| | | | |  | | By Kelly Garrity and Lisa Kashinsky | | | SPRINGFIELD’S CHOICE — A race that started as a referendum on 16-year Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno heads before voters tomorrow with the incumbent holding several advantages. His challengers, meanwhile, appear to be chasing the second ticket to the November ballot. The city’s longest-serving mayor has drawn prominent challengers before, but not three of them at once. City Council President Jesse Lederman, Councilor Justin Hurst and state Rep. Orlando Ramos will be on the preliminary ballot tomorrow, plus psychotherapist David Ciampi. The top two vote-getters advance. The group is taking on Sarno — a centrist Democrat who endorsed Republican Gov. Charlie Baker in 2018 — from the left. They’ve criticized Sarno over his stances on crime and public safety, including his attempts to block a civilian commission to oversee the police department (Lederman, Hurst and Ramos were on the council that sued Sarno over it). They’ve hit him over his belief that the city’s spike in gun violence is being fueled partly by judges letting repeat offenders out on low bail. Hurst has also accused Sarno of losing touch with Springfield’s communities of color. Underlying it all is their argument that it’s time for change: “I'm running for mayor because I don't believe anybody should be mayor for 20 years,” Ramos said during a candidate forum. “Let’s go write Springfield’s next chapter,” Lederman tells voters in a television ad titled “New Generation.”
|  In this June 5, 2014 photo, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno sits behind his city hall desk. | AP | And so Sarno could be facing his toughest race since he unseated then-Mayor Charles Ryan in 2007. But he’s not taking the criticism quietly (even though he’s skipped multiple forums). Sarno slammed Lederman, Hurst and Ramos in one recent debate for voting to cut $1 million from the city’s police budget in 2020 after George Floyd’s murder. And he holds two big advantages over his challengers: the power of incumbency and a well-oiled fundraising machine. Sarno has the backing of the Springfield Republican editorial board to advance to the November ballot alongside Ramos. He's also trouncing his rivals in fundraising, pulling in close to $150,000 over the course of his campaign — nearly double that of his next-closest competitor. He’s using that war chest to drown out his opponents on the airwaves with ads that tout his economic wins for the city and position him as tough on crime. Still, one late entrant into the race could end up playing an outsized role. “Hispanic Latino Leaders Now,” a super PAC funded primarily by former Springfield School Committee member and East Longmeadow businessman Cesar Ruiz, jumped in to support Ramos late last month. The PAC has spent roughly $15,000 in support of Ramos, including television and Facebook ads, texts and robocalls. Unlike in Boston, which has seen a proliferation of super PAC spending in recent years, such involvement in Springfield’s municipal races is rare (save for a Baker-aligned super PAC aiding Sarno in 2019). Whether super PAC spending is able to help Ramos on Tuesday could change the game for future elections in the city and region, Springfield-based Democratic consultant Tony Cignoli said. Public polling in the race has been nonexistent. Still, Cignoli told Playbook, he’s “pretty sure that Mayor Sarno will finish well for the primary.” GOOD MONDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. We’ll have more primers on the next round of preliminary elections tomorrow. Get a head start by listening to the latest episode of The Horse Race podcast. TODAY — Gov. Maura Healey, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu participate in a 9/11 commemoration at 8:20 a.m. at the State House. Driscoll participates in the Madeline Amy Sweeney award ceremony at 9:40 a.m. in the House Chamber. Healey, Driscoll, Treasurer Deb Goldberg and Auditor Diana DiZoglio attend the Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony at 5 p.m. at Ashburton Park. Wu attends a wreath-laying ceremony at the Public Garden at 1:30 p.m. Gina Fiandaca steps down as transportation secretary; Healey and Driscoll swear in undersecretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt as acting secretary at 1:30 p.m. Tips? Scoops? Running for municipal office? Email us: kgarrity@politico.com and lkashinsky@politico.com.
