News: POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: NEW PLAYS in BOSTON MAYOR’S RACE — MOUNTAIN OUT as MassGOP vice chair

Monday, July 19, 2021

POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: NEW PLAYS in BOSTON MAYOR’S RACE — MOUNTAIN OUT as MassGOP vice chair — BAKER in ASPEN

Jul 19, 2021

FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: NEW ENDORSEMENTS IN BOSTON MAYOR'S RACE — State Rep. Nika Elugardo is endorsing Acting Mayor Kim Janey in the Boston mayor's race today, making her the first member of the Boston legislative delegation to throw her support behind a mayoral candidate since state Rep. Jon Santiago dropped out of the running last week.

"A Janey victory will mobilize the most disenfranchised parts of Boston in a way that no other victory will," Elugardo told me in an interview.

Elugardo's endorsement may come as a bit of a surprise to some. The self-described "far-left progressive" from Jamaica Plain runs in many of the same circles as progressive activists who are actively campaigning for City Councilor Michelle Wu, another top-polling candidate.

Wu is being endorsed today by state Rep. Tram Nguyen of Andover, who called her "sister in service" a "strong advocate for public education, healthcare, our environment, and economic justice for all" in a statement.

Elugardo lauded Janey as a leader on issues from economic development to reimagining policing. She said that keeping Janey in office past November is a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to show "Black and Brown people from neighborhoods that have been typically disenfranchised" like Dorchester, Mattapan and the acting mayor's native Roxbury that they "can move into the center of government."

"The progressive armies that we've got here in Jamaica Plain, in Roslindale, in West Roxbury and in the more affluent parts of Dorchester, among the educated elite everywhere across the city … those folks who are activated by progressive policy aren't going anywhere if Kim Janey wins," Elugardo said. "But if Kim Janey loses, I think we do lose the opportunity for mobilizing working-class progressives and people of all political hues who have been disenfranchised."

With Janey, Elugardo sees an opportunity to build an "intergenerational, multicultural and socioeconomically diverse movement" not unlike what Sen. Bernie Sanders strove for in his presidential bids. Elugardo endorsed Sanders over home-state Sen. Elizabeth Warren in last year's Democratic presidential primary for similar reasons.

Still, the endorsement in the mayor's race is a "painful one" for Elugardo, who has personal relationships with each of the major candidates including the now-departed Santiago. Her internal struggle is similar to what other state lawmakers in the Boston delegation are dealing with as they weigh endorsements of their own ahead of the Sept. 14 preliminary election.

GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Tom Mountain is resigning as vice chair of the MassGOP.

Mountain is stepping down "immediately" to "focus on an effort to clear my name" after a "blog post about me" that he described as "scurrilous and demeaning," according to a statement sent to party members last night and verified by multiple state committee members.

"During the past few months of turmoil at the MassGOP, I've consistently said that incapable officers should step aside," Mountain wrote. "Regardless of the truth about what happened, this blog post, and the conspiracy behind it, has rendered me incapable of serving as an effective officer of the MassGOP."

He appears to be referencing a post from the blog Turtleboy Daily News that alleges Mountain was caught in a catfishing ruse. POLITICO could not independently verify the claims. Mountain said in his statement that he's "retained legal counsel." He did not respond to requests for comment.

Mountain's apparent resignation — Chair Jim Lyons said last night that he was yet to receive an official one — came ahead of a party executive committee meeting Monday to "discuss allegations involving the Vice Chairman" and "recommendations of actions to be taken," according to an agenda obtained by POLITICO.

Mountain and Lyons were at odds even before state committeewoman Deborah Martell's anti-gay remarks against a GOP congressional candidate roiled the party for weeks, leading to calls for Lyons' resignation and Mountain to say the party was on its "way to catastrophe."

Lyons said the allegations against Mountain don't "equate" to the Martell situation, in which the chair took a "position that a member of our state committee has a right to exercise the First Amendment and religious liberty."

