News: First in the nation ... Massachusetts?

Friday, April 15, 2022

First in the nation ... Massachusetts?

Apr 15, 2022

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TAKEN FOR GRANITE — New Hampshire Democrats girding to defend their first-in-the-nation presidential primary from a DNC calendar shakeup could have a friend in Massachusetts — or a formidable foe.

The DNC's move to make states apply to lead off the 2024 nominating contest is jeopardizing the Granite State's coveted primary status. New Hampshire's all-Democratic congressional delegation has vowed to fight for FITN . Troy Price, executive director of the New Hampshire Democratic Party, declared that the state "will retain its first-in-the-nation primary." Republican Gov. Chris Sununu even weighed in, telling WMUR the state has some "levers… we can pull" to stay ahead of the pack.

As Granite Staters prepare for battle, Massachusetts Democrats who have long relied on New Hampshire for unparalleled access to presidential hopefuls and career-elevating campaign jobs suddenly find themselves facing an intriguing decision: throw in with their neighbors to the north to continue a tradition that benefits both states — or try to jump the line.

"I will do whatever the state committee wants," MassDems Chair Gus Bickford, a DNC member, told Playbook. "But I am in favor of two things: I like the fact that [the DNC is] looking at more diverse locations, because I think that's incredibly important. But having the primary in New Hampshire is critical because it's the New England swing state."

As it stands, Massachusetts enjoys the perks of New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation status without many of the pitfalls.

"Candidates have to come here to raise money. Candidates have to come here to recruit staff. Candidates have to talk to our media," said Joe Caiazzo, a local operative and veteran of presidential campaigns in New England. "But we don't have to deal with the technical stuff. Our doors aren't knocked 4,000 times."

Keeping New Hampshire in an early slot guarantees an entire region's access to the Democratic Party's power players. But it does little to resolve activists' gripes over the lack of diversity in the first two nominating states. Iowa's catastrophic 2020 caucuses may have taken some of the heat off New Hampshire. But the state is still 87 percent white.

Massachusetts could have a leg up on New Hampshire there: The Bay State's population is 68 percent white, per the last census. It has the urban and rural voters the DNC is looking for, plus a strong union base. And it has the deep pockets candidates already rely on to replenish their campaign coffers.

"We're a lot more representative," former state Democratic Party Chair Phil Johnston told Playbook. "I'd love to see Massachusetts apply for it."

But if any New England state emerges from the "bloody battle" for the early spots, it's likely to be New Hampshire, Tim Jerman, a DNC national committeeman from Vermont, told Playbook.

"I think there will be a lot of support to keep a New England primary and probably in New Hampshire," Jerman said. "Who wants to start from scratch now to rebuild the wheel they have perfected?"

GOOD FRIDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. TGIF and a happy holiday weekend to all those celebrating!

TODAY — Gov. Charlie Baker and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu participate in the One Boston Day Ceremony at 2:30 p.m. on Boylston Street. Rep. Lori Trahan highlights federal investments in mental health services for emergency personnel in Westminster at 8:45 a.m. Sen. Ed Markey attends a Massachusetts Minority Business Development Agency open house at 11 a.m.

THIS WEEKEND — Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce President Jim Rooney is on WBZ's "Keller @ Large" at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. State AG hopeful Shannon Liss-Riordan is on WCVB's "On the Record" at 11 a.m. Sunday.

Tips? Scoops? Email me: lkashinsky@politico.com.

A message from PhRMA:

Thousands of scientists in Massachusetts are creating ground-breaking treatments to fight everything from the common cold to cancer. Gov. Charlie Baker's bill would let the government set prices on medications, limiting the amount of research scientists can do to create cures. More importantly, it might make some medications harder to get. Gov. Baker: let the scientists do their jobs, don't discriminate against patients, and stop threatening access to medications. Go to SupportMassCures.com to learn more.

FROM THE DELEGATION

— BRING ON THE SANCTIONS: Russia has now sanctioned most of the Bay State's congressional delegation — and some members are wearing that punishment with pride.

