News: The legislative race you should be watching

Friday, October 7, 2022

The legislative race you should be watching

Oct 07, 2022

EYES EMOJI — The only state legislative race where a representative is trying to knock out a senator has been flying under the radar — until now.

State Sen. Becca Rausch (D-Needham) is accusing her rival, state Rep. Shawn Dooley (R-Norfolk), of playing fast and loose with campaign finance and ethics rules to further his bid for her seat. She also says a recent newspaper ad of Dooley's "masqueraded" as an editorial board endorsement "when no editorial board process is even available" and that it erroneously claimed she wants to "defund the police."

Dooley says Rausch and her supporters are distorting his views on abortion — he voted against the 2020 ROE Act but voted to expand abortion access after Roe's fall — and employing "scare tactics" by trying to tie him to former President Donald Trump. Dooley said he voted for Trump when he unsuccessfully challenged pro-Trump MassGOP Chair Jim Lyons in 2020, but also maintains a relationship with moderate GOP Gov. Charlie Baker, who has endorsed him in this race.

Now Rausch is asking Dooley to sign an ethics pledge in which the candidates would agree to comply with campaign finance and ethics laws, to not "misappropriate" local government icons or logos in campaign materials and to not "engage in dishonest or intentionally misleading campaigning," among other things.

"Voters deserve trustworthy campaigning, because how you campaign indicates how you will serve in office," Rausch told Playbook. Dooley didn't immediately respond to a follow-up request for comment.

Among the issues Rausch cites are the numerous times state campaign finance regulators have flagged Dooley for reporting issues this year, including missing deposit reports and a potential non-disclosure of a PAC contribution. The majority of those issues have been resolved. Reporting issues are fairly common among candidates: Rausch was flagged once this year for mistakenly reporting a PAC contribution as a union, which she said was "corrected as soon as we were notified."

The newspaper ad in question, headlined "Shawn Dooley: Best Choice for State Senate," touts Dooley's endorsements by Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and former Gov. Bill Weld. It calls Dooley "the best choice to be our next State Senator."

The ad includes a disclaimer that the "article is paid for by Committee to Elect Shawn Dooley" but it does not say the word advertisement. While state law requires that paid political advertisements in newspapers include the word "advertisement," a spokesperson for the secretary of state's office said it appears, based on statute, to be the newspaper's responsibility to insert the word.

Rausch and Dooley's jobs are on the line in a race that pits one of the Legislature's most progressive members against one of its most conservative in a competitive district. Rausch in 2018 flipped a seat that had favored Republicans; her predecessors include Richard Ross, who she defeated, and Scott Brown. The district underwent a substantial redraw in last year's redistricting process. But even if Dooley turns it red again, Republicans won't dent Democrats' supermajority in the Senate.

GOOD FRIDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. PROGRAMMING NOTE: Massachusetts Playbook will not publish on Monday, Oct. 10, for Indigenous Peoples Day. I'll be back in your inbox on Tuesday. In the meantime, send me your tips, scoops and campaign mailers: lkashinsky@politico.com.

TODAY — Sen. Ed Markey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu speak at the EPA's Clean Water Act 50th anniversary event at 10:30 a.m. in East Boston. Markey is at the Museum of Science at 1 p.m. Wu attends a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Jamaica Plain at 1 p.m.

THIS WEEKEND — Healey and Labor Secretary Marty Walsh are at the inaugural Women Build Boston conference on Saturday.

SUNDAY SHOWS — SHNS's Matt Murphy and GBH's Katie Lannan are on WBZ's "Keller @ Large" at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Healey is on WCVB's "On the Record" at 11 a.m. Sunday.

JOIN NEXT WEDNESDAY FOR A TALK ON U.S.-CHINA AND XI JINPING'S NEW ERA: President Xi Jinping will consolidate control of the ruling Chinese Communist Party later this month by engineering a third term as China's paramount leader, solidifying his rule until at least 2027. Join POLITICO Live for a virtual conversation hosted by Phelim Kine, author of POLITICO's China Watcher newsletter, to unpack what it means for U.S.-China relations. REGISTER HERE.

