| | | | |  | | By Steven Shepard | Presented by National Grid | A REPUBLICAN RENAISSANCE — Even as Republicans are likely to lose their grip on the corner office this fall thanks to Gov. Charlie Baker's retirement, the GOP's ranks could grow in New England after more than a decade of decline. We released POLITICO's Election Forecast this week — and while there were few races of note in the Bay State, with only the governor's race and Rep. Bill Keating's reelection campaign even in the realm of competitiveness — outside the commonwealth's borders is a different story. Republicans have the opportunity to claw back congressional seats and governorships across the region, though none of these races are slam dunks. It's not just across the border in New Hampshire, where Republicans are aiming for a sweep of the state's Senate race and two House seats, along with GOP Gov. Chris Sununu's bid for a fourth two-year term. Or the perennial swing seat in northern Maine, home to moderate Democratic Rep. Jared Golden. Two first-term Democratic governors, Maine Gov. Janet Mills and Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, find themselves in potentially tight reelection campaigns: Mills will likely face former GOP Gov. Paul LePage, while Lamont looks headed for a rematch with 2018 nominee Bob Stefanowski. LePage won two elections in GOP wave years (2010 and 2014, albeit never winning a majority of the vote), while Stefanowski (a self-funder who's already spent seven figures on TV ads this year) nearly beat Lamont in a tough year to be a Republican. Maine is rated as "Lean Democratic," while Connecticut earned a "Likely Democratic" rating — though both could slide one notch toward the GOP before too long. Republicans are also targeting Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee, who took over from now-Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and faces challenges in both the primary and general elections. There's also an open congressional seat in the Ocean State with Democratic Rep. Jim Langevin's retirement: Republicans have lined up behind former congressional candidate Allan Fung there. Broadly, the GOP is working to adapt the current political environment to a region where its presidential nominee, Donald Trump, was thumped in the past two elections. Stefanowski's latest ads in Connecticut focus on affordability and government transparency — not exactly the hot-button issues energizing Republican voters elsewhere in the country. These Republicans aren't necessarily all cut from the same cloth as Baker, Ed Brooke and Bill Weld: LePage has promised a kinder, gentler version of the combative two-term governor who was dubbed "Trump before Trump" (though perhaps "DeSantis before DeSantis" would be more appropriate). So while Republicanism may be in retreat across Massachusetts, Democrats are hardly safe in the rest of New England. GOOD THURSDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. I'm Steve Shepard, POLITICO's senior campaigns and elections editor and chief polling analyst, filling in for Lisa as your Playbook scribe this morning. And thank you to Madison Fernandez for pitching in again today. Please bear with us and keep sending tips to lkashinsky@politico.com! Lisa's off resting and recuperating, but she did send in this nugget: The Democratic State Committee approved a motion backing Senate staffers' union push last night. But Senate President Karen Spilka, a DSC member, wasn't among the more than 167 committee members who signed on showing solidarity with the Massachusetts State House Employee Union. Neither was her new Senate counsel, James DiTullio, who's also a state committee member, per a copy of the motion and its signatories shared with Playbook. The motion instructs party Chair Gus Bickford to send a letter within 48 hours to House and Senate leaders, the AFL-CIO and IBEW Local 2222 , which is representing the Senate staffers, alerting them of the state committee's support. The party's support makes sense, given that its staffers are unionized through a different IBEW local. "We are grateful for the Massachusetts Democratic Party's recognition of how our union will benefit workers, the Commonwealth and democracy," the union organizing committee said in a statement. "We call on Senate leadership to recognize what the majority of their staff have asked for: recognition and support for the Massachusetts State House Employee Union." Spilka's office declined to comment. The Senate president has yet to respond to staffers' request to voluntarily recognize their bargaining unit, and has asked Senate counsel to review it. TODAY — Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito announce economic development legislation at 10 a.m. at Breakwater North Harbor in Lynn. Rep. Lori Trahan announces federal funding for the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center at 9 a.m. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry attends the MIT Climate Grand Challenges Showcase at 10 a.m. Sen. Elizabeth Warren discusses federal funding in Hull at 12:15 p.m. and joins Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Tompkins' reelection campaign kickoff at the Stockyard in Brighton at 5:30 p.m.