| | | | A message from Endicott College: Solutions for stemming the shortage of nurses and health sciences professionals are grounded in community and fueled by partnerships. ‘Endicott Hospital’ is now open, providing top-tier education and immersive training to empower the next generation of healthcare heroes. The Cummings School of Nursing & Health Sciences is a place where students and faculty enjoy working and learning together in an environment that promotes excellence in nursing and health sciences practice at all levels of education. | | | |  | MIGRANTS IN MASSACHUSETTS | | — MIGRANT MISSIVE: As her lieutenant briefed lawmakers on the state of the state’s overburdened emergency shelter system last Thursday, Gov. Maura Healey sent a second letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas pressing him to speed up the work permit process for migrants and to distribute federal aid for shelter and services more equitably among states. The letter details the regulatory changes and technical improvements Healey requested when she met with Mayorkas at the State House two weeks ago, and highlights the “dire need” for more federal funding. More from GBH’s Sarah Betancourt. — MORE PROTESTS: Members of neo-Nazi group NSC-131 demonstrated outside of another shelter housing migrants, this time at Eastern Nazarene College, one of the state’s “welcome centers” for new arrivals, on Saturday, the Boston Globe’s Nick Stoico reports. — “Healey administration considered suspending right-to-shelter law but scrapped idea, housing advocate says,” by Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald: “The Healey administration considered suspending the state’s decades old right-to-shelter law in the run up to an emergency declaration last month, but opted against it after taking into consideration the complicated legal concerns associated with such a move.”
| | | | GO INSIDE THE WORLD’S BIGGEST DIPLOMATIC PLATFORM WITH UNGA PLAYBOOK: The 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly will jam some of the world's most influential leaders into four city blocks in Manhattan. POLITICO's special edition UNGA Playbook will take you inside this important gathering starting Sept. 17 — revealing newsy nuggets throughout the week and insights into the most pressing issues facing global decision-makers today. Sign up for UNGA Playbook. | | | | | | | FROM THE HUB | | — STANDING WITH LARA: Three major Boston progressive groups are rallying around Boston City Councilor Kendra Lara in the run-up to Tuesday’s preliminary election, arguing that the embattled incumbent’s late-June car crash and associated legal fallout shouldn’t outweigh her efforts to advance progressive policies on the council. JP Progressives has now joined Progressive West Roxbury/Roslindale and Right to the City Vote! in backing Lara for a second term (the latter two groups also endorsed scandal-plagued incumbent Ricardo Arroyo for reelection). But the endorsement was preempted by a Boston Herald report that two of the group’s steering committee members helped fund the accident reconstruction report Lara commissioned to show she wasn’t speeding at the time of the crash. The steering committee said in an email to members on Sunday that “members may, in their individual capacity, independently work on and assist campaigns” but are “asked to disclose” that support ahead of any endorsements. In this case, “the Steering Committee was not aware that individual members were involved" with efforts to aid Lara. Meanwhile, Boston City Council President Ed Flynn on WCVB’s “On the Record” continued to stop short of calling on Lara to resign despite questioning her “ethics” and “integrity." As for Arroyo, whose various controversies include paying a fine for an ethics violation: “I do think he should have resigned,” Flynn said. How Lara and Arroyo are approaching this all on the campaign trail, via WBUR's Walter Wuthmann. — MUCH ADO ABOUT MAYBE NOTHING: Flynn and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu spent August politically and professionally at odds. They're on different sides in the District 5 council race against Arroyo (Flynn is with Jose Ruiz, Wu is with Enrique Pepén). They disagree on how the city should be handling worsening conditions at Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard. Plus, there was all that consternation over whether Wu appropriately notified Flynn he was acting mayor when she left town again later in the month. But Flynn kept it collegial on OTR, saying “there may have been a mix-up” over when he received notice that Wu was leaving the city and that he’s “not going to be critical of the mayor. Everyone’s entitled to a vacation. A mayor certainly deserves a vacation.” And Flynn, who wants an emergency declared at Mass and Cass to open up more resources there, passed up multiple opportunities to ding the mayor’s response to the troubled area, saying she’s “providing positive leadership.” As for whether Flynn wants to follow in his father’s footsteps and run for mayor (there are certainly people in the city who want him to — potentially against Wu): “It’s very unlikely,” Flynn said, noting that he’d like to work on veterans and military families’ issues in state or federal government down the line. That’s not a no. — MEANWHILE… “City Council working session on anti-bullying policy halted, postponed over low attendance,” by Alexi Cohan, GBH News.
| | | | A message from Endicott College:   | | | | | FROM THE DELEGATION | | — POLL POSITIONING: Rep. Stephen Lynch may yet draw a progressive primary challenger in 2024. An online poll appears to be testing a potential challenge by Quincy City Councilor Ian Cain, who’s described in screenshots shared with Playbook as “part of the next generation of progressive Democrats who can be counted on to pass universal healthcare [and] the Green New Deal.” Cain denied to Playbook that he’s behind the poll. A Lynch spokesperson also said the poll isn’t his. Lynch crushed his last progressive challenger — Dr. Robbie Goldstein, who’s now Gov. Maura Healey’s Department of Public Health commissioner — by 33 points in 2020 in the more moderate-leaning district. But hey, it never hurts to try — and if you’re behind this poll, you know where to reach us.