MARIJUANA IN MASSACHUSETTS

— "Biden pardons marijuana offenses, calls for review of federal law," by Eugene Daniels and Natalie Fertig, POLITICO: "President Joe Biden on Thursday granted a pardon to all people convicted of simple marijuana possession under federal law, in what amounts to the most extensive White House action taken to date on U.S. drug policy. The president also urged governors to take similar action for state offenses of civil possession of marijuana."

— "Healey promises marijuana pardons if elected Mass. governor," by Dan Adams, Boston Globe: "In Massachusetts, where voters in 2016 legalized marijuana, officials in the office of outgoing Governor Charlie Baker declined to say whether he would follow Biden's lead. Instead, they noted Baker had signed legislation in 2018 that allows people previously prosecuted under Massachusetts law for cannabis-related conduct that is now legal to apply to have the charges erased (or 'expunged') from their records. But the Democratic candidate running to succeed Baker, Attorney General Maura Healey, told the Globe in a brief statement that, if elected, she would heed Biden's request and 'move to pardon state convictions for simple marijuana possession, modeled after the steps taken' by the president. ... Geoff Diehl, Healey's Republican opponent in the upcoming election, issued a statement slamming Biden for eliminating 'consequences for wrongful actions' — but also said he would respect the decision by Massachusetts voters to legalize the drug."

THE LATEST NUMBERS

— "Massachusetts reports 8,480 new COVID-19 cases; health care leaders urge vaccine boosters and flu shots," by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: "The state's daily average of 1,211 COVID-19 cases from the last week is a bit down from the daily rate of 1,292 virus infections during the previous week. The state also reported that 758 total patients are hospitalized with COVID-19, which is up 64 patients from this time last week. The 758 patients is the highest hospitalization total since May."

— "Massachusetts reports 13 new monkeypox cases, more than 18,000 people vaccinated," by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: "The count of 13 new monkeypox cases in the Bay State was down from 15 infections during the previous week, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. It brings the total number of monkeypox cases in the state to 409 since the state's first case was announced in mid-May."

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

DATELINE BEACON HILL

— "Sports betting in time for the Super Bowl still uncertain as regulators struggle to move forward," by Chris Van Buskirk, MassLive: "Gaming regulators held fiery discussions Thursday and at one point jokingly suggested a beer break was necessary to digest an eight-hour meeting where little agreement was found on a proposed timeline for the launch of online sports betting — a document that was described as the 'most aggressive' approach. And the Massachusetts Gaming Commission also pushed off votes on the launch of retail sports betting and whether to stagger the start of online versus in-person wagering. That came after hours of fierce discussion over a proposed timeline that suggested starting online betting in February 2023 and casino-based retail in January 2023. The commission recessed Thursday just after 6 p.m. with plans to continue the meeting at noon Friday."

— "Mass. to Cut Down on Staff Trained at Sexual Assault Exams, Objecting Officials Say," by Brian Burnell, NBC10 Boston: "Treating sexual assault victims is delicate work handled at Cape Cod Hospital by specially trained nurses. But for many victims, that is about to change — despite the objections of nurses, politicians and law enforcement. State Rep. Tim Whelan got a letter from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health saying they are going to replace sexual assault nurse examiners (SANE), who are trained to gather evidence from victims of sexual assault with compassion, recognizing the trauma they have endured, on evenings and weekends later this year. State health officials said in the letter they are turning to a telehealth model, where an emergency department nurse would be guided via computer by a SANE nurse."

— "National Grid fined $1.6M over pipeline violations," by Christian M. Wade, Eagle-Tribune: "National Grid has been fined $1.6 million by state utility regulators for safety violations on natural gas pipelines over nearly three dozen bridges, some dating back more than a decade. A DPU investigation determined that of 646 bridge crossings in National Grid's gas distribution area, at least 32 were listed in 'poor' condition for corrosion of the metal pipelines for at least two inspection cycles, dating back to 2015. Of those, 16 bridge crossings were identified as having been in 'poor' condition for three or more cycles — as far back as 2006, according to regulators."

