News : The case for Baker remaining a Republican

Monday, November 29, 2021

The case for Baker remaining a Republican

Nov 29, 2021

WAITING GAME — By this time in 2017, we knew Gov. Charlie Baker was running for a second term.

But this year, Nov. 28 came and went with little sign of whether he'll seek a third term. "We'll get you an answer soon," Baker told reporters after a Hanukkah menorah lighting in Boston yesterday. Add news from MassLive's Alison Kuznitz of a Dec. 14 fundraiser for Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito in Springfield, and a few other articles speculating about the governor's 2022 plans, and that's all we've got.

Recent polling suggests Baker faces significant headwinds in a Republican primary against conservative former state Rep. Geoff Diehl, but might have a path forward as an independent. Naturally, that's amplified chatter among political observers that he might break from his party as it keeps moving rightward.

But if Baker drops his party affiliation, he risks not only losing access to the Republican Governors Association money machine, but facing the possibility of the RGA throwing millions of dollars against him by supporting Diehl.

The RGA poured more than $20 million into the last three gubernatorial races to boost Baker and trash his opponents. There was $4.6 million in 2010 for attack ads against independent candidate Timothy Cahill, then the state treasurer, and Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick. In 2014, there was more than $11 million to help Baker defeat Democratic state Attorney General Martha Coakley. In 2018, the figure was $6.6 million for Baker's reelection bid, when the RGA again funneled money to a local super PAC largely to support television ads.

Fighting back against that kind of spending would be difficult: The governor had $684,091 in his campaign coffers at the end of October, per his last state campaign finance report. That's a far cry from the $6.9 million he had in the bank at the end of October 2017. And his campaigns aren't cheap — Baker spent $11 million on his 2018 reelection effort.

The RGA wants Baker on the team. RGA officials said they hoped Baker would run again as a Republican during the group's meeting in Phoenix earlier this month. At the event, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan mentioned himself and Baker as examples of effective Republican leaders in Democratic states, per my POLITICO colleague Marc Caputo, who was in Arizona for the governors' gathering. Baker features prominently in the RGA's latest video touting GOP governors — right after the party's star du jour, Virginia Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin. And the RGA posted a WBZ clip of Baker supporting small businesses on its YouTube page last week.

FWIW, Thanksgiving also came and went without an update from Democratic state Attorney General Maura Healey on her 2022 intentions.

GOOD MONDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Happy Hanukkah!

TODAY — Boston Mayor Michelle Wu attends the Copley Square Tree Lighting at 5:30 p.m. and gives remarks at a menorah lighting at the New England Holocaust Memorial at 6:30 p.m.

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DATELINE BEACON HILL

– "Nearly a year later, panel rethinking Massachusetts' state seal is behind schedule and still shorthanded," by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: "Since its creation 46 weeks ago, a state commission tasked with recommending changes to Massachusetts' controversial state seal has met twice. It remains short one appointee, and a state legislator has argued it needs a staff and a budget, neither of which exists. A deadline to submit a report came and went nearly two months ago."

– "As Boston starts Hanukkah celebration, new bill to require students learn about genocide hit's governor's desk," by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: "Members of Boston's Jewish community took the opportunity during the city's annual Hanukkah celebration to shine a light on a bill that would require Massachusetts students be taught about the Holocaust and other genocides. … The Republican governor indicated he's likely to sign the bill…"

– "Massachusetts is now flush with cash, possibly reshaping debate over proposed millionaires tax," by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: "A proposed constitutional amendment that would layer a surcharge on yearly earnings above $1 million will land on the ballot in 2022. … [The new] perception of a flush state government has shifted the ground under the intensifying debate between labor unions and activists, who warn the state's needs will far outstrip its current financial good fortune and business leaders who caution that hiking taxes on the rich could unnecessarily undercut the state's competitiveness."

– "Massachusetts auditor: Uber, Lyft drivers allowed to operate under 'much looser standards' than state protections mandate," by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: "Authorities routinely failed to conduct proper oversight' allowing Uber and Lyft drivers to operate under 'much looser standards' than state law mandates, an auditor's report found."

