News: POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: DIEHL seeks CAMPAIGN MANAGER — New VAX announcements today — BOSTON hit with FED CIVIL RIGHTS complaint

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: DIEHL seeks CAMPAIGN MANAGER — New VAX announcements today — BOSTON hit with FED CIVIL RIGHTS complaint

Feb 17, 2021

Presented by Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM)

GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS.

DIEHL INCHES CLOSER TO CAMPAIGN — GOP Gov. Charlie Baker is facing criticism to his left over his handling of the state's Covid-19 vaccine rollout. But if he decides to run for a third term, the governor could soon face a challenge from his right.

Republican Geoff Diehl, who is considering a run for governor, is interviewing potential campaign managers, according to MassGOP Veterans Coalition chair John MacDonald. It's a sign that Diehl, a former state lawmaker, is getting serious about running for Beacon Hill's top job next year.

"He's reaching out to people, seeing what kind of team he can build," MacDonald told me over the phone. Diehl and MacDonald work together at 1A Auto, the company owned by Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance founder and MassGOP donor Rick Green. Diehl, who recently stepped down from his role as MassGOP finance chair, did not return a request for comment.

Baker was reelected by a wide margin in 2018 and enjoys a high approval rating, but has faced the most difficult test of his career during the Covid-19 pandemic. The popular moderate governor could have somewhat of a tougher time in a Republican primary than in the general election.

Some conservatives have ramped up criticism of Baker and his administration. Members of the state party wanted to censure Baker in January for supporting former President Donald Trump's impeachment. And the right-leaning Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance recently circulated a video clip that led to the resignation of David Ismay, Baker's undersecretary for climate change.

Regardless of whether Baker runs again, it's difficult to see a pro-Trump Republican winning the top job in Massachusetts. While the state frequently elects Republicans as governor, the former president himself was crushed here twice — barely winning a third of the vote each time. Diehl lost his challenge to Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren by 24 percentage points in 2018.

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

TODAY — Sen. Elizabeth Warren is a guest on WBUR. Rep. Jim McGovern distributes USDA "Farmers to Families Food Boxes" with the Worcester Railers, the MA Military Support Foundation and the Worcester County Sheriff's Office. The Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, the Greater Boston Latino Network and Amplify Latinx hold a press conference to discuss a civil rights complaint filed against the city of Boston.

A message from the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM):

We're a community of 3,300+ employers from small neighborhood shops and startups, to Fortune 500 companies. Our member companies employ almost three quarters of a million Massachusetts residents, who depend on the success of those businesses to earn a living, and build fulfilling lives for themselves and their loved ones. Our goal is to create economic opportunity for all of Massachusetts. Join us as we strive to create a better state of business. https://aimnet.org/introductory-membership/

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THE LATEST NUMBERS

– "New COVID cases at pre-Thanksgiving levels as Massachusetts reports 967 new cases, 49 deaths on Tuesday," by Tanner Stening, MassLive.com: "State health officials confirmed another 967 COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, which is based on 46,488 new molecular tests, according to the Department of Public Health. Officials also confirmed another 49 COVID-related fatalities, bringing the death toll from the pandemic to 15,257."

DATELINE BEACON HILL

– "Officials at every level of government in Mass. are criticizing Baker over vaccine rollout," by Emma Platoff, Boston Globe: "Governor Charlie Baker, long one of the country's most popular executives, faces mounting criticism over what officials at every level of Massachusetts government call a flawed vaccine rollout. As national metrics have shown the Bay State lagging, the second-term Republican is working to reverse early disappointments and salvage his reputation as an expert manager."

– "Charlie Baker commemorates new sewage discharge law," by Meghan Ottolini, Boston Herald: "Gov. Charlie Baker held a virtual ceremony with lawmakers Tuesday celebrating the passage of a new sewage discharge law, bringing attention to pollution caused by the state's outdated plumbing."