FROM THE HUB

— "'A series of mixed signals': After Rollins, progressives question new DA's commitment," by Ivy Scott, Boston Globe: "Kevin Hayden was the narrow victor of a bitter primary election for Suffolk district attorney, a race so dominated by scandal and allegations that it eroded voter confidence in both candidates. Now, as the presumptive winner in November without a Republican opponent, Hayden is poised to lay out his own agenda as the top prosecutor for the county. In the role of interim district attorney, Hayden inherited a reform-centered office charted by his predecessor, Rachael Rollins, and legal observers and community advocates are closely scrutinizing which direction he will take the office. Appointed to fill the position after Rollins became US attorney for Massachusetts, Hayden revealed flashes of two different prosecutors in his first eight months: the progressive, reform-minded Hayden of the campaign trail, and a more traditional hard-liner suggested by several of his policy changes."

— "Federal judge plans to dismiss North End outdoor dining lawsuit," by CBS Boston: "A federal judge plans to dismiss the lawsuit filed by four North End restaurant owners over outdoor dining fees. The restaurants had to pay an extra $7500 to participate in outdoor dining this year. The $1 million lawsuit named the city and Mayor Michelle Wu. The judge ruled she's inclined to allow a motion to dismiss to go forward, but is giving the restaurant owners two weeks to amend the suit."

PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES

— "Mass. lawmakers mull moving T safety oversight from the Department of Public Utilities," by Taylor Dolven, Boston Globe: "Some Massachusetts lawmakers are mulling taking away MBTA safety oversight from the state Department of Public Utilities. At a hearing Thursday, legislators grilled DPU Chair Matthew Nelson and DPU Director of the Transportation Division Elizabeth Cellucci about recent federal findings that the agency is not providing adequate oversight of the transit system."

— "Former DPU chair says MBTA oversight should shift to new state agency," by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: "A former chair of the Department of Public Utilities says it's time for the agency to step aside and let another state authority assume safety oversight of the MBTA. 'I do not think that the DPU should retain oversight of MBTA safety,' said Ann Berwick, who chaired the DPU for five years under former Gov. Deval Patrick. 'Yes, there should be an outside agency with oversight of MBTA safety, but I don't think it's the DPU.'"

YAHD SIGNS AND BUMPAH STICKAHS

— "GOP AG candidate Jay McMahon vows a tough-on-crime tenure," by Gia Orsino, GBH News: "Jay McMahon, Republican candidate for attorney general in Massachusetts, positioned himself as a tough-on-crime candidate on Boston Public Radio Thursday. McMahon, who faces Democrat Andrea Campbell in the Nov. 8 general election, said he favors prosecuting minor offenses, like the so-called 'list of 15' minor offenses former Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins only selectively prosecuted."

— "Geoff Diehl, Leah Allen spotlight parental choice at Mass. schools," by Alison Kuznitz, MassLive: "Leah Allen, the Republican nominee for Massachusetts lieutenant governor, is poised to serve as the czar of parental rights and children should she and gubernatorial running mate Geoff Diehl win their general election bid next month. Allen, a nurse who lost her job after refusing to be vaccinated against COVID-19 due to breastfeeding concerns, is the 'perfect person to coordinate matters affecting parents and their kids statewide,' said Diehl, who's endorsed for the corner office by former President Donald Trump."

STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president's ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today.

FROM THE DELEGATION

— "Mass. getting $145 million in federal funds to boost broadband access," by Travis Andersen, Boston Globe: "Massachusetts is receiving $145 million to bring broadband access to parts of the state that currently lack high-speed Internet connections, officials said Thursday."

FROM THE 413

— "Springfield city councilors frustrated with new Police Commission, say inaction is losing public trust," by Patrick Johnson, Springfield Republican: "City councilors are expressing frustration with the newly created Board of Police Commissioners, saying the board, now eight months into its creation, is losing the public's confidence to make meaningful changes within the Police Department."

THE LOCAL ANGLE

— "Hodgson addresses inmate suicide, shrugs off Healey," by Marcus Ferro, WBSM: "[Bristol County Sheriff Tom] Hodgson vehemently defended his staff's handling of the now-deceased 34-year-old Adam Howe, who died by apparent suicide in the sheriff's custody after Howe was accused of killing his mother and setting her body on fire outside of their home in Truro."