A vice chair vacancy could be filled through an election at the next state committee meeting, which is currently slated for September, Lyons said.

TODAY — The Special Commission Relative to the Seal and Motto of the Commonwealth holds its first hearing virtually at 11 a.m. as it begins work to make sure the state's seal and motto reflect the "historic and contemporary commitments of the Commonwealth to justice, equality, and education for all." The Joint Committee on Redistricting meets virtually at noon to hear from residents of the 4th Congressional District. Janey offers remarks at a flag-raising ceremony in observance of the annual Puerto Rican Festival of Massachusetts at noon on City Hall Plaza.

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DATELINE BEACON HILL

– "Baker signs budget, takes different tack on tax policy," by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: "Gov. Charlie Baker on Friday signed into law a $47.6 billion state budget for fiscal 2022, which began two weeks ago. While he let most of the budget become law, Baker, who has line-item veto power, had multiple disagreements with lawmakers over tax policy. He vetoed a delay in the implementation of a state tax deduction for charitable giving. He also vetoed lawmakers' attempts to eliminate two tax credits aimed at specific types of businesses and haggled with them over the details of a new corporate tax benefit."

– "With 6,300 untested rape kits in Massachusetts, advocates and legislator frustrated with lack of accountability as Gov. Charlie Baker signs budget," by Melissa Hanson, MassLive.com: "...on Friday, as Gov. Charlie Baker signed the $47.6 billion budget for fiscal 2022, [state Rep. Natalie Higgins] said she was disappointed to see an amendment letter from Baker that took away the accountability report entirely and amended language to say that kits should be sent for testing no later than June 30, 2022, rather than fully tested in the proposed six-month time frame."

– "With extension of film tax credit in Massachusetts, it's the movie industry cheering," by Barry Scanlon, Lowell Sun: "Currently, 35 states offer film tax credits. [Chris Byers, the director of marketing and operations at New England Studios] said New England Studios, which opened in 2013 and really got rolling the following year, would have had to 'repurpose' if the film production incentive program wasn't extended."

– "Accord Reached to Revive Early, Mail-In Voting," by Chris Lisinski, State House News Service (paywall): "Voters in cities and towns with municipal elections this summer and fall, including Boston, would be able to cast their ballots by mail without an excuse or in person during early voting days under a compromise bill lawmakers filed Friday that also creates a new MBTA governing body."

– "Beacon Hill has billions in COVID aid to distribute. Don't hold your breath," by Emma Platoff, Boston Globe: "Now, with five years in which to spend $4.9 billion in federal COVID relief funds — a one-time influx with the potential to transform the state — the sometimes sluggish Legislature is under pressure from Governor Charlie Baker and advocacy groups who want the money to start flowing soon. But lawmakers are 'in no rush to get this money out the door,' said Senator Michael Rodrigues, the Democrat who leads the chamber's budget efforts."

– "State Senate redistricting may shakeup Western Mass.," by Jim Kinney, Springfield Republican: "The city may lose representation in the state Senate as lawmakers in charge of redistricting want to avoid splitting cities and towns with a goal of keeping communities — demographic or municipal — together instead of parceling places like Springfield out to more than one lawmaker. 'Ideally, what the chairs want to do is to keep municipalities whole,' said newly elected state Sen. Adam Gomez, D-Springfield. … State Sen. Eric P. Lesser, D-Longmeadow, represents much of Springfield and wants to keep it in his district."

– "As COVID eased, a state senator running for auditor planned Greece trip on outside group's dime," by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: "State Senator Diana DiZoglio, who is running for state auditor, disclosed to state ethics regulators that she planned to travel for at least five days to Athens later this month with $3,368 in expenses paid for by the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association. … on Friday, a campaign aide to the Methuen Democrat said she decided to not attend at all, because she had 'since been invited to several Democratic committee meetings scheduled during the same time.'"

– "Beacon Hill rejects plan to hike ride-hailing fees," by Christian M. Wade, CNHI/Eagle-Tribune: "Plans to carve out a larger share of revenue for cities and towns from ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft have sputtered out once again, after lawmakers rejected a proposal to increase fees for the transit companies."

