| | | | |  | | By Lisa Kashinsky | | | SOUTH OF THE BORDER — New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation presidential primary is already spilling into Massachusetts. GOP contender Vivek Ramaswamy is hitting the Boston-area airwaves with a new campaign ad, a 30-second spot that plays into the culture wars gripping the country. Don’t know who Ramaswamy is? The multimillionaire biotech entrepreneur is aiming to change that by going up early on TV and radio. His two-week, six-figure ad buy covers the Boston media market — which, as a reminder, stretches into all-important southern New Hampshire — and Iowa. While Ramaswamy targets area television screens, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is hitting up deep-pocketed Massachusetts donors for campaign cash. Haley took a break from her New Hampshire town halls to fundraise in Boston at an event hosted by Bob Reynolds, the Putnam Investments president and CEO, and Chartwell Strategy Group founding partner Ozzie Palomo, according to an invitation obtained by Playbook. Tickets started at $1,000 for the luncheon with the former U.N. ambassador. A photo op was a pricey $3,300. And seats at a “VIP roundtable” went for $6,600.
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Republican presidential candidate, former ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley during a campaign stop Monday, March 27, 2023, in Dover, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) | AP | That’s not the only way Haley is tapping into Massachusetts for political gain. She name-checked Lawrence as she took swings at so-called sanctuary cities during a bit on illegal immigration at her Salem, N.H., town hall last night. “All that’s happening in Lawrence, no one’s doing anything about it,” Haley said vaguely. “We will defund sanctuary cities and make sure they will no longer spread drugs and crime in our communities.” Lawrence has long been a punching bag for Republicans looking to score political points in New Hampshire. It ranges from knocking the city over its policy limiting cooperation with federal immigration agents to blaming it for contributing to the opioid crisis that’s ravaged both states to making a mangled argument that combines both. Former President Donald Trump blasted both Lawrence and Boston in a 2018 speech in Manchester, where he argued that blocking funds for sanctuary cities was “crucial” to curbing addiction. New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu sparked a cross-border tiff when he pointed fingers at Lawrence as the primary source of fentanyl flowing into his state back in 2017. But state Sen. Pavel Payano, a former Lawrence city councilor, told Playbook that Haley's applause-winning line doesn’t ring true. Crime “has been going down,” he said. Lawrence also saw a “notable decrease” in opioid overdose deaths in 2020, though that number ticked back up in 2021. “I couldn't care less that somebody who’s not even from around here is talking about us,” Payano said. “At the end of the day, the community of Lawrence always sticks together.” GOOD WEDNESDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Boston is mourning the loss of longtime political activist Mel King, who died yesterday. He was 94. The first Black person to reach a Boston mayoral general election, King was a former state representative and civil rights leader whose political endorsements were coveted and whose advocacy efforts inspired generations of activists far beyond the city’s borders. The tributes: — U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Rachael Rollins: “This groundbreaking, truth telling, unapologetic advocate fought tirelessly for his community. His impact is felt all over our great city. So honored to have learned from him. May his legacy live on." — Boston Mayor Michelle Wu: “Mel King taught us all how to serve, how to build, and how to love. His impact and legacy stretch across the boundaries of neighborhood, race, class, and status." — Former Boston Mayor/Labor Secretary Marty Walsh: “A trailblazing civil rights icon and a blessing to our city. Mel King: rest in power, my friend. More about King from GBH News and the Boston Globe. TODAY — Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll swear in EOPSS undersecretaries at 9:30 a.m. in the governor’s ceremonial office, attend the MIRA Coalition’s Immigrants’ Day at 10 a.m. at the State House, join Wu for a housing announcement at 11 a.m. at the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation and visit the Canton senior center at 12:30 p.m. Tips? Scoops? Email me: lkashinsky@politico.com.
