News: The LG race finally lives up to the hype

Monday, June 13, 2022

The LG race finally lives up to the hype

Jun 13, 2022

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THE CONVENTION EFFECT — The contest once billed as the hottest race in the state spent most of the spring simmering on the back burner.

Not anymore.

The state Democratic convention — where the lieutenant governor field was culled from five to three, Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll walked away with an 18-point lead and the party's endorsement and state Sen. Eric Lesser finished third behind progressive-activist-backed state Rep. Tami Gouveia — has shaken up the race.

Lesser's surprising result and state Sen. Adam Hinds' exit put western Massachusetts more in play — and Driscoll was quick to capitalize by snapping up support in the 413.

Gouveia, also looking for some post-convention momentum, rolled out endorsements from former lieutenant governor and governor hopeful Bob Massie and 13 other local elected officials, activists and groups. She's also, her campaign shared first with Playbook, won the backing of state Rep. Russell Holmes, a prominent leader in Boston's Black community.

Now Lesser is answering those plays with a big one of his own:

FIRST IN PLAYBOOK — Lesser is rolling out endorsements today from 130 current and former elected officials and Democratic party activists, including Senate President Karen Spilka, former state party Chairs Steve Grossman and Phil Johnston, and the mayors of Lawrence, Fitchburg, Springfield and Chicopee.

Nearly half the state's senators have now endorsed their colleague, as have several former Hinds supporters including state Sens. Michael Rodrigues, Julian Cyr, Mike Rush, Anne Gobi, Adam Gomez and Jo Comerford; state Reps. Smitty Pignatelli, Jake Oliveira and Lindsay Sabadosa; and Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan.

Senators were facing pressure to endorse (another) one of their own. But Lesser's support from House lawmakers, who would be expected to back Gouveia, is notable.

GOOD MONDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Speaking of endorsers, Driscoll broke ranks with one of her big-name supporters, House Speaker Ron Mariano, by signaling openness to a gas-tax holiday during her Sunday appearance on WCVB's "On the Record."

Mariano is adamantly opposed to suspending the state's 24-cents-per-gallon gas tax, even with the average price at the pump now over $5. So is Spilka.

But Driscoll said she would "definitely be open" to a "short-term" pause on the gas tax. She also said Gov. Charlie Baker's push to raise the estate-tax threshold from $1 million to $2 million, part of his $700 million tax-relief package still under consideration by the Legislature, "deserves merit for us to take a look at."

"We need strategies coming out of cities, out of state government to support those who are finding it harder to make ends meet," Driscoll said. "That means potentially looking at gas tax."

TODAY — Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and House and Senate leaders hold their leadership meeting at 2 p.m. at the State House. Polito visits East Bridgewater High at 9 a.m. and addresses the virtual STEM Gap & Wealth Inequities Event at 4 p.m.

Rep. Stephen Lynch addresses the New England Council at 8 a.m. at The Hampshire House in Boston. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu attends a Roxbury coffee hour at 9:30 a.m. AG Maura Healey and Rep. Bill Keating tour the Mass. Maritime Academy at 11:30 a.m., discuss local business issues at 3 p.m. at the Dennis Village Mercantile and tour Cape Abilities Farm at 3:30 p.m. Driscoll, Rep. Seth Moulton and state Sen. Joan Lovely participate in a "Rally to Save the North Shore Birth Center" at noon outside Beverly Hospital.

Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) face off in the Edward M. Kennedy Institute's inaugural "The Senate Project," debate at noon, which will also air live on Fox Nation . Boston Ward 12/14 Dems hold conversations with Suffolk County sheriff and DA candidates at 6 p.m. at the Twelfth Baptist Church.

Tips? Scoops? Missed me? Let's chat: lkashinsky@politico.com.

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DATELINE BEACON HILL

— ON THE MOVE: After overriding Baker's veto last week, House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka will host a "ceremonial bill signing" at 4 p.m. at the State House library for the new law allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses starting in July 2023. Baker lost this battle, but one of the Republicans vying to succeed him, former state Rep. Geoff Diehl, and his running mate, former state Rep. Leah Cole Allen, have already vowed to back a ballot question to repeal the law.