| | A message from National Grid: There Is A Better Way. National Grid is announcing our path to a fossil-free energy future. By using renewable natural gas, and green hydrogen produced from water using wind energy, we can achieve a fossil-free energy future by 2050 or earlier. | | | |  | THE LATEST NUMBERS | | — "Massachusetts reports 1,853 new COVID cases, hospitalizations jump," by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: "The state Department of Public Health's report of 1,853 cases was a bit down from last Wednesday's total of 1,969 infections. However, the number of reported tests was a 27% drop from last week. … Meanwhile, the Massachusetts average percent positivity has climbed to 4.34%, significantly up from 1.6% a few weeks ago. The positive test average for Wednesday's count was 3.88%."
| | DATELINE BEACON HILL | | — "Advocates call for end to men being sent to correctional facilities for substance abuse treatment," by Esteban Bustillos, GBH News: "Advocates are calling for the end of a Massachusetts policy that allows men to be put in correctional facilities when they are involuntarily committed for treatment of substance use disorder. The practice, which is allowed under a statute known as Section 35, ended in 2016 for women but is still in place for men. … As debate quickly approaches for the state's next annual budget, experts and advocates are calling for the state to strip correctional facilities of their funding under Section 35 and invest in other treatment options." — "'My son is my hero for telling me': Survivors of sexual assault recount horror stories as Gov. Baker pushes for bill to protect them," by Alison Kuznitz, MassLive: "With their voices quivering, mothers broke into tears before Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito Wednesday as they recounted how their children became victims of sexual abuse — and later, gut-wrenching trauma and terror as their perpetrators were inexplicably released from jail. … For now, sexual assault crimes — as well as threats of potential future violence — do not necessarily trigger a dangerous hearing, which Baker and Polito see as a gaping hole in state law that undermines public safety across Massachusetts. The administration refiled a bill in December to expand the list of offenses that would prompt the hearing and enable law enforcement to review a defendant's criminal history, not just the latest incident under scrutiny." — "PFAS task force releases recommendations to state officials," by Jake Freudberg, GBH News
| | | | DON'T MISS ANYTHING FROM THE 2022 MILKEN INSTITUTE GLOBAL CONFERENCE: POLITICO is excited to partner with the Milken Institute to produce a special edition "Global Insider" newsletter featuring exclusive coverage and insights from the 25th annual Global Conference. This year's event, May 1-4, brings together more than 3,000 of the world's most influential leaders, including 700+ speakers representing more than 80 countries. "Celebrating the Power of Connection" is this year's theme, setting the stage to connect influencers with the resources to change the world with leading experts and thinkers whose insight and creativity can implement that change. Whether you're attending in person or following along from somewhere else in the world, keep up with this year's conference with POLITICO's special edition "Global Insider" so you don't miss a beat. Subscribe today. | | | | | | | VAX-ACHUSETTS | | — "The 'invisible' targets of hatred and hardship: Lower-income Asian Americans the focus of new COVID-19 study," by Kay Lazar, Boston Globe: "A new study by Boston researchers has found that many lower-income Asian Americans, often underrepresented in studies of COVID-19, were hit hard by the pandemic and suffered a triple threat of health risks, financial stress, and racism. The report, from researchers at the University of Massachusetts Boston, focused on lower-income Asian Americans in Greater Boston."
| | FROM THE HUB | | — "Wu launches study of developer fees for housing," by Catherine Carlock, Boston Globe: "Mayor Michelle Wu's administration has tapped two consulting firms, along with an 11-member local advisory committee, to study how Boston tasks real estate developers — especially those building life-science laboratory space — with helping fund new affordable housing." — "Liquor license sought for old Globe building, owners eyeing food and beverages services," by Jennifer Smith, Dorchester Reporter: "The development team for the BEAT tech campus will seek a liquor license for their Morrissey Boulevard site, allowing tenants and visitors alike to enjoy a bite and a drink in parts of the former Boston Globe headquarters." — "Black UMass Boston faculty fight for funding," by Yawu Miller, Bay State Banner: "For nearly 40 years, the William Monroe Trotter Institute has served as the only public research institution in Massachusetts dedicated to the study of Black communities, tracking the trends in housing, education, politics, immigration and other areas that affect people of African descent in the state. But after UMass Boston officials announced in 2017 that the Trotter and other research institutes would lose university funding over a five-year period, the future of the think tank has been in question. … Now the Trotter Institute office on the 10th Floor of the Healey Library remains empty, with no full-time employees." — "You may have never heard of flight attendant 'crashpads' but they're all over East Boston," by Sarah Betancourt, GBH News: "After Boston inspectors shut down an illegal East Boston crashpad earlier this month, GBH News identified over a dozen crashpads in East Boston, all located within a couple miles of Logan International Airport."