| | A message from NextEra Energy: Seabrook Station nuclear power plant generates safe, clean, emissions-free energy that has helped power New England for decades. A long-term power purchase agreement with Seabrook would help Massachusetts meet climate emissions goals and lower energy bills at a substantial value to consumers. An agreement that locks in prices over several decades would – even estimated against fluctuating natural gas prices – lower electricity bills, saving Massachusetts’ consumers between $890 million to $2.62 billion on energy costs over a 10-year period. | | | |  | DATELINE BEACON HILL | | — “Tax relief in Mass: Gov. Healey deflects criticism over estate tax, short-term capital gains plan,” by Alison Kuznitz, MassLive: “Gov. Maura Healey defended her $742 million tax relief pitch Tuesday, which the Democratic leader insists is designed to make Massachusetts more affordable and competitive, as she faced criticism from some lawmakers vexed by the equitable underpinnings of her proposed measures. … Progressive lawmakers amplified concerns previously raised by other advocacy groups and tax policy analysts that Healey’s proposals [to raise the estate-tax threshold and slash the short-term capital gains tax rate] would disproportionately benefit the state’s wealthiest residents while culling away limited financial resources for other government programs and tax cuts to aid the most vulnerable Bay Staters.” — “Driscoll touts expansion of market rate housing credit,” by Christian M. Wade, Eagle-Tribune: “Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll made the case Tuesday for expanding a market rate housing tax credit program that focuses on Gateway cities but has been criticized by some groups for subsidizing ‘unaffordable’ housing.” — “State braces for MassHealth dislocation,” by Jennifer Smith, CommonWealth Magazine: “Who is impacted by the impending eligibility review is of particular interest to equity-focused organizations. In partnership with MassHealth and the Health Connector, the nonprofit consumer advocacy organization Health Care For All is engaged in a statewide effort to publicize the redetermination. Regional health groups are also working to eliminate coverage gaps.” — “Lawmakers want to update constitution to add female pronouns,” by Christian M. Wade, Eagle-Tribune: “A new proposal being considered by lawmakers calls for updating the Constitution to include female pronouns in reference to the governor and lieutenant governor. The constitution, penned by Massachusetts' own founding father, John Adams, refers to the governor ‘his excellency’ and and lieutenant governor as ‘his honor’ but includes no references to women." — “Students campaigning for official state ice cream get sweet lawmaking experience,” by Rob Way, 7 News. Their proposed flavor: cookies and cream.
| | | | JOIN POLITICO ON 4/5 FOR THE 2023 RECAST POWER LIST: America’s demographics and power dynamics are changing — and POLITICO is recasting how it covers the intersection of race, identity, politics and policy. Join us for a conversation on the themes of the 2023 Recast Power List that will examine America’s decision-making tables, who gets to sit at them, and the challenges that still need to be addressed. REGISTER HERE. | | | | | | | FROM THE HUB | | — “Boston redistricting challenge kicks off in federal court,” by Saraya Wintersmith, GBH News: “The process that yielded Boston’s latest voting map was both a strategy to protect incumbents and a ‘racial diluting’ of the city’s long-held majority-minority seat in Mattapan, At-Large City Councilor Michael Flaherty testified in federal court Tuesday. His comments came during the opening hearing of the case challenging the legality of the voting map approved by the council and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu last November.” — “Michelle Wu defends fight for fare-free transit,” by Ashley Soebroto, Boston Globe: “Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, who has long pushed for fare-free transit, defended that position on Twitter on Tuesday in response to a Vox article that suggested such efforts could distract from the goal of providing reliable quality service.” — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Senate Majority Leader Cynthia Creem is endorsing Celia Segel in the special election for 10th Suffolk state representative, her campaign said.
| | TODAY'S SPECIAL (ELECTION) | | — “Pangallo, Harrington advance in Salem mayor's race,” by Dustin Luca, Salem News: “It’s Mayor 48 versus Chief of Staff for Mayor 50. Tuesday’s Preliminary Special Election may have attracted just over 20% of the city’s registered voters, but the choices were clear. Dominick Pangallo, chief of staff for former Mayor Kim Driscoll, topped the field with 3,078 votes or 42.7%, followed by Neil Harrington, a former mayor, with 2,307 votes or 31.9%, to advance to the Special Mayoral Election on May 16.”
| | | | A message from NextEra Energy:   | | | | | PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES | | — “New MBTA GM will collect $185K pension from New York on top of $470K Boston salary,” by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: “Incoming MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng will be taking in a roughly $185,000 pension from New York while being paid more than half a million dollars during his first year in Boston. Eng, former president of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Long Island Rail Road, came out of retirement to work for the MBTA, but remains retired with the New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System, which is paying him a gross monthly pension of $15,357.39."
| | DAY IN COURT | | — “Proposed settlement could bring big changes to Mass. family shelter system,” by Gabrielle Emanuel, WBUR: “The parties in a class-action lawsuit brought on behalf of homeless families have agreed to a settlement with the state. A judge is considering whether to approve the deal. The agreement could revamp a state-run system that has struggled to keep up with a growing number of homeless families.” — Related: “Mass. Is Spending Hundreds of Dollars a Night to House Families in Hotels,” by Kathy Curran, NBC10 Boston: “While the state is scrambling to find more units the NBC10 Investigators found in some cases they’re paying a premium price per night." — “Lawsuit threatens to overturn train whistle bans in dozens of communities in hopes of reducing tragedies,” by Andrea Estes, Boston Globe.