— Voting-reform legislation, sans same-day registration, is headed to the House after the Senate approved a bill that codifies pandemic-era mail-in and early voting expansions and moves the voter-registration deadline to 10 days before an election instead of 20.

— "Few firearms seized under 'red flag' law," by Christian M. Wade, Eagle-Tribune: "The law was used to confiscate firearms belonging to eight people last year, one less than in 2020 and a decline of more than 50% from 2019, when 19 so-called 'extreme risk protection orders' were issued, according to the state Trial Court."

— "From his early days in education, Mass. commissioner sought to level playing field," by Jenna Russell, Boston Globe: "Long before he became the face of state intervention in local education, decades before his high-stakes standoff with Mayor Michelle Wu over the fate of Boston Public Schools, Jeffrey Riley was a young, untested recruit for Teach for America, an aspiring teacher and college philosophy major, thrown into one of the toughest schools in the country."

— "Mass. residents overwhelmingly support a bill that would allow terminally ill patients to end their lives. Lawmakers are unlikely to pass it this year," by Simon Levien, Boston Globe.

FROM THE HUB

— WATCH: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu didn't tell WBZ's Jon Keller which Boston Democrat she might endorse for governor. But she did respond to his question about whether it's time to clean house in the beleaguered Boston Public Schools: "There's some natural turnover there as we're finishing our superintendent search and we also already have many vacancies within the central office side as well as within the ranks of our teaching staff," Wu said. "It is not only possible, but necessary to really reshape the direction of our schools."

— "Boston police officer reports feeling 'intimidated' by City Councilor Julia Mejia," by Flint McColgan, Boston Herald: "A Boston police officer reported that he felt intimidated by City Councilor Julia Mejia during an interaction with her late last month, but Mejia says it's a misunderstanding."

— "Mayor Wu, under pressure, releases more BPD records from former Boston police union leader Patrick Rose," by Andrew Ryan and Milton J. Valencia, Boston Globe.

— "Boston hires former council candidate [Tania Del Rio] as Mass and Cass response director," by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald.

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PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES

— NOT A TOTALLY FREE RIDE: Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll isn't joining Boston Mayor Michelle Wu in calling to free the T, saying on WCVB's "On the Record" that completely eliminating fares "means we can't invest in the transportation system that we need to" and that's facing a fiscal deficit.

"For some people it should be free. But not for all," Driscoll continued. "There's a means-tested system that we could put in place for public transportation that would enhance it. But most important is the quality."

— "Sumner Tunnel closure breeds traffic, worries in East Boston," by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: "The Tunnelpocalypse has begun in earnest as the planned shutdown of the Sumner led to traffic lines on Google Maps glowing as angry red as the faces of East Boston travelers, and local politicians are pushing for more efforts to curb the hassle [including making the Blue Line free]."

— "Urine luck: MBTA plans to clean soiled elevators with new program," by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: "The MBTA claims its elevator ride time is 'excellent,' but is still experiencing a pungent problem: Riders peeing inside lifts, in lieu of waiting for a bathroom. … [T]he T plans to pilot a new program in mid-August, which will consist of placing urine detection sensors in four downtown elevators: Chinatown, Broadway, Charles MGH and North Station."

— "Boston Chamber head says a lack of confidence in the T is major challenge for businesses," by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald.

CAMPAIGN MODE

— NOT SO FAST: Rep. Seth Moulton cast votes at the state Democratic convention for Attorney General Maura Healey for governor, Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll for lieutenant governor, Andrea Campbell for attorney general, state Sen. Diana DiZoglio for auditor and Tanisha Sullivan for secretary of state, according to the delegate vote breakdown released by MassDems.

But besides Sullivan, who Moulton endorsed pre-convention, a spokesperson said the congressman's votes are not formal endorsements of those candidates, which include Moulton's mayor, Driscoll.

Rep. Stephen Lynch also cast votes at the convention, in his case for Healey, Driscoll, Campbell, DiZoglio and incumbent Bill Galvin for secretary of state. A spokesperson for Lynch said he's supporting all those candidates and that while he hasn't yet been asked to formally endorse Driscoll, he is "happily" with her for lieutenant governor.