– "Police reform law deadlines fast-approaching," by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: "A series of fast-approaching deadlines are up next in the newly minted police reform law that's already off to a slow start. Lawmakers and Gov. Charlie Baker's administration have already failed to meet a Feb.15 convening deadline for a special legislative Commission on Government Use of Facial Recognition Technology."

VAX-ACHUSETTS

– "Massachusetts residents with disabilities push state for more access to vaccines," by Lisa Kashinsky, Boston Herald: "Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders told attendees that the state will make further announcements about eligibility on Wednesday but that supply from the federal government remains constrained."

– "Lawsuit On COVID Prison Releases Shows Many DOC Workers Refusing Vaccine," by Deborah Becker, WBUR: "A year into the pandemic, the legal wrangling continues over releasing Massachusetts prisoners to try to prevent the spread of the coronavirus behind bars. Though the state has started vaccinating prisoners and correctional staff, the numbers show that many are refusing the vaccine and advocates say more needs to be done to stem the spread of the virus now."

– "How safe are super vaccination sites? Nurse in Springfield, who tested positive, shares concerns," by Patrick Johnson, Springfield Republican: "A nurse who administered COVID-19 vaccines at the Eastfield Mall until she herself contracted the disease says the slow turnaround time for employee testing meant she saw patients for several days before her results came back positive."

– "Springfield, Worcester among 20 communities identified for targeted outreach in state COVID vaccination effort," by Tanner Stening, MassLive.com: "The Baker administration on Tuesday said it will be taking steps to increase awareness of COVID vaccine safety and efficacy and 'reduce barriers to vaccination' in 20 hard-hit parts of the state."

FROM THE HUB

- "Black and Latino leaders file federal civil rights complaint against city of Boston alleging discrimination in public contracting," by Shirley Leung, Boston Globe: "A group of Black and Latino organizations filed on Wednesday a federal civil rights complaint against the city of Boston alleging that its public contracting system engages in a pattern of discrimination against Black- and Latino-owned businesses."

– "What kind of Boston will the next mayor be inheriting?" by Danny McDonald, Boston Globe: "Boston will soon have a new mayor, barring unforeseen developments. And she couldn't be arriving at a more complicated time."

– "Janey preparing to step into office — and history," by Michael Jonas, CommonWealth Magazine: "Janey is likely just days away from assuming the role of Boston's acting mayor, and her schedule shows it. She has had nearly 20 briefings with cabinet chiefs, department heads, and other key city staff members since last month's announcement that Mayor Marty Walsh is President Biden's pick to serve as his secretary of labor."

– "Do tax-exempt institutions contribute enough money to the city? Councilors want an in-depth review," by Danny McDonald, Boston Globe: "Boston councilors want to take a hard look at whether key tax-exempt organizations are making big enough contributions to the city. For years, the city has asked dozens of major educational, medical, and cultural nonprofit institutions to make voluntary payments under a program called PILOT."

– "Boston's Black women activists walk a historic path —and look toward the future," by Dasia Moore, Boston Globe: "A younger generation is stepping up and into the struggle. And, increasingly, Black women are being elected to the halls of power their predecessors spent generations petitioning and protesting. Boston expects to soon see its first Black woman mayor when city council president Kim Janey assumes the office vacated by Martin J. Walsh."

– "Black And Latino Business Ownership In Massachusetts Lags Far Behind National Average," by Chris Burrell, GBH News: "Despite Massachusetts' increasing diversity, Black and brown business owners are still rare. Black and Latino people now make up more than a fifth of the state's population but own just over 3% of businesses with employees — less than half the national rate of Black and Latino business ownership, according to a U.S. Census survey of entrepreneurs released in 2018."

– "Croswell talks consolidations – his and others," by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: "Tom Croswell, the insurance executive who orchestrated the merger of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan, says combining the second and third largest health insurance companies in the state will pay dividends for consumers, but he's not so sure about the benefits of similar consolidations elsewhere in health care."

