News : POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: POLICE swarm BEACON HILL ahead of INAUGURATION — ROLLINS on U.S. Attorney shortlist

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: POLICE swarm BEACON HILL ahead of INAUGURATION — ROLLINS on U.S. Attorney shortlist — BIDEN could boost OFFSHORE WIND

Jan 19, 2021

GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Today is the last full day of President Donald Trump's term in office.

WHAT IT COSTS TO RUN FOR MAYOR — If there's one thing that might deter would-be candidates from running to replace outgoing Mayor Marty Walsh, it's money.

Running a campaign is expensive. Walsh raised well over $1.5 million during the preliminary period in 2013, the last time there was an open seat race. That's not counting what he raised and spent for the general election.

Say a candidate wanted to raise a million dollars for their campaign, and was starting at zero. That would entail a fundraising goal of at least $4,000 per day between now and the September preliminary election, assuming the city avoids a special election that would come even sooner, in the late spring or early summer. If campaign wanted to raise $2 million, that's a rate of $8,000 per day from now until September.

The coronavirus pandemic makes campaigning even more costly. With limited options for in-person, retail politicking, candidates will lean heavily on mail, television ads and social media to reach voters.

Already in the race, Boston City Councilors Michelle Wu and Andrea Campbell are in a strong position. Each have about half a million dollars on hand — Wu has $535,500 and Campbell has $513,700. (Campbell has raised more money than any Black mayoral candidate in Boston's history, her campaign points out).

A quick look at records compiled by the Office of Campaign and Political Finance show potential candidate and City Councilor Michael Flaherty has $198,000 on hand, state Rep. Jon Santiago has $160,000, Councilor Annissa Essaibi-George has $110,000, and Council President Kim Janey, the soon-to-be acting mayor, has $97,000.

Others who are eyeing the seat — Boston's Health and Human Services chief Marty Martinez, and Economic Development chief John Barros — are not elected officials and do not have campaign accounts. Similarly, Boston Police Commissioner William Gross does not have a campaign account.

Still, expect the field to grow sooner rather than later. Several campaign jobs were posted to a "Jobs That Are Left" online group over the weekend, which may have been for Essaibi-George. The posts were for an unnamed Boston mayoral campaign that is looking to hire a field director, deputy campaign manager and communications director.

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

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THE LATEST NUMBERS

– "Massachusetts reports 3,224 new COVID cases, 52 deaths on Monday," by Tanner Stening, MassLive.com: "State health officials confirmed another 3,224 COVID-19 cases on Monday, bringing the number of active statewide cases to 98,570. Health officials also announced another 52 COVID-related fatalities, for a total now of 13,424 since the pandemic began."

DATELINE BEACON HILL

– "Hundreds of medical professionals call on Baker to prioritize vaccine access for Black and immigrant communities," by Hanna Krueger, Boston Globe: "On the day the state's first mass vaccination site launched at Gillette Stadium, community activists and medical professionals Sunday called on Governor Charlie Baker and state public health officials to prioritize access to the COVID-19 vaccine to the Black and immigrant communities in Massachusetts."

– "Boston Police boost presence outside Massachusetts State House ahead of Inauguration Day and after Capitol riots," by Erin Tiernan and Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: "As threats loom around state capitols ahead of Inauguration Day, Beacon Hill transformed into a fortress on Sunday as hundreds of Boston police officers descended on the side streets around the State House and workers erected metal barriers to block traffic."

– "Reform advocates will press for changes in House rules," by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: "When the Massachusetts House sets its rules for the new two-year session, a group of advocates and lawmakers will renew their attempts to introduce more transparency into frequently opaque House processes. The rules debate will be among the first tests of how newly elected House Speaker Ron Mariano will relate to the progressive wing of the Democratic Party."

– "TCI opponents push other states to reject controversial carbon tax," by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: "Opponents of a controversial carbon tax that will push up the price of gas are lobbying a consortium of mid-Atlantic states to reject an agreement Massachusetts struck last month with several other states in an effort to doom the deal."