— CASH DASH: Campbell is headed to Martha's Vineyard for a meet and greet at Nomans Restaurant on Thursday evening. Campbell fundraised on the island during her 2021 Boston mayoral run.

— "Pro-Campbell super PAC says it's restricted from involvement in AG's race," by Gintautas Dumcius, Dorchester Reporter: "The outside group known as "Better Boston," which backed Andrea Campbell in her 2021 mayoral run, says it's sitting on the sidelines for the former city councillor's 2022 run for attorney general. The group's Dorchester-based leader says its scope is limited to Boston races only."

— "Maura Healey could be the next governor. Her ties to Mass. begin with a surprising backstory," by Anthony Brooks, WBUR: "[Maura Healey's] father was a captain in the U.S. Public Health Service, so Healey was born at the Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland. But her grandmother, who came from Newbury, was determined that her granddaughter be born on Massachusetts soil. So, Healey's grandmother dug up some dirt from her hometown, put it in a bag and took it to Bethesda."

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THE LOCAL ELECTIONS ROUNDUP

— ENDORSEMENT ALERT: SEIU Local 888 has endorsed Brookline Select Board Vice Chair Raul Fernandez for 15th Norfolk state representative, per his campaign.

— "In Sixth Suffolk House match-up, it's Hardaway v. Holmes," by Jennifer Smith, Dorchester Reporter: "For the first time in a decade, there will be a primary race this year for state representative in the 6th Suffolk District. Incumbent state Rep. Russell Holmes, running for a sixth term, will face challenger Haris Hardaway. Both men are Democrats."

— "Alfred Barbalunga will announce his run for sheriff on Monday," by Berkshire Eagle staff: "Alfred 'Alf' E. Barbalunga will make it official Monday: He is challenging the incumbent Berkshire County sheriff, setting up the first contest for the position since 2010."

— "Republican John Comerford announces bid for Governor's Council," by Greg Vine, Daily Hampshire Gazette.

BALLOT BATTLES

— "New poll, report on billionaires' gains fuel latest battle over Mass. millionaires tax," by Benjamin Kail, Boston Business Journal: "Proponents of higher taxes for Massachusetts' wealthiest residents say a recent report on billionaires' wealth gains during the pandemic reveals how top earners can afford the hike. Meanwhile, opponents of the tax say a recent poll suggests support for the millionaires tax is not as high as has been touted."

DAY IN COURT

— "The Cambridge bike lane battle is heading to court," by Andrew Brinker, Boston Globe: "A faction of local business owners and residents in Cambridge sued the city Friday, seeking to reel back an ambitious bike lane expansion project that they say will eliminate precious parking spaces and devastate small businesses."

FROM THE DELEGATION

— "Boston BDS map of Jewish groups has 'potential to incite violence,' Auchincloss says," by Marc Rod, Jewish Insider: "Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) said on Wednesday that a report released [on 'local institutional support for the colonization of Palestine'] by a Boston-area Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement group plays on millennia-old antisemitic tropes and could inflame violence against the Jewish community."

— The Times of Israel reports that Reps. Ayanna Pressley and Seth Moulton have also denounced the targeting of Jewish institutions, while Haaretz has a joint statement from Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey saying "this 'mapping' of the Jewish community is dangerous and irresponsible."

— "'Like moving deck chairs on the Titanic:' mixed local reactions to Senate gun control deal," by John Hilliard and Alexander Thompson, Boston Globe: "Representative Lori Trahan called the deal a 'critical step forward' to protect children and communities from gun violence. … But her House colleague, Representative Jake Auchincloss, who served as a Marine, expressed frustration with the stances of many Republicans on the issue."

— Related: "March for Our Lives rallies in Boston and nationwide amid call for tough gun controls," by Andrew Brinker, Samantha J. Gross, Diti Kohli and Alexander Thompson, Boston Globe.

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BIDEN TIME

— "Should Biden Run in 2024? Democratic Whispers of 'No' Start to Rise," by Reid J. Epstein and Jennifer Medina, New York Times: "Few Democrats interviewed expect that high-profile leaders with White House ambitions would defer to Vice President Kamala Harris, who has had a series of political hiccups of her own in office. These Democrats mentioned a host of other figures who lost to Mr. Biden in the 2020 primary: Senators Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Cory Booker of New Jersey; Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg; and Beto O'Rourke..."