– "After National Efforts, Ron Bell Plans to Return to Mission Hill," by Seth Daniel, Mission Hill Gazette: "Some two decades ago, in the hot, late summer afternoons that are typical of Boston, one could routinely find Mission Hill native and Dunk the Vote founder Ron Bell canvassing the ins and outs of Mission Park – knocking on doors in the Alice Taylor Development – and handing out voter registration cards on Tremont Street."

THE RACE FOR CITY HALL

– FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: ESSAIBI GEORGE'S NEW VIDEO — Boston mayoral candidate Annissa Essaibi George will release a new campaign video today titled "Every Bostonian, Every Experience." The at-large city councilor jumped into the race for mayor at the end of January, and is highlighting her experience as a teacher and small business owner. Link.

– WHAT ARE THE ODDS — City Councilor Michelle Wu is the odds-on favorite to win the race for mayor of Boston, according to SportsBetting. Take this with all the necessary grains of salt — this isn't a scientific poll, and the field won't begin to settle until the spring.

A message from the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM):

PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES

– "Massachusetts to subsidize electric trucks in expansion of rebate program," by Hiawatha Bray, Boston Globe: "Government subsidies for electric vehicles aren't just for Teslas any more. The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources is setting aside $10 million in rebates for purchasers of medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks."

ON THE STUMP

– FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: "Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Tompkins Endorses Capobianco for State Representative," from the Capobianco campaign: "Today, Valentino Capobianco, candidate for State Representative in the 19th Suffolk District, received the endorsement from Sheriff Steve Tompkins."

DATELINE D.C.

– "The new leader of the nation's coronavirus fight has been battling diseases her whole career," by Laura Krantz, Boston Globe: "The unit where Dr. Rochelle Walensky performed her residency, during the peak of the AIDS epidemic in Baltimore, held a standing memorial service every two weeks because so many of its patients were dying. … As the newly appointed director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the Biden administration, the longtime Boston doctor is again fighting a virus that is out of control."

– "As Biden pushes for gun reforms, Massachusetts advocates say state is 'model' for reducing gun violence," by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: "President Biden on the anniversary of the Parkland school shooting pushed for 'commonsense gun law reforms,' as Massachusetts advocates said the state can be a 'model' for reducing gun violence, touting the Bay State's lowest gun death rate in the nation."

DAY IN COURT

– "Nangle change of plea hearing delayed one week," by Christopher Scott, The Lowell Sun: "Ex-state Rep. David Nangle's plan to plead guilty to federal corruption charges has been delayed by one week."

– "Distracted driving: Local cops say pandemic 'masked over' new hands-free law," by Shaun Robinson, The Patriot Ledger: "If an officer parks near a busy intersection in town, Hingham police Sgt. Steven Dearth said, the officer will probably see drivers stop at the red light and look down at a phone. These motorists may have forgotten, Dearth said, but that's been illegal in Massachusetts since last February."

– "Boston US Attorney Lelling Heading To Jones Day," Law360: "Boston U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling will be joining the global law firm Jones Day when he steps down from his government post at the end of the month, Law360 has learned. A source familiar with the situation confirmed that the Donald Trump-appointee will be joining the Cleveland-based international firm."

– "7 asylum-seekers to reunite with families in Massachusetts after 'Remain in Mexico' policy suspended," by Jackson Cote, MassLive.com: "After trying to seek asylum in Massachusetts, a family of five was instead left stranded in Matamoros, Mexico, living in dilapidated housing while struggling to make ends meet and feed their children. The family represents five of seven asylum-seekers who challenged the Trump-era 'Remain in Mexico' policy that drove the individuals to Mexico in the first place."

THE CLARK CAUCUS

– "Assistant House speaker: Capitol riot commission needed for 'truth and accountability,'" by Daniel Payne, POLITICO: "Assistant House Speaker Katherine Clark said Tuesday that no option is off the table for further addressing former President Donald Trump's role in last month's Capitol riot — including a 9/11-style commission or invoking a constitutional amendment to block Trump from running again."

