates to get their take on what to expect. Former Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation Jim Aloisi supported Buttigieg during his presidential run and says Mayor Pete is a good choice to be the Transportation secretary."

– "State signals that Boston, Harvard need to help pay for Mass. Pike project in Allston," by Adam Vaccaro, Boston Globe: "State officials are increasing pressure on the City of Boston and Harvard University to pony up more money for the $1.3 billion rebuilding of the Massachusetts Turnpike through Allston, suggesting they would cut back the project significantly without additional contributions."

THE OPINION PAGES

– "Public Transportation Should Be Free," by Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu, The Appeal: "Public transportation is a public good. When transit is the most reliable, convenient, and affordable option, everyone benefits—transit riders pursuing economic opportunity across town, drivers enjoying unclogged streets, and city residents breathing cleaner air ."

DAY IN COURT

– "Boston Marathon Bomber Sues Over Ballcap, Showers In Prison," WBUR: "Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev has sued the federal government for $250,000 over his treatment at the Colorado prison where he is serving a life sentence."

– "SJC to consider if car-sharing differs from car rentals," by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: "A visitor arriving at Logan Airport books a rental car through Turo, an online platform that lets private car owners share their cars, for a fee, with drivers. The owner drops the car off at the airport, where the visitor picks it up. Does the exchange amount to Turo operating a car rental business out of the airport?"

FROM THE DELEGATION

– "Democrats Face New Pressure To Get Things Done, As The Party In Power," by Callum Borchers, WBUR: "For years, Democratic lawmakers have had a ready-made explanation if their proposals fail to become laws: 'Over 400 bills are collecting dust on Mitch McConnell's desk,' said Assistant Speaker of the House Katherine Clark, who represents Massachusetts' 5th Congressional District."

– "House Democrats, joined by Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley, draft articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump," by Benjamin Kail, MassLive.com: "Several House Democrats on Thursday announced that they had drafted articles of impeachment just as Trump administration officials told reporters that the Cabinet had been discussing Trump's removal by invoking the 25th Amendment."

– "Smashed windows, buttressed doors: Rep. Neal describes Capitol invasion," by Danny Jin, The Berkshire Eagle: "For about a half-hour or so Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal sheltered in a dark room, having been told by Capitol Police to turn off the lights and stay off the phones. When the Capitol was deemed secure, Neal and his staffers were advised to cover their faces while walking in hallways to protect themselves from tear gas."

– "Markey Says Trump Should Be Removed After Mob Attacks Capitol," by Josh Landes, WAMC: "Democratic Massachusetts U.S. Senator Ed Markey is joining the chorus calling for the removal of Republican President Donald Trump. It comes after extremists violently occupied the Capitol Wednesday in an effort to halt the counting of electoral votes certifying Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election."

– "Rep. Moulton Has 'No Confidence' In Capitol Police: 'They Were Not Up To The Task At Hand,'" by Meghan Smith, GBH News: "Moulton, who represents Massachusetts' 6th Congressional District, said the Capitol Police were under-resourced, improperly trained and 'certainly not up to the task' of keeping rioters at bay and securing the compromised building."

– "U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, representing Attleboro area, says Capitol resembled war zone," by Tom Reilly, Sun Chronicle: "Walking back to the Capitol on Wednesday night, Jake Auchincloss looked over the grounds of the building after its lockdown earlier in the day and was struck by one lasting image."

TRUMPACHUSETTS

– "Mass. Republicans Condemn Violence At U.S. Capitol But Disagree On Blame," by Isaiah Thompson, GBH News: "Massachusetts Republicans have largely joined the state's all-Democrat congressional delegation and Republican Gov. Charlie Baker in condemning Wednesday's violence, after pro-Trump extremists stormed the U.S. Capitol while Congress was in session to certify the results of the November election.

– "Lelling Says He Will Prosecute Any Mass. Resident Who Stormed Capitol," by Deborah Becker, WBUR: "Attorney Andrew Lelling issued a statement calling the unrest in Washington, D.C. 'criminal,' and saying 'anyone who traveled from Massachusetts with the intent to commit such crimes will be prosecuted in the District of Massachusetts.'"

– "Massachusetts man among those arrested during Trump-inspired storming of U.S. Capitol, officials say," by Michelle Williams, MassLive.com: "At least one Massachusetts resident was among the thousands of President Donald Trump's supporters who flooded the streets of Washington, D.C. Wednesday and then stormed the U.S. Capitol. David Lester Ross, a 33-year-old, was arrested on misdemeanor charges of unlawful entry and violating the city's curfew."

– "Cape Cod Republicans react to Capitol clash," by Doug Fraser and Jessica Hill, Cape Cod Times: "Cape Cod Republicans, for the most part, denounced Wednesday's invasion of the Capitol by a mob of Trump supporters. But while some were quick to also distance themselves from the president himself, most were reluctant to criticize him for his role in the unprecedented attack on the nation's citadel of democracy."

ABOVE THE FOLD

— Herald: "'COOL' IT," "LABOR OF LOVE," — Globe: ""

FROM THE 413

– "Amherst schools provide mental health counseling after Capitol riot," by Scott Merzbach, Daily Hampshire Gazette: "School officials in Amherst are offering students an opportunity to discuss the violent storming of the U.S. Capitol and disruptions of the ratification of the presidential election that occurred Wednesday in Washington, D.C."

THE LOCAL ANGLE

– "Worcester School Committee adds more synchronous learning to meet new state regulation, but student says it won't help with mental health," by Melissa Hanson, MassLive.com: "The committee on Thursday night voted to approve new class schedules in order to adhere to requirements voted on last month by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. The new recommendations require remote districts like Worcester to offer 40 hours of synchronous instruction over a two-week period and daily synchronous instruction, mainly based on concerns about students' mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic."

– "Food insecurity a major problem in Massachusetts," by Jon Winkler, Nashoba Valley Voice: "The coronavirus pandemic has not only created new problems throughout Massachusetts, but has also worsened issues already plaguing the state. According to a member of the Mass Law Reform Institute, one of those worsened problems is food insecurity."

TRANSITIONS – Steven M. Ayr is now a partner at Casner & Edwards.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to Alexis Orzeck.

HAPPY BIRTHWEEKEND – to Saturday birthday-ers former Rep. Mike Capuano, who is 69; state Rep. Brad Jones, Dan Black, a Kennedy alum; Amy Mahler, Sasha Goodfriend, Shanice Wallace, Kevin Walther, Gustavo Quiroga and Marjorie Nesin. And to Sunday birthday-ers Chris Buchanan , director of public affairs and state and local government relations for Walmart, Samantha Hooper and Jonathan D. Sarna.

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.

A NEW YEAR MEANS A NEW HUDDLE IS HERE: Huddle, our daily congressional must-read, has a new author! Olivia Beavers took the reins this week, and she has the latest news and whispers from the Speakers' Lobby. Don't miss out, subscribe to our Huddle newsletter, the essential guide to all things Capitol Hill. Subscribe today.