"Good, now let's get Ukraine some more weapons," Rep. Lori Trahan , who recently traveled to Ukrainian border countries, said after Russia moved to penalize 398 U.S. House members earlier this week.

Reps. Jim McGovern and Bill Keating were the only two House members from Massachusetts not on the list . That could be because they've been sanctioned by Russia in the past, as Russia's Foreign Ministry pointed out in its statement, or it could be for any number of unknown reasons. FWIW, McGovern and Keating have both criticized Russia's war in Ukraine, and McGovern has previously led efforts to sanction human-rights violators in Russian President Vladimir Putin's inner circle.

THE LATEST NUMBERS

— "Massachusetts COVID cases spike 68%, hospitalizations on the rise," by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: "The 2,962 daily virus cases in the state was a 68% jump from 1,760 reported cases last Thursday. Also, a total of 5,363 staff and students tested positive in Bay State schools in the past week, significantly up from the previous week's report."

— "Town-by-town COVID-19 data in Massachusetts," by Ryan Huddle and Peter Bailey-Wells, Boston Globe.

DATELINE BEACON HILL

— "With Climate Bill, Senate Starts 'Traveling Down the Road' to Net-Zero," by Chris Lisinski, State House News Service (paywall): "Nearly 12 hours after they kicked off debate, senators voted 37-3 on legislation (S 2819) that faces an unclear future as negotiators prepare to reconcile it with a smaller-scope bill that cleared the House (H 4515). All three of the chamber's Republicans, who unsuccessfully pushed an alternative proposal, voted against the final measure. ... The legislation, which comes on the heels of a 2021 law committing to reaching net-zero emissions statewide by 2050, would pump $250 million into clean energy expansion, electric vehicle incentives, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. It would also overhaul the offshore wind procurement process, require greater scrutiny on the future of natural gas, and allow some cities and towns to restrict the use of fossil fuels in new construction."

Senate President Karen Spilka praised her chamber for continuing to lead on tackling climate change. But state Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz , who's running for governor, said that while the bill "is the boldest climate plan proposed at the state level this year," it "fails to invest a single new cent in electrifying or incentivizing public transportation and only scratches the surface of cutting building emissions."

— "After decades, a bill allowing driver's licenses for undocumented people faces a new wait: in a supportive Mass. Senate," by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: "Chris Donelan was a freshman state representative in 2003 when, he said, a bill that would allow residents without legal immigration status to get a Massachusetts driver's license first came to his attention. It would be nearly two decades, however, before the Massachusetts House passed it. … For supporters, the wait continues. Two months after the House approved the bill by a veto-proof margin, it's yet to surface in the Senate despite its top leader backing it and more than half the chamber formally supporting similar language."

— "Massachusetts plans relief on $1.6 billion in unemployment insurance overpayments," by Larry Edelman, Boston Globe: "The Baker administration on Thursday laid out its most comprehensive effort yet to provide full or partial financial relief to nearly 288,000 people who received jobless benefits during the pandemic but were later told they may have to pay back the money. The state is aiming to end a financial nightmare for claimants facing $2.3 billion in repayment demands — money that many already spent on food, rent, and other basics. The plan will cover up to about 70 percent of those overpaid claims, or $1.6 billion. That's because not everyone will qualify for a reprieve even as the state expands the eligibility criteria."

— "State seeks $600m in Robin Hood Medicaid plan," by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: "Even as debate continues in the Legislature over how best to help community hospitals in the long term, a technical provision included in Gov. Charlie Baker's state budget proposal could result in a $600 million annual windfall to the state's hospitals, with an emphasis on those that serve more low-income patients."

— "Governor's Council Grills Nominee on 'Third Rail' Contempt Order," by Sam Doran, State House News Service (paywall): "Questioning from the Governor's Council appeared to move a District Court judge to tears Wednesday at a hearing that was haunted by echoes of the time that Judge Andrew D'Angelo ordered a defense lawyer to be locked up for civil contempt, an action the nominee said he almost instantly regretted."