— "Employers still struggling to find workers," by Christian M. Wade, Eagle-Tribune: "The survey of employers by the National Federation of Independent Businesses found that nearly half of all businesses couldn't hire enough workers in September, while more than 23% of available positions went unfilled – a 48-year high. About 42% of business owners have openings for skilled workers and 22% have openings for unskilled labor, the report notes."

MEDIA MATTERS

— "Jim Braude to leave GBH TV show 'Greater Boston' at year's end," by Mike Deehan, Axios Boston: "Jim Braude's tenure as host of the long-running GBH News public affairs show 'Greater Boston' will end when his television contract expires at the end of the year, Axios has learned."

— HERALDING A NEW ERA: The Boston Herald is among the Alden Global Capital newspapers that will no longer be making editorial board endorsements in presidential, Senate and gubernatorial elections. "Unfortunately, as the public discourse has become increasingly acrimonious, common ground has become a no man's land between the clashing forces of the culture wars. Everyone has an opinion, but no one wants to listen to the other side," an editorial on the newspaper's website reads. The Herald faced some backlash when its editorial board endorsed former President Donald Trump in 2020 after taking a pass on endorsing in the 2016 presidential election.

MEANWHILE IN RHODE ISLAND

— "12 News/RWU Poll: Fung leads Magaziner in race for Congress," by Ted Nesi and Tim White, WPRI: "Republicans remain positioned to win a congressional race in Rhode Island this fall for the first time since 1992, but Democrats still have a shot at holding the seat, an exclusive 12 News/Roger Williams University poll released Thursday shows. The survey of 254 likely voters in Rhode Island's 2nd Congressional District finds Republican Allan Fung at 46% and Democrat Seth Magaziner at 40%, with 9% of voters undecided and 4% supporting independent candidate Bill Gilbert, who will appear on the ballot as 'Moderate.'"

MEANWHILE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

— "Hogan targets DeSantis over what he charges was 'publicity stunt' sending migrants to Martha's Vineyard," by Paul Steinhauser, Fox News: "Gov. Larry Hogan, in his most forceful language to date, charges that the controversial move last month by GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida to fly migrants from Texas to the progressive bastion of Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts was a 'terrible idea' and a 'publicity stunt.' 'He grabbed 50 people and sent them to Martha's Vineyard as a publicity stunt and I think I was a terrible idea. Let's just try to address the issue seriously and fix the problem rather than try to get on TV,' the term-limited Republican governor of blue state Maryland argued as he took questions from the audience during a stop in New Hampshire on Thursday."

HEARD 'ROUND THE BUBBLAH

SPOTTED — State Sen. Becca Rausch at the first-ever White House Rosh Hashanah celebration late last month.

ALSO SPOTTED — Boston Globe staffers chowing down on a Legal Seafood feast on Thursday in celebration of the newspaper's recent Online Journalism award. The catered lunch was rescheduled after initially being slated for Yom Kippur.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to GBH's Peter Kadzis, Joe Kriesberg, Mark Orlowski and to Boston Mayor Michelle Wu's report calling to abolish the BPDA.

HAPPY BIRTHWEEKEND — to Samantha Riemer, finance director and senior adviser to Rep. Ayanna Pressley; Ryan Markham and Don Seiffert, managing editor of the Boston Business Journal, who celebrate Saturday; Paolo DiFabio, Pon Hunter, Peter Billerbeck, Kristin Palpini Hale, Olivia Paulo, Victoria Danberg and Amy Dacey, who celebrate Sunday; and to Monday birthday-ers former state Rep. Jen Benson , president of the Alliance for Business Leadership; Brilee Weaver, Algirde Pipikaite, Tanveer Kathawalla and Megan McCafferty.

NEW HORSE RACE ALERT: BALLOT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS, PART I — Andrew Farnitano of the Yes on 1 campaign and Dan Cence of the No on 1 campaign walk hosts Jennifer Smith and Lisa Kashinsky through the support for and opposition to the Fair Share Amendment. The Boston Globe's Jon Chesto tells host Steve Koczela why there's no opposition to Question 3 to expand alcohol licenses. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and SoundCloud.

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