– "Uber, Lyft, and other tech companies test language for potential Mass. ballot question on gig workers," by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: "A coalition that includes tech industry giants Uber and Lyft is road-testing language for a potential Massachusetts ballot question, surveying residents on whether they would support a measure classifying ride-share and delivery drivers as independent contractors while offering them some — but not the full — benefits employees enjoy."

FROM THE HUB

– "FBI file on Boston serial killer James 'Whitey' Bulger declassified," by Joe Dwinell, Boston Herald: "Months before sadistic Southie mobster James 'Whitey' Bulger was recruited by the FBI, he was hunted for loan sharking where he was wiretapped and beat an agency mole, newly declassified records imply."

THE RACE FOR CITY HALL

– "How do the mayoral candidates polling in the second tier reach the top?" by Stephanie Ebbert and Danny McDonald, Boston Globe: "Only two candidates will survive the Sept. 14 preliminary election for mayor of Boston and the latest public poll suggests Councilor Michelle Wu and Acting Mayor Kim Janey are outpacing the pack to claim those spots. But a second heat of contenders is still hoping to break through — and political observers say they still have the time and opportunity to do so, should one of the front-runners stumble."

– FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: State Sens. Joe Boncore and Sal DiDomenico, and state Reps. Nika Elugardo, Adrian Madaro and Dan Ryan have endorsed David Halbert's campaign for Boston City Council at-large, per his campaign. "From combating food insecurity, to improving educational outcomes, to working to lift families out of poverty, David and I share a deep commitment towards equity & improving the lives of others. I know he will be a strong voice on Boston's City Council," DiDomenico said in a statement.

– FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Boston District 8 City Councilor Kenzie Bok is endorsing at-large council candidates Ruthzee Louijeune and Jon Spillane, her former budget director, highlighting their work on affordable housing. "Housing affordability is the top issue the Boston City Council must tackle to preserve and strengthen our diverse communities, so I need colleagues who have demonstrated deep commitment to housing," Bok said, adding that both would be "strong partners in that work."

PARTY POLITICS

– "MassGOP Vice Chairman Tom Mountain resigns as executive committee poised to investigate 'allegations' against him," by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: "Second in command at MassGOP, Vice Chairman Thomas Mountain has resigned hours before the state party's executive committee was set to hold a special meeting on 'allegations' involving him, the Herald has learned. "

FEELING '22

– Gov. Charlie Baker is in Aspen through Wednesday afternoon for a meeting of the Republican Governors' Association, an aide confirmed, marking his second RGA event since May.

The trip also comes as Baker's ramping up fundraising — though his campaign canceled an August event over an invitation snafu.

As Baker reconnects with his national network, the three Democrats vying to succeed him — state Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz, former state Sen. Ben Downing and Harvard professor Danielle Allen — are working to boost their name recognition within the state.

Asked about that challenge on WCVB's "On the Record" Sunday, Chang-Díaz said her efforts to pass the Student Opportunity Act show she's "no stranger to that work of getting outside Boston and building those coalitions."

One candidate who has run statewide before: Republican Geoff Diehl, who lost his bid to unseat Sen. Elizabeth Warren in 2018.

– "Charlie Baker campaign cancels fund-raiser after error in listing UMass president among hosts," by Emma Platoff, Boston Globe: "Governor Charlie Baker's campaign has canceled a Cape Cod fund-raiser after a public employee was accidentally listed as part of the host committee on an invitation. Listing [Marty] Meehan — a public employee who under state law may not solicit campaign contributions — was a mistake, said campaign spokesman Jim Conroy."

– "State Rep. Tami Gouveia, candidate for lieutenant governor, centers public health background in visit to Western Mass.," by Danny Jin, Berkshire Eagle: "Seeking the second-highest position in Massachusetts' executive branch, state Rep. Tami Gouveia says she brings an approach that puts families and their health at the center."