| | | | GO INSIDE THE 2023 MILKEN INSTITUTE GLOBAL CONFERENCE: POLITICO is proud to partner with the Milken Institute to produce a special edition "Global Insider" newsletter featuring exclusive coverage, insider nuggets and unparalleled insights from the 2023 Global Conference, which will convene leaders in health, finance, politics, philanthropy and entertainment from April 30-May 3. This year’s theme, Advancing a Thriving World, will challenge and inspire attendees to lean into building an optimistic coalition capable of tackling the issues and inequities we collectively face. Don’t miss a thing — subscribe today for a front row seat. | | | | | | | THE LOCAL ANGLE | | — “‘A Trojan horse’: Newton School Committee votes down controversial advisory panel,” by John Hilliard and Mandy McLaren, Boston Globe: “The School Committee voted unanimously Tuesday night to squelch an effort that would have empowered a select group of parents and teachers with sweeping influence over the city’s school system. Backers of a petition to create an advisory panel said it was needed to improve communication between parents and schools, but critics argued it was a veiled effort to dismantle a district racial equity policy.” — “‘This has been devastating’: Wayland is divided over racism allegations after Black superintendent is placed on leave,” by Naomi Martin and James Vaznis, Boston Globe: “[Omar] Easy’s supporters say the town ultimately couldn’t handle his zero-tolerance approach to dealing with racism. His detractors say the problem was Easy’s top-down, abrasive leadership style. In either case, his story offers a window into today’s hyper-charged school politics, especially surrounding racial issues, and the intense scrutiny Black school leaders often face as they try to navigate them in majority-white communities.” — "‘Lower and lower’: Mass. cities urged to change election timing to boost turnout," by Ted Nesi, WPRI: "12 News surveyed the mayors of all four Bristol County cities — New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton and Attleboro — to gauge their interest in potentially shifting the schedule for their municipal elections [to even-numbered years]. In New Bedford, Mayor Jon Mitchell described turnout in city elections as 'abysmal.' But he expressed skepticism about whether switching the year would do any good." — “As overdose deaths soar, Worcester officials to tour safe injection site in NY City,” by Henry Schwan, Telegram & Gazette. — “At least 28 Massachusetts schools received hoax threats Tuesday,” by Irene Rotondo, MassLive. — “A referendum on the North Street bike lanes has hit a dead end, but questions remain about the street's design,” by Meg Britton-Mehlisch, Berkshire Eagle. — “The Red Sox are winning fewer games, but still have high value,” by Grant Welker, Boston Business Journal.
| | MEANWHILE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE | | — “Trump makes a big move in the Granite State,” by Lisa Kashinsky, POLITICO: “Trevor Naglieri will serve as Trump’s New Hampshire state director, according to two GOP operatives familiar with the move.” — “Chris Sununu is facing pressure to cancel NRA forum appearance after Nashville school shooting,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald.
| | A message from NextEra Energy: Continued operation of the Seabrook Station nuclear power plant reduces electricity costs and boosts the state’s economy. A long-term power purchase agreement with Seabrook would contribute approximately $3 billion to the Massachusetts economy through utility bill savings, reduced energy costs and job creation/support. Seabrook has generated safe, reliable, low-cost, and emissions-free energy for more than 30 years. Seabrook’s operation will continue to provide baseload energy, with price stability, while Massachusetts scales up its renewable energy sources. Operating Seabrook would avoid nearly 50 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions over a 10-year period and contribute to Massachusetts meeting its clean air goals. A long-term PPA will help Massachusetts meet its clean energy standard. Nuclear energy is carbon emissions-free and Massachusetts’ most cost-effective tool to combat climate change. The procurement of additional energy from Seabrook going forward would help the Massachusetts affordably and reliably meet its clean energy needs. | | | | | HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH | | TRANSITIONS — Setti Warren is the next director of the Harvard Institute of Politics. SPOTTED — Sam Gebru with U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Claire Cronin in Dublin. Tweet. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Data Protocol CEO Peter Cherukuri, Harvard Kennedy School’s David King, Ned Gandevani and Sanjay Misra. 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. | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our politics and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
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