– "Massachusetts distributes 80 percent of money for foster kids," by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: "Massachusetts has distributed about 80 percent of the $7.9 million it was given by the federal government to help current and former foster children during the pandemic, and it has a little over 10 months to hand out the rest. But advocates say one subset of the target group – foster children who have aged out of the system – need more help."

– "Taking reps' roll call vote attendance in 2021," by Bob Katzen, Lowell Sun: "In the House, 86.7% (138 representatives out of 159) did not miss any roll calls and have 100% roll call attendance records while 13.3% (21 representatives out of 159) have missed one or more roll calls."

VAX-ACHUSETTS

– "Gov. Baker: Mass. may need to up booster shot availability in response to new COVID-19 variant," by Tori Bedford, GBH News: "State, federal and municipal officials strategized in conversations throughout the weekend about how to address the new, highly mutated omicron variant of COVID-19, according to Gov. Charlie Baker. … 'If you're not vaccinated, get vaccinated,' Baker told GBH News on Sunday. 'And if you're eligible for a booster, get a booster. That's your best protection.' … Baker, who said he plans to get his booster shot on Friday, said that additional doses may need to be provided."

– "Teen vaccination rates lag in most Massachusetts towns hit hardest by coronavirus: report," by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: "Vaccination rates among teenagers are lagging in the same cities and towns that have suffered the most amid the coronavirus pandemic, a new report by equity advocates reveals, renewing calls for officials to prioritize the state's most vulnerable residents with cases back on the rise."

– "Schools struggling to ease mask mandates," by Christian M. Wade, CNHI/Newburyport Daily News: "As of [last] week, only 15 of the state's more than 1,800 schools had been authorized by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to lift their masking policy."

FROM THE HUB

– "'Faneuil Hall is a mess': As holidays approach, stores struggle with vacancies, fight with landlord," by Jon Chesto, Boston Globe: "A poll taken more than a year ago showed about one in four retail and restaurant spaces across the [Faneuil Hall] marketplace were empty. Merchants say the vacancy rate is higher now, with office life and international tourism in Boston still nowhere near prepandemic levels."

– "E-mails show officials were slow to fix stairs at JFK/UMass Station where professor fell to his death," by Elizabeth Koh, Boston Globe: "The recently released records and e-mails show that several government agencies, including the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, had known about the safety issues and missed several opportunities to fix the stairs that led from Columbia Road toward JFK/UMass Station before professor David Jones's death, and struggled in the days after to understand how they had been overlooked."

WU TRAIN

– "Organizers seek up to $25,000 from donors to fund Mayor Wu's inauguration," by Meghan E. Irons, Boston Globe: "Organizers for Mayor Michelle Wu's inauguration are asking businesses and individuals for thousands of dollars to help bankroll her inauguration in January, putting her on track with previous mayors who have marked their ascension to political power with a lavish affair. Boston Inaugural Fund 2021, responsible for raising cash for Wu's inauguration, has been asking donors for $10,000 to $25,000, promising them different tiers for 'sponsorship opportunities' for the inauguration, set for Jan. 3, according to correspondence obtained by the Globe."

– "Worlds apart politically, Baker and Wu begin to forge relationship," by Emma Platoff, Boston Globe: "The future of the city that is New England's economic engine rests on the relationship between the Boston mayor and the Massachusetts governor. So far, there isn't much of one: Aides say Baker and Wu don't know each other well. Both have said they're committed to building that bond and collaborating effectively."

– "Renters strike back as cities cap price hikes by landlords," by Katy O'Donnell and Lisa Kashinsky, POLITICO: "As the cost of housing soars, one old idea is starting to get traction with voters: rent control. Voters in Minneapolis and St. Paul this month approved ballot initiatives to enable the Twin Cities to cap rent increases. Santa Ana, Calif., did so in October. And Michelle Wu, Boston's new mayor, campaigned earlier this year on restoring rent control."

TODAY'S SPECIAL (ELECTION)

– WATCH: "OTR: Revere School Committee member Anthony D'Ambrosio makes his case for Massachusetts Senate seat," by Ed Harding and Sharman Sacchetti, WCVB.