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VAX-ACHUSETTS

— "Mass. in a 'precarious position' due to disparities in COVID-19 vaccination coverage, study finds," by Kay Lazar, Boston Globe: "As vaccinations were rolled out across the country last year to combat COVID-19, public health experts raised concerns about low uptake in communities of color, based on historic distrust with the health care system. But a new study of vaccination data in Massachusetts has found that educational level is a much stronger predictor than race, and could find no evidence that vaccine hesitancy played a role in people's decisions."

— "Experts predict a COVID 'swell' — rather than a 'wave' — as cases tick upward in Mass.," by Gabrielle Emanuel, WBUR: "Although the overall numbers are still low compared to the height of the omicron surge, public health experts are noting the increases and calling for caution. It's impossible to know for sure, but these experts said the situation in Massachusetts looks like a 'swell,' rather than a wave like the one the state saw between December and February, fueled by the original omicron variant, BA.1."

FROM THE HUB

— "Golden's departure sets stage for big changes at BPDA," by Catherine Carlock, Boston Globe: "[BPDA Director Brian Golden's resignation] wasn't unexpected. New mayors typically anoint a new head of the city's powerful real estate arm; indeed Golden was one of the few top aides to former mayor Martin J. Walsh still serving in City Hall five months after Mayor Michelle Wu took office. But his departure leaves many questions as the city revs back up from the COVID-19 pandemic, ranging from the basic question of who might replace him to broader inquiries about what role the BPDA might play under a new mayor who once vowed to 'abolish' the agency."

— "Boston releases job description for new police commissioner," by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: "The Wu administration has put out a job description for police commissioner and is encouraging people to apply for what has been a $250,000-a-year gig atop the $400 million department — and the description doesn't mention policing experience all that much. Mayor Michelle Wu's search commission also announced the hiring of the Police Executive Research Forum, a nonprofit consulting firm for police departments, to field applications and assist in the process."

— "City Council pushes ahead with plan for change to elected School Committee," by Jenna Russell, Boston Globe: "A voter-backed push for an elected School Committee moved Thursday into its next phase, as City Council members discussed a detailed plan for what the transition might look like and how long it should take, the final stage before they vote on the measure and seek approval from the mayor, state Legislature, and governor. ... Under the draft plan discussed this week, the switch to an elected committee would occur in stages and would not be complete until 2026."

A message from PhRMA:

PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES

— "Little mention of fatal Red Line incident at MBTA board of directors safety subcommittee meeting," by Taylor Dolven, Boston Globe: "Four days after the death of a man who became trapped in a subway car door on the Red Line, the MBTA board of directors' safety subcommittee, charged with overseeing safety at the sprawling transit agency, did not ask MBTA staff a single question about the tragedy at a public meeting. Instead, the members of the MBTA Safety, Health, and Environment Subcommittee — Scott Darling, Mary Beth Mello, and Bob Butler — offered condolences Thursday to the family of Robinson Lalin as well as Peter Monsini, a construction worker who died when the Government Center Garage partially collapsed last month."

DATELINE D.C.

— "White House climate adviser Gina McCarthy planning to step down - sources," by Jarrett Renshaw and Jeff Mason, Reuters: "White House climate adviser Gina McCarthy is planning to step down, according to two sources familiar with the deliberations, likely ending a tenure marked by ambitious emissions targets but failure in securing major U.S. carbon-cutting legislation. McCarthy, 67, had initially planned to remain in the White House for about a year."

— NOT SO FAST? McCarthy, a Massachusetts native, tweeted : "Reports that I have resigned from my position as President Biden's National Climate Advisor are simply inaccurate. We've made great progress these past 14 months, but we have much more work to do — and I remain excited about the opportunities ahead."

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FROM THE 413

— "Parents file federal lawsuit against Ludlow school officials over gender identity protocols," by Stephanie Barry, Springfield Republican: "Two sets of parents have filed a federal lawsuit against the Ludlow School Committee and school administrators over the district's gender identity policies at Paul L. Baird Middle School. … The lawsuit argues the school district is violating parents' civil rights by allowing transgender or gender fluid students to adopt different names and pronouns without keeping their parents in the loop. The school district has historically maintained it is following statewide guidelines by supporting the students and protecting their privacy."