– "Massachusetts tracking coronavirus among 'commercial sex workers,'" by Joe Dwinell, Boston Herald: "The state has added 'commercial sex worker' to the daily coronavirus testing report in a metric advocates for the exploited say is underestimating what could be a potential COVID-19 'superspreader.'"

– "Inspector General raises new questions about Hingham Housing Authority payments," by Todd Wallack, Boston Globe: "The state inspector general's office is raising new questions about a conflict of interest involving the retired director of a Hingham public housing agency."

VAX-ACHUSETTS

– "Massachusetts Changes Timeline, Allowing Visiting Nurses To Get COVID-19 Vaccines," by Craig LeMoult, GBH News: "Visiting nurses, many of whom are providing care inside the homes of COVID-19 positive patients, will now be able to get vaccinated in Massachusetts. That's a change in state policy, which had initially excluded visiting nurses from the phase-1 category of 'COVID-facing' healthcare workers who were given first priority for the vaccine."

– "Locations of Massachusetts vaccination sites forces residents in 'high-risk' locations like Pittsfield, New Bedford, Cape Cod to drive 60 minutes or more," by Michael Bonner, MassLive.com: "In the Southeastern part of Massachusetts, more than 50 municipalities are deemed 'high risk' for COVID spread according to data released by the state's Department of Public Health on Thursday. The same area, which includes some of the state's largest cities like Brockton, New Bedford and Fall River, has zero vaccination sites."

– "Teachers want to move ahead in vaccine line," by Sarah Betancourt, CommonWealth Magazine: "K-12 educators are pushing to move ahead in the line for COVID-19 vaccinations, saying they deserve to get their shots sooner because of their jobs dealing directly with students. Teachers unions, which have fought in-person learning in many communities, say vaccines are a key tool to getting students back in to the classroom."

FROM THE HUB

– "Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King in Boston: A Love Story," by Clennon L. King, Boston Magazine: "There are two photographs of Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta, that paint a vivid picture of their time together in Boston. Captured in the Public Garden months before they would head to Montgomery and take their place on the world stage, one is of the couple alone. In the other, they are joined by MLK's BU classmate David Briddell and his then-fiancé, LaVerne Weston, who, like Coretta, was studying voice at the New England Conservatory."

– "Following long tradition, Black clergy take the lead in coronavirus pandemic," by Meghan E. Irons, Boston Globe: "Since the pandemic, the nation's Black pastors and their allies have joined the anti-COVID effort to save lives and help restore confidence in the medical community. … Now many are — or soon will be — rolling up their sleeves to get their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, in a showing aimed at swaying skeptics."

– "King honored by Boston University and in police brutality protests," The Associated Press: "The life of Martin Luther King Jr. was being honored in Boston and by Boston University, his alma mater, with a day of celebration on Monday while two demonstrations were planned in the city against police brutality on the federal holiday honoring the civil rights leader."

– "Highly contagious COVID variant detected in Massachusetts; Health officials say Boston woman became ill after traveling to UK," by Scott J. Croteau, MassLive.com: "The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced Sunday that the state has seen its first case of the COVID-19 variant first discovered in the United Kingdom. The person who tested positive for this COVID variant is a Boston woman in her 20s, officials said."

– "Black and Latino residents west of Boston face deep inequities, report finds," by John Laidler, Boston Globe: "At a time when the nation is grappling with the issue of racial injustice, newly released data is highlighting the deep inequities faced by Black and Latino residents in the region west of Boston."

– "When It Comes To School COVID Testing, Finding Asymptomatic Cases Doesn't Come Cheap," by Carrie Jung, WBUR: "It's a snowy afternoon in early January and the carpool lane at the Bromfield High School in Harvard. Mass. is packed with cars. But the families inside aren't here to drop off their kids. They're here for COVID-19 tests."

BIDEN TIME

– "As Labor secretary, Marty Walsh would face daunting challenges and high expectations," by Katie Johnston, Boston Globe: "President-elect Joe Biden has vowed to be the strongest labor president in American history, and as his pick for the crucial Cabinet position, Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh could significantly improve the lives of working people across the country."