– ENDORSEMENT RECAP: Sen. Ed Markey endorsed Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards in her state Senate bid on Saturday, praising her "fight for justice" and saying she "will not stop until we achieve environmental and climate justice, which means economic, educational, racial, and health justice for every family in Massachusetts."

FEELING '22

– "Democrat files to run against Bristol County Sheriff Hodgson in 2022," by Ted Nesi, WPRI: "Longtime Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson has drawn a challenger for next year's election. Fall River Democrat Nick Bernier, a 36-year-old lawyer and former Bristol County assistant district attorney, filed paperwork with the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance disclosing his intention to run."

– "Local restaurant worker challenging Tarr," by Taylor Ann Bradford, Gloucester Daily Times: "[Terence Cudney] the local restaurant worker and former entrepreneur has decided to challenge 17-year state Sen. Bruce Tarr, a Gloucester Republican, in next year's elections for a chance to serve the community."

BALLOT BATTLES

– "Mass. liquor stores say they have enough signatures to advance ballot question," by Callum Borchers, WBUR: "Liquor stores say they have cleared a key hurdle to launching a ballot measure aimed at countering efforts by big chains to eliminate limits on the number of stores that can sell alcohol in Massachusetts."

DAY IN COURT

– "Ex-Fall River mayor Jasiel Correia will be home for the holidays after judge grants delay," by Jo C. Goode, Herald News: "Convicted ex-mayor Jasiel Correia will be home for Christmas after all — and New Year's and his 30th birthday. On Wednesday, federal court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock granted his request to delay his surrender to prison from Dec. 3 to Jan. 10."

PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES

– "With the $1.2 trillion federal infrastructure bill done, what's next for east-west rail in Massachusetts and the Berkshires?" by Danny Jin, Berkshire Eagle: "Days before the bill's signing, on Nov. 12, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation released a report recommending that Amtrak operate east-west rail service and a 'Western Massachusetts Intercity Rail Authority,' which has yet to be created, to manage and oversee service. … For state Sen. Eric Lesser, D-Longmeadow, the combination of the infrastructure bill and the MassDOT report provides 'the break that we needed and were waiting for.'"

– "Worcester Regional Transit Authority has been offering free bus rides for a year, but has done little to promote it," by Tom Matthews, MassLive: "The residents of Worcester will be able to ride the bus for free for another full year. It's been free for the past year, too, but the Worcester Regional Transit Authority has done little to promote it."

MARKEYCHUSETTS

– "Ed Markey 'confident' Senate will deliver Build Back Better bill to Biden's desk before Christmas," by Amy Sokolow, Boston Herald: "The almost $2 trillion Build Back Better Act, a sweeping social spending bill stuffed with President Biden's presidential priorities, is now in the hands of the Senate, and Sen. Ed Markey is 'confident' it'll land on the president's desk by Christmas. 'We will have no Republican votes, so it just comes down to two Democratic senators,' Markey said in Lynn Wednesday."

DATELINE D.C.

– BACK FROM BREAK: President Joe Biden is back in Washington after spending Thanksgiving at the Nantucket house owned by billionaire David Rubenstein , a co-founder of the Carlyle Group investment firm. Biden rented the house, which he's stayed in during past Thanksgivings, though it's unclear for how much, per my POLITICO colleague Daniel Lippman.

– THE LOCAL ANGLE: "Presidential departure: Biden family leaves Nantucket after annual Thanksgiving visit," by Joshua Balling, Inquirer and Mirror: "President Joe Biden was more visible than most expected him to be during his first holiday on the island as commander in chief, visiting U.S. Coast Guard Station Brant Point Thursday, spending a good chunk of the day downtown Friday and attending evening mass at St. Mary's Our Lady of the Isle Saturday. … The Biden family also attended Friday night's tree-lighting and community caroling watching from the lawn in front of the Nantucket Methodist Church as a crowd of more than 1,000 packed Main Street."

IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN

– "Maine lawmakers urge Charlie Baker to help terminate interstate clean energy project," by Amy Sokolow, Boston Herald: "Fifty Maine lawmakers, Democrats and Republicans, urged Gov. Charlie Baker to help their state stop a transmission corridor from being erected through Maine — a project soundly rejected by voters this month."

– More: "Maine Suspends License On Hydro Transmission Project," by Colin A. Young, State House News Service (paywall): "Maine's top environmental protection official suspended the license for the New England Clean Energy Connect transmission project Tuesday evening, putting the project that's a critical part of the Baker administration's energy and climate policy on ice unless and until a court rules in its favor."

MARIJUANA IN MASSACHUSETTS

– "'An utter failure': Law meant to clear old convictions, including for marijuana possession, helps few," by Dan Adams, Boston Globe: "When state legislators passed a criminal justice reform bill in 2018, Massachusetts residents won the ability to clear away certain criminal records — including convictions for marijuana possession and other now-legal activities — that can make it difficult to land a job, rent an apartment, and otherwise move on with life. But three years later, only a fraction of those who are likely eligible for relief have had their records expunged."

FROM THE 413

– "In Monterey, another complaint, a massive (and expensive) request for documents, and a new flap brewing," by Heather Bellow, Berkshire Eagle: "A town official who has filed a slew of complaints with the state for his colleagues' Open Meeting Law violations is now the subject of one himself. Select Board member John Weingold also will have to pay more than $1,000 for records he has requested from Town Hall."

THE LOCAL ANGLE

– "State threatens to fine Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester if decision regarding closed beds isn't reached," by Michael Bonner, MassLive: "The state has threatened to fine Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester if it doesn't address a plan regarding the temporary closure of its inpatient behavioral health beds, according to a letter sent to the facility by the Department of Public Health on Tuesday."

"At the top, a generational shakeup unfolds as boomers begin to step aside," by Robert Weisman, Boston Globe: "The clamor for change has taken a toll on boomer politicians, too. ... former congressman Michael Capuano, 69, was favored to win an 11th term in 2018. But the progressive Democrat was tripped up by Ayanna Pressley, 47, who ran on the slogan of 'change can't wait' to become the only Black member of the state's delegation. Capuano said he may no longer be in tune with the electorate. 'I can't twist myself into a pretzel just to get elected,' Capuano said. 'I'm not interested in changing enough to do today's politics. ... It's other people's turn, and I wish them the best.'"

– "'The threat is real for us': Chris Kennedy speaks out after his home, 2 homes on The Kennedy Compound were vandalized," by Sam Smink, 7 News.

– "School food service workers scramble to feed students amid supply chain issues," by Zane Razzaq, MetroWest Daily News.

– IN MEMORIAM: "Phil Saviano, clergy abuse victim who refused to stay silent, dies at 69," by Bryan Marquard, Boston Globe: "Along with emotionally surviving the sexual abuse inflicted on him, [Phil Saviano] had lived for years with an HIV diagnosis, a kidney transplant, and more recently gallbladder cancer that spread to the liver. Through it all he became one of the most internationally prominent voices among victims seeking justice, even traveling to Rome in 2019 to meet with Vatican officials before they met in a conference about clergy sex abuse."

TRANSITIONS – Mason Heilman joins The Winston Agency as director of public affairs. Heilman was previously legislative aide for state Rep. Michelle Ciccolo. Abby Cutrumbes is Ciccolo's new legislative aide.

SPOTTED – at Gov. Charlie Baker's fundraiser at Davio's in Boston last week: Carlo Basile, Lauren Baker, Joe Fallon, EEA Sec. Kathleen Theoharides, former Boston police commissioner Ed Davis, John McCarthy, Dave Modica, former state Sen. Joe Boncore, Tom Glynn, John Cook, Ken Halloran, Mike Vallerelli, Audrey Gordon, Ed Cash, Mike Morris, Sal LaMattina, Meghan Leary, Kyle Biedenbach and Derek Murdoch, per a Playbook tipster.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to Joe Valente of Rep. Jake Auchincloss's office, Seth Gitell, Katherine Forde, Dominique Manuel, Trent Spiner and Maddie Kilgannon.

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