| | ALL ABOARD | | — NEW: State Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz has been endorsed for governor by seven top climate policy makers and advocates, her campaign said, including Bob Massie, Patrick administration alum Ann Berwick , executive director of Renew US Dálida Rocha, former president of the Conservation Law Fund Philip Warburg, executive director of Alternatives for Community and Environment Dwaign Tyndal, executive director of Livable Streets Stacy Thompson, and founder of the Mass Power Forward Coalition Claire Miller . The endorsements come days after rival and state Attorney General Maura Healey put out her climate plan. Chang-Díaz released hers in December. — "Eye-popping cost of MBTA's new Quincy bus garage outpaces similar projects in US and Canada," by Taylor Dolven, Boston Globe: "In 2017, the MBTA said it expected to spend $808 million to modernize or replace its nine aging bus garages. Five years later, the agency now says that just the first of those projects, replacing the century-old garage in Quincy, will eat up half that amount — an eye-popping $402.1 million. The price tag for the new 120-bus maintenance and storage facility, scheduled to open in 2024, exceeds the budgets of similar projects completed or underway in other US and Canadian cities, a Globe review found." — "Rideshare ballot showdown poses 'unusual' question," by Michael Jonas, CommonWealth Magazine: "Massachusetts has a long history of putting complicated policy questions that lawmakers have been unable to resolve to a direct vote in statewide elections. This fall looks like it will be no exception, as the marquee ballot question that voters may face involves how state employment law should treat drivers for 'gig' economy platforms like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash. As a new analysis from the Center for State Policy Analysis at Tufts University makes clear, there's nothing simple about the question that seems destined to appear on the November ballot unless a legislative resolution of the issue is reached in the coming weeks."
| | | | A message from National Grid:   | | | | | ON THE STUMP | | — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Labor attorney Shannon Liss-Riordan has been endorsed for state attorney general by the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, which has more than 12,000 members, per her campaign. — NEW: 11th Suffolk state representative candidate Judith García is out with her first campaign video, sharing her personal story as a "daughter of Chelsea." — SCOTT BROWN'S LATEST GIG: Ex-ambassador and former Massachusetts GOP Sen. Scott Brown and his band, Scott Brown and the Diplomats, are performing at GOP governor hopeful Chris Doughty's convention-eve party on May 20 in Springfield. Brown says it's not an endorsement, though. — Speaking of Brown: "Former Amb. Scott Brown chairs new group to oppose congressional 'overreach' into tech industry," by Paul Steinhauser, Fox Business: "Former ambassador and senator Scott Brown has a new mission. Brown will chair a newly formed coalition of 15 groups, including business, consumer, and taxpayer advocates, that are teaming up to highlight what they consider misguided congressional attempts to 'overregulate and harm' America's tech sector." — "Bristol County Sheriff Tom Hodgson Responds to Poll, Opponent Criticism," by Marcus Ferro, WBSM: "The most common criticism levied against Hodgson by his opponents is that his office isn't focusing enough time and attention to reducing recidivism, which is a convicted offender's likelihood to reoffend. Hodgson responded that the formula used to measure recidivism is under constant scrutiny from both sheriff's departments and the state's Executive Office of Public Safety."
| | DAY IN COURT | | — "Time's up: Convicted former Fall River mayor Jasiel Correia II headed to prison on Friday," by Jo C. Goode, Herald News: "With his last shot at freedom dashed, convicted former Fall River mayor Jasiel Correia II will report to a New Hampshire federal prison on Friday to begin his six-year sentence. On Wednesday, a federal appeals court denied his bid for a stay pending his appeal on government corruption and fraud convictions." — "Nahant lawyer accused of storming Massachusetts Republican headquarters arraigned," by Flint McColgan, Boston Herald: "The retired Nahant lawyer accused of stirring up some trouble at the Massachusetts GOP headquarters in February has been arraigned. Hugh Samson, 72, was arraigned at Woburn District court on a charge of disorderly conduct and released on personal recognizance. He'll next appear in court on June 14." — "William Allen granted parole with life sentence commuted," by Deborah Becker, WBUR
| | BALLOT BATTLES | | — "Farmers say Fair Share Amendment isn't fair," by Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald: "A group of farmers representing over 800 years of generational participation in agriculture met virtually with the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance Wednesday to warn anyone who would listen they will reap what they sow if the state passes a millionaire's tax."