THE RACE FOR CITY HALL

– "In mayor's race, Pressley's endorsement packs the most power," by Stephanie Ebbert, Boston Globe: "As the two city councilors running for mayor of Boston announce endorsements to show their strength and try to stave off further challengers, one politician's endorsement stands out as a singular, elusive prize: US Representative Ayanna Pressley's."

– "This Boston mayor's race will be like no other," by Adrian Walker, Boston Globe: "Get ready for a mayor's race like nothing Boston has ever seen. Sometime in the next month or two, Mayor Marty Walsh will pass the baton to the City Council president, Kim Janey, who will serve as acting mayor, becoming the first Roxbury resident to occupy the office since the legendary James Michael Curley."

– "Michelle Wu and Andrea Campbell say they would fire city employees who attended Capitol riot," by Christopher Gavin, Boston.com: "The only two declared candidates in Boston's evolving mayoral race both told voters on Saturday they would fire city employees who attended the insurrection at the Capitol building, who are members of white supremacist groups, or who use city or union social media accounts to advocate racism."

PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES

– "Ahead of MBTA cuts, South Shore towns still displeased," by Joe Difazio, The Patriot Ledger: "Though the cuts could've been worse, South Shore towns still aren't happy about MBTA service reductions slated to start this week. Much of the South Shore is set to lose commuter rail service on weekends, and see fewer ferry trips during the week. The ferry will continue to not run on weekends."

ON THE STUMP

– "Capobianco Receives Sixty-Seven Early Endorsements in Bid for Representative," Winthrop Transcript: "Valentino Capobianco, candidate for State Representative in the 19th Suffolk District, announced sixty-seven endorsements from Revere, Winthrop, and around the commonwealth."

– "State Rep. Race Highlight: Looking at the Candidates Silvestri Hopes to Continue Public Service in Bid for DeLeo Seat," by Melissa Moore-Randall, Revere Journal: "Revere's Director of Veterans Services and Purple Heart recipient Marc Silvestri is hoping to continue his service to others as he seeks to be elected to the 19th Suffolk House of Representative seat vacated by longtime Speaker DeLeo."

– "Jaramillo Formally Announces Campaign for State Representative," Revere Journal: "Juan Jaramillo announces his run for State Representative to succeed former House Speaker Robert DeLeo in the 19th Suffolk District. Juan, a former ICU Janitor at Mass General Hospital, intern for Speaker DeLeo, and Budget Director for State Senator Joe Boncore has already raised $20,000 towards the effort."

DAY IN COURT

– "District Attorney Rachael Rollins on short list to become next US Attorney for the district of Massachusetts," by Andrea Estes, Boston Globe: "Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins has emerged as a finalist for the job of United States attorney for the district of Massachusetts, a post overseeing more than 200 federal prosecutors, according to several people who have been briefed on the selection process."

– "Framingham Teen Charged With Damaging Boston Police Cruiser Arrested At New York Airport," The Associated Press: "A Massachusetts teenager suspected of setting fire to a Boston police cruiser and inciting a riot was caught trying to board an international flight to leave the country, law enforcement officials said."

WARREN REPORT

– "Biden taps Warren ally Chopra to lead Consumer Bureau," by Tyler Pager, Zachary Warmbrodt, Katy O'Donnell, and Leah Nylen, POLITICO: "President-elect Joe Biden will nominate Rohit Chopra to be the next director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, according to four sources familiar with the decision, choosing a strong consumer advocate aligned with Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.)."

FROM THE DELEGATION

– "Sen. Ed Markey pushing for $2,000 monthly payments through the duration of COVID-19 pandemic," by Michelle Williams, MassLive.com: "After President-elect Joe Biden announced plans to increase the second round of direct payments to millions of Americans from $600 to an additional $1,400, Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey is calling for more."

– "McGovern worries Trump could pardon 'domestic terrorists' who stormed US Capitol," by John Hilliard, Boston Globe: "US Representative James McGovern told WCVB-TV Sunday he is worried that President Trump, with just days left in office, will pardon supporters who stormed the US Capitol in an attempted insurrection to overturn the results of the 2020 election."

– "U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch: Members of Congress who helped insurrectionists should be expelled," by Rick Sobey and Lisa Kashinsky, Boston Herald: "Any members of Congress who helped the insurrectionists storm the U.S. Capitol earlier this month should be expelled at the very least, Massachusetts Congressman Stephen Lynch told the Herald on Sunday."