ABOVE THE FOLD

— Herald: "MITCH SLAP," "HELD UP," — Globe : "Baker taking heat from all sides," "A legacy to build on."

FROM THE 413

– "UMass union votes no confidence in chancellor over outbreak," by Scott Merzbach, Daily Hampshire Gazette: "A University of Massachusetts union representing resident assistants and peer mentors has issued a no-confidence vote in Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy over the recent COVID-19 outbreak on campus, and is making several demands for improved safety and well-being."

– "MassMutual Center needs better oversight, state audit reveals," by Jim Kinney, Springfield Republican: "The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority needs to do a better job overseeing MGM Springfield's management of the MassMutual Center, according to a report released Tuesday by state Auditor Suzanne Bump."

– "Massachusetts furniture retailers see increase in sales as homes become offices," by Keith O'Connor, Springfield Republican: "In the comfort of your own home. These seven little words took on new meaning in the age of COVID-19 in the furniture and home furnishings industry."

THE LOCAL ANGLE

– "Reaching out to Cape Cod nursing home employees who refuse COVID-19 vaccine," by Cynthia McCormick, Cape Cod Times: "Although nursing home employees were in the first phase of COVID-19 vaccination for most states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently estimated that just about 40% of nursing home employees opted to get the vaccine. State Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Truro, said recently that the rates in Massachusetts are better — 55% of nursing home employees are getting vaccinated."

– "Police officer, movie actor Guy Cooper announces run for Haverhill mayor," by Mike LaBella, Eagle-Tribune: "After appearing in more than a half dozen Hollywood movies, including most recently Liam Neeson's 'Honest Thief,' Guy Cooper has gotten used to being in the spotlight. Now, the part-time actor and full-time Haverhill police patrolman is preparing to step into a spotlight of different kind."

– "Attleboro mayor acknowledges getting vaccine but says it otherwise would have gone to waste," by George W. Rhodes, Sun Chronicle: "With at least 1,272 doses of coronavirus vaccine wasted in Massachusetts since the rollout began, one more might have been dumped. But instead, it went into the arm of Mayor Paul Heroux, who was confronted with a 'use it or lose it' situation last month."

– "Biggest hurdle in Taunton COVID vaccine rollout is lack of supply from state, mayor says," by Susannah Sudborough, The Taunton Daily Gazette: "Despite the city's preparedness to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine, the biggest hurdle to getting shots in arms in Taunton has been getting shipments of vaccine from the state, Mayor Shaunna O'Connell said."

– "Mayor wants Haverhill students in school full time by April 1, but teachers resist," by Mike LaBella, Eagle-Tribune: "Mayor James Fiorentini wants students to return to classrooms full time by April 1. His proposal would end the hybrid learning model the school district has been using for most students since the start of the school year."

TRANSITIONS – Julio Lainez, a Rep. Seth Moulton alum, will start at NVG as a VP in March.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to Andrew Bilski.

NEW EPISODE: UNCHARTERED TERRITORY – On this week's Horse Race podcast, hosts Jennifer Smith and Stephanie Murray take a deep dive into Boston's city charter and the upcoming mayoral race with Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards, Jon Hillman of Rivera Consulting and the Dorchester Reporter's Bill Forry. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and Sound Cloud.

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A message from the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM):

We're a community of 3,300+ employers from small neighborhood shops and startups, to technology innovators and Fortune 500 companies. Our member companies employ almost three quarters of a million Massachusetts residents, who depend on the success of those businesses to earn a living and build fulfilling lives for themselves and their loved ones.

With our breadth, size, and influence, we create real, and positive change for Massachusetts businesses through our public policy work, HR resources, and member- based communities. We have a unique offering applied with a diverse and tailored approach including Human Resources training, and workers compensation insurance. We can meet the requirements of any business.

Our goal is to create economic opportunity for all of Massachusetts. Join us as we strive to create a better state of business. https://aimnet.org/introductory-membership/

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