| | DATELINE D.C. | | — WATCH: Rep. Jim McGovern on GBH's "Greater Boston," where he discusses his hopes and fears for the Democratic party heading into midterms.
| | | | INTRODUCING DIGITAL FUTURE DAILY - OUR TECHNOLOGY NEWSLETTER, RE-IMAGINED: Technology is always evolving, and our new tech-obsessed newsletter is too! Digital Future Daily unlocks the most important stories determining the future of technology, from Washington to Silicon Valley and innovation power centers around the world. Readers get an in-depth look at how the next wave of tech will reshape civic and political life, including activism, fundraising, lobbying and legislating. Go inside the minds of the biggest tech players, policymakers and regulators to learn how their decisions affect our lives. Don't miss out, subscribe today. | | | | | | | IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN | | — Listen: "Iss New England's electrical grid up to the task of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050?" WBUR chats with Gordon van Welie , president and CEO of ISO New England, the nonprofit responsible for keeping electricity flowing throughout the region.
| | FROM THE 413 | | — "Warren, McGovern share in celebration of $3.6M rail trail grant in Northampton," by Brian Steele, Daily Hampshire Gazette: "U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern met with city officials on Wednesday to celebrate an injection of federal funding for the Manhan Rail Trail and brainstorm ways that lawmakers can help with establishing the Community Resilience Hub." — "A bridge over the Hoosic River could soon be named in honor of US Capitol Police Officer Billy Evans, who died in an attack last year," by Greta Jochem, The Berkshire Eagle: "Almost a year after Billy Evans' death, state Rep. John Barrett III has filed legislation to rename a bridge on Route 2 over the Hoosic River the William F. Evans Memorial Bridge."
| | THE LOCAL ANGLE | | — "Local officials urge permanent remote meeting allowance," by Chris Lisinski, State House News Service: "Pointing to sizable growth in community participation over the past two years, municipal officials on Wednesday called on Beacon Hill to allow pandemic-era hybrid and remote meeting options to remain in place permanently. Lawmakers have already extended provisions allowing public bodies to convene via platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams, and with the latest allowance set to expire July 15, Lexington Select Board Member Jill Hai cautioned that any lapse would create unnecessary upheaval at the local level."
| | RUSSIA-UKRAINE | | — "Ukrainian journalists share stories of courage, survival and atrocities," by Joe Dwinell, Boston Herald: "[Yuliana Ohotnik] is determined to keep writing and publishing vital information as the Russian army closes in. It's all under the umbrella of the ABO Local Media Development Agency, a collaboration between 45 newspapers and 300 journalists spread across Ukraine. They are linked by a common website — Svoi.global — and now the Boston Herald, Lowell Sun and Fitchburg Sentinel."
| | A message from National Grid: National Grid is announcing our path to a fossil-free energy future for our customers and communities. Our fossil-free plan will help achieve the Northeast's aggressive climate goals and set a new standard for energy companies.
We will use renewable natural gas, green hydrogen generated from wind and solar power, battery storage, and greater energy efficiency to make our National Grid system fossil-free by 2050 or earlier. Climate scientists say renewable natural gas is a win-win for the environment.
There Is A Better Way to keep energy affordable, reliable, and clean. That's why we are creating a hybrid pathway that preserves customer choice while delivering the clean, affordable energy future our customers want and deserve. See How. | | | | | MEANWHILE IN RHODE ISLAND | | — "R.I. bill would impose fines and double the taxes of those who refuse COVID-19 vaccine," by Edward Fitzpatrick, Boston Globe: "Rhode Islanders who don't get the COVID-19 vaccine would face $50 monthly fines and have to pay twice what they'd otherwise owe in personal income taxes, under a state Senate bill." HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Ronia Stewart, Henry Brechter and Chuck Colbert. 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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