– "What the Massachusetts delegation is saying about Joe Biden's pandemic rescue bill," by Nik DeCosta-Klipa, Boston.com: "President-elected Joe Biden unveiled the first of his two planned COVID-19 response bills Thursday night, and the nearly $2 trillion 'rescue' plan elicited praise, mostly, from his fellow Democrats in the Massachusetts delegation."

– "Lawmakers to attend inauguration despite threats," by Christian M. Wade, Eagle-Tribune: "Members of the state's congressional delegation plan to attend President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration this week despite concerns about violence after the recent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol that left five dead."

TRUMPACHUSETTS

– "Therese Duke, Massachusetts woman punched in D.C. viral video, says 'I did nothing wrong,'" by Lisa Kashinsky, Boston Herald: "It was the punch seen around the world. Now Therese Duke's bloodied face and name are forever plastered across the internet. She says she's 'getting threats.'"

– "'I still feel sick to my stomach': Fall River store owner says he regrets role in Capitol riot," by Christopher Gavin, Boston.com: "A Fall River grocery store owner says he regrets taking part in the mob that stormed the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., last week. Mike St. Pierre, who owns Family Foods Grocery Outlet, told WHDH that he has been interviewed by the FBI about his participation and that his attendance at the riot."

– "Extremist Trump supporters get fascist label from experts," by Doug Fraser, Cape Cod Times: "The rise of a group such as the United Cape Patriots is a microcosm of a national movement that found its most powerful advocate in President Trump, whom experts say created a post-truth world — a world where there is no agreed-upon truth."

IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN

– "Offshore wind stagnated under Trump, Biden policies could create a boom for offshore energy," by Doug Fraser, Cape Cod Times: "President-elect Joe Biden's climate plan proposes building thousands of offshore wind turbines as a key contributor to the goal of a carbon-free U.S. energy sector by 2035. With the states largely carrying the ball as the Trump administration stepped back from climate change and clean energy, the pressure is on for the new administration to come through on its promise."

ABOVE THE FOLD

— Herald: "COUNTDOWN," — Globe: "At history's crossroads, a jittery and sad D.C.," "Big tasks, high hopes await Walsh in new post."

FROM THE 413

– "Berkshire Activists, Politicians Frustrated With Baker's Climate Bill Veto," by Josh Landes, WAMC: "Berkshire County activists and politicians are expressing dismay at Governor Charlie Baker's veto of a climate bill passed by the Massachusetts legislature last week. The Republican struck down the extensive climate policy measure from the Democrat-controlled House and Senate on Thursday, prompting criticism from environmentalists across the state."

– "West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt declares racism a 'health crisis;' plans equity committee," by Michael Ballway, Springfield Republican: "Systemic racism is an 'emergency and public health crisis' demanding the attention of all government departments and a series of public forums, according to Mayor William Reichelt. The mayor will introduce an executive order on racism at Tuesday's meeting of the Town Council, and will ask the council, Board of Health and School Committee to sign on as part of the effort."

THE LOCAL ANGLE

– "Weston activist finds dead skunk in her mailbox," by Nick Stoico, Boston Globe: "A Democratic activist from Weston says her 22-year-old daughter found a dead skunk inside their mailbox Saturday morning, and she doesn't believe the critter climbed in on its own. Mary Ellen Sikes, a former candidate for the town's select board and an outspoken activist, said she believes somebody placed the deceased animal inside her family's mailbox out of political retaliation."

– "Central Mass. lawmakers miss being among the people - Zoom doesn't count," by Brian Lee, Telegram & Gazette: "For legislators, virtual meetings and social media have been helpful ways to connect with constituents since COVID-19 struck 10 months ago. But the absence of face-to-face interaction - during events, office hours or on the street - has wiped out the important interactions that tend to shape lawmakers' actions."

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY – to Brad Hansell, a principal at Boston Consulting Group, who turned 41 on Sunday (h/t Tara Doyle).

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY – to state Sen. Julian Cyr, who is 35.

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