MARIJUANA IN MASSACHUSETTS

— "Local marijuana fees soar past $50 million as industry decries municipal 'slush funds'," by Dan Adams, Boston Globe: "Massachusetts cities and towns have collected over $53 million in 'impact' fees from marijuana companies since recreational pot sales began in 2018, a new study has found, as lawmakers consider a crackdown on what critics decry as a government shakedown."

THE LOWELL CONNECTOR

— "Lowell city councilors reintroduce motion on racism, broaden language and impact," by Cameron Morsberger, Lowell Sun: "The City Council will re-examine a modified, somewhat controversial failed motion addressing racism and its impact on residents of the city at its next meeting, on Tuesday. … The motion comes two years after former Mayor John Leahy's motion to declare racism a public health crisis failed to pass in the City Council, triggering some public outcry."

FROM THE 413

— "Chicopee rescinds controversial Sikh proclamation that raised ire of India's consul general," by Jeanette DeForge, Springfield Republican: "Mayor John L. Vieau has rescinded a proclamation that unintentionally angered a local group of business leaders of Indian heritage and sparked a visit from the consul general of India."

THE LOCAL ANGLE

— "'Anti-prejudice' Everett City Council runner-up replaces disgraced councilor," by Liz Neisloss, GBH News: "After Everett City Councilor Anthony DiPierro admitted to sharing a racist meme, Darren Costa was one of the residents who lined up at a public meeting in March to express outrage. … Now Costa is joining that council to take over DiPierro's seat."

— "Fauci, at dedication of Holy Cross complex in his honor, warns of 'normalizing of untruths'," by Brad Petrishen, Telegram & Gazette: "Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, warned of the 'existential' threat of the 'normalization of untruths' Saturday as he returned to his alma mater, the College of the Holy Cross, for a rededication of its science complex in his honor."

— More: "Dr. Anthony Fauci retirement plans: 'I can guarantee you one thing, I'll retire before I die'," by Erin Tiernan, MassLive.

— "'No one wants to be a cop these days'; Across Massachusetts, police chiefs say hiring and retaining officers is a challenge," by Chris Van Buskirk, MassLive: "Police chiefs from different parts of Massachusetts who spoke to MassLive in recent weeks said they are experiencing difficulties as they look to hire new people to fill gaps left by retirements, transfers, or departures and are running into trouble keeping current officers around."

— "Monkeypox in Massachusetts: State health officials confirm two more infections," by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: "Neither of the men reported a known link to the first case identified in Massachusetts last month."

— "Former Eagle reporter who questioned Trump's voter fraud claims will appear Monday before Jan. 6 panel," by Larry Parnass, Berkshire Eagle.

IN MEMORIAM — "Prominent Democratic operative Joe Grandmaison dies at 79," by The Associated Press.

A message from PhRMA:

Did you know that PBMs, insurers, hospitals, the government, and others received a larger share of total spending on medicines than biopharmaceutical companies? That's right, more than half of spending on brand medicines goes to someone who doesn't make them. Let's fix the system the right way and ensure more of the savings go to patients, not middlemen. Learn more.

ENGAGED — Faith Simon and Tim Cronin got engaged over the weekend at their alma mater Stonehill College. They first met working on a special election campaign in Brockton. Simon is a former aide to the House majority leader and Cronin works in environmental policy. Tweet.

WEEKEND WEDDING — Will Poff-Webster, a former Matt O'Malley and State House staffer, married Amna Hashmi in a 400-person extravaganza in Baltimore. O'Malley gave a speech. Pic via Megan Corrigan.

REWIND — I joined Axios Boston's Mike Deehan and GBH's Adam Reilly on "Talking Politics" to break down how the state Democratic and Republican conventions set the stage for the rest of primary season.

SPOTTED — Rep. Seth Moulton boarding a flight back to Boston from Reagan National Airport Saturday night.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Catherine McLaughlin and Liam Byrne. Happy belated to Brianna Millor, who celebrated Sunday, James Rockas, who celebrated Friday, and to Jeff Solnet, who celebrated Thursday.

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