A message from PhRMA:

Massachusetts is a booming biotech ecosystem. Its scientists and researchers are developing ground-breaking treatments to fight everything from the common cold to cancer.

Gov. Charlie Baker's bill imposes government prices on medications, which would then limit the amount of research scientists can do to create lifesaving treatments. By setting medication prices, it also means politicians decide which patients and diseases are more important than others.

State bureaucrats should not be playing doctor. When the government imposes artificial prices from the top-down, some patients can lose access to their medications. Seniors, the disabled, and the chronically ill are most vulnerable to these policies.

Gov. Baker: let the scientists and doctors do their jobs, don't discriminate against patients, and stop threatening access to medications. Go to SupportMassCures.com to learn more.

THE LOCAL ANGLE

— "Is new Fenway Park policy discriminating against cash payers?" by Ben Simmoneau, WCVB: "Massachusetts state law clearly says retailers can't discriminate against people who want to pay with cash, but the strength of the law is dependent on how Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey wants to enforce it. … On Wednesday, the Red Sox showed off their self-scanners and announced that anyone who wanted to use cash would first have to convert that money to a prepaid Mastercard debit card. … Some consumer advocates are wondering if this runs afoul of state law. … When we asked [Healey's] office for comment on Thursday, they would not say if they believe these cash-to-card conversion requirements are in the bounds of state law, but a spokesperson told us they'll be reaching out to make sure it's is accessible and fair."

— "JFK assassin Lee Harvey Oswald's life insurance claim sells for nearly $80K at auction, far higher than when it was paid out in 1963," by Chris McLaughlin, MassLive: "The life insurance policy of one of the country's most infamous assassins, Lee Harvey Oswald, who killed President John F. Kennedy in 1963 and who was then famously killed himself, has sold at auction for nearly $80,000 — far higher than when it was paid out to his mother who filed the death claim."

— "ACLU: Mass voters should get to know their sheriffs. Bristol County is ahead of the game," by Kevin G. Andrade, Standard-Times: "Bristol County voters know the name of their sheriff, according to a report released Wednesday by the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts; that puts them ahead of most in the state. Released as part of the organization's new 'Know Your Sheriff' campaign, the poll found that 52% of registered voters in Bristol County could correctly name their sheriff: Thomas M. Hodgson."

— "Framingham Auxiliary Police disbanding after 80 years due to new standards," by Norman Miller, MetroWest Daily News: "After 80 years, the Framingham Auxiliary Police will soon be no more. Capt. Marc Spigel, commander of the all-volunteer unit, said that as of June 30, the Auxiliary Police will disband due to new requirements set forth as a result of the state Police Reform Bill. … Spigel said auxiliary officers do not have a problem with additional training, although it is not offered at a time conducive for those with full-time jobs. But he said they cannot do the 2,400 hours of patrol and they do not have full powers of arrest."

TRANSITIONS — Waltham's Emily Citrone is now campaign manager for Heather May, a Democratic candidate for 9th Middlesex state representative.

— Davis Malm has added Jennifer L. Salerno to its divorce and family law practice.

— Ruby Robles has been promoted to press secretary for Sen. Elizabeth Warren. She most recently was Warren's deputy press secretary and is a Warren for President alum.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Newsha Ghaeli of Biobot, Asher MacDonald and Andrés Garcia.

HAPPY BIRTHWEEKEND — to former Massachusetts First Lady Ann Romney; Patriots coach Bill Belichick, Jane Oates, a former Kennedy staffer now with WorkingNation; and Doug Elmendorf , who celebrate Saturday; and to Sunday birthday-ers state Rep. Bruce Ayers, Dean Lieberman, Tom Hunt, Glossier's Susan Effler, Mark Leicester and Christine Boncore.

NEW HORSE RACE ALERT: BUDGET THEATER — State House News Service's Katie Lannan and Chris Lisinski walk hosts Jennifer Smith, Steve Koczela and Lisa Kashinsky through the House budget proposal and Senate staffers' union push. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and Sound Cloud.

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.

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