FROM THE DELEGATION

– "Warren targets racist place names," by Russell Contreras, Axios: "A new congressional bill seeks to create a board to help rename more than 1,000 towns, lakes, streams, creeks and mountain peaks across the U.S. still named with racist slurs."

– "A Massachusetts Democrat Flush With Pharma Cash Echoes Industry Talking Points," by Daniel Marans, HuffPost: "The group of centrist Democratic lawmakers who announced their concerns in May about H.R. 3, House Democrats' prescription drug affordability bill, featured plenty of the usual suspects ... But politics watchers were more surprised to see Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.), a freshman from a liberal district, as the lead co-author…"

PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES

– "Feds throw 'huge wrench' in I-90 Allston project," by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: "The most popular configuration for the I-90 Allston interchange is facing yet another hurdle, as the Federal Highway Administration sent state officials a terse letter saying the current design is not viable because it violates federal flood plain regulations."

IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN

– "Vineyard Wind signs labor agreement for offshore wind project; 500 union jobs guaranteed," by Anastasia Lennon, Standard-Times: "Vineyard Wind and a regional union organization signed a project labor agreement along the city's waterfront Friday, guaranteeing at least 500 union jobs for the project's construction and installation off the coast of Martha's Vineyard. "

THE LOCAL ELECTIONS ROUNDUP

– "LePage joins Haverhill mayor's race," by Will Broaddus, Eagle-Tribune: "After serving on the City Council for 12 years, Colin LePage wants to take the next step. … LePage was out collecting signatures on Saturday afternoon in preparation for his run, which currently will pit him against two other candidates, incumbent Mayor James Fiorentini and Police Officer Guy Cooper."

FROM THE 413

– "Springfield police officer at center of social media controversy retires," by Patrick Johnson, Springfield Republican: "A long-time city police officer who this week found himself at the center of a controversy has retired after posting a doctored Facebook photo showing a statue of George Floyd pointing a gun at a pregnant woman, according to a police spokesman. "

THE LOCAL ANGLE

– "The lives, the risks, and the lessons from so many drownings in 2021," by Kay Lazar and Camille Caldera, Boston Globe: "The Globe reviewed several dozen drownings and other water-related incidents this year in which people survived and found common threads; the vast majority of these incidents have involved young men, often people of color. Many could not swim or were described by family and friends as not strong swimmers. Their median age was 19."

– "After Breakthrough Cases, Provincetown Ramps Up COVID-19 Testing," by Fausto Menard and Jack Mitchell, WBUR: "Provincetown is expanding COVID-19 testing amid an uptick in cases. Daily testing is available Sunday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Community Center parking lot. The town recently reported about two dozen infections involving vaccinated people." And ICYMI from Michaela Chesin at the Provincetown Banner: "'VaxBus' met with protesters in Provincetown"

– "Despite red-blue divide, teens from different sides look to find common ground," by Jon Marcus, Boston Globe: "Sam Bueker and Allonah Ashworth didn't exactly hit it off at first. Bueker, head of his student government's activism committee at Wellesley High School, told Ashworth he thought the Confederate flag represents racism and betrayal. A member of the Teenage Republican Club at her high school in Lake Charles, La., Ashworth fiercely disagreed. She had grown up with that flag, she said. 'I didn't fear it. It was a part of where I came from.'"

MEDIA MATTERS

– "State journalism commission's work hampered by pandemic," by Sophia Gardner, Daily Hampshire Gazette: "A state journalism commission, created to study the effects of news deserts and how to support local news outlets, is expected to have its deadline extended a full year to accommodate for challenges presented by the pandemic."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to Milton state Sen. Walter Timilty, Jordan Meehan, Simon Cataldo (h/t Jake Klein), and Google's Catherine Cloutier. Happy belated to Tammy Pittman, who celebrated Saturday, and to former Rep. Bill Delahunt, former state Rep. Jeffrey Sanchez and Nate Everett, who celebrated Sunday.

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