| | | WHAT'S ON CAMPBELL'S DOCKET | | | — “Attorney general in settlement negotiations with state GOP, senator over alleged campaign finance violations,” by Matt Stout and Emma Platoff, Boston Globe: “Attorney General Andrea J. Campbell‘s office is negotiating a potential settlement with the Massachusetts Republican Party, its former leader, and a GOP state senator, among others, over alleged campaign finance violations, according to two people familiar with the discussions, signaling the years-long probe could be nearing a close."
| | | | Enter the “room where it happens”, where global power players shape policy and politics, with Power Play. POLITICO’s brand-new podcast will host conversations with the leaders and power players shaping the biggest ideas and driving the global conversations, moderated by award-winning journalist Anne McElvoy. Sign up today to be notified of the first episodes in September – click here. | | | | | | | TRUMPACHUSETTS | | — “Trump could face 14th Amendment challenge in Mass.,” by Christian M. Wade, Eagle-Tribune: “In a recent letter to Secretary of State Bill Galvin, the nonpartisan group Free Speech for People argues that a rarely used clause of the U.S. Constitution prevents the former president from being elected to a second term after the 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. … Galvin — a Democrat — hasn’t disclosed whether his office has conducted a review to determine if Trump could be barred from the ballot.”
| | FROM THE 413 | | — “Ryan Salame must turn the Olde Heritage Tavern in Lenox over to the government as part of his plea agreement,” by Clarence Fanto, Berkshire Eagle: “The crown jewel of the former bitcoin entrepreneur’s downtown holdings is among the properties to be forfeited by March 6, when Salame faces sentencing on his guilty plea to two criminal counts.”
| | | EX-PATS | | |  Former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady runs past fans during halftime ceremonies held to honor Brady at an NFL football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) | AP | — BRADY’S BACK: Tom Brady returned to Foxborough on Sunday to declare he’s a “Patriot for life.” The presence of the seven-time Super Bowl champion and fourth-quarter comeback king wasn’t enough to put his former team over the top against the Eagles, though. Brady will enter the Patriots’ Hall of Fame next year.
| | WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD BE READING | | — "Two weeks after rollout, 49 complaints pulled from state police watchdog disciplinary database," by Sean Cotter and Sarah L. Ryley, Boston Globe: "Just two weeks after its tumultuous rollout, the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training, or POST, commission removed 49 complaints from its database — allegations that range from officers failing to properly store weapons to using excessive force. The agency removed the complaints because of data errors or decisions that had been overturned in favor of the officer, according to Enrique Zuniga, executive director of the POST Commission." — “Sheriff Coppinger concerned about free call costs,” by Charlie McKenna, ItemLive: “Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger wants to know how exactly the state intends to foot the bill for the new program, which he said would create a $2.7 million budget shortfall in his department.” — “State Police escorts sometimes involve political favors,” by Colman M. Herman, CommonWealth Magazine. — “After a domestic assault, many victims can find themselves blamed by Mass. child welfare,” by Elizabeth Koh and Jason Laughlin, Boston Globe. — “J.F.K. Assassination Witness Breaks His Silence and Raises New Questions,” by Peter Baker, New York Times. — “Ordinances on anti-abortion clinics return to City Council; councilor wants second opinion,” by Marco Cartolano, Telegram & Gazette.
| | REGIONAL ROUNDUP | | — “Four N.H. men indicted for vandalizing homes connected to journalists,” by Ross Cristantiello, Boston.com. — “RI Democrats rally behind Amo; Leonard calls for change to 'status quo' in RI CD1 race,” by Gabrielle Caracciolo, NBC10 WJAR.
| | HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH | | NO SOFTBALL QUESTIONS, JUST SOFTBALL — A big huzzah to the State House press corps (plus a few additions), who defeated members of Gov. Maura Healey’s administration in a friendly game of softball last week. Mercifully for us scribes, our former-pro-athlete governor sat this one out. Pic. CONGRATS — to Marvel movie star, political activist and Sudbury native Chris Evans on his wedding to actress Alba Baptista at a private estate on Cape Cod on Saturday (h/t Megan Johnson). HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to former state Sen. Ben Downing, Andrew Sagarin, POLITICO’s Joe Schatz and Matt Giancola. Happy belated to Brian Farnkoff, who celebrated Sunday. 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.
| | | | A message from Endicott College: We can bolster public health and the talent pipeline of healthcare professionals. The Cummings School of Nursing & Health Sciences at Endicott College has state-of-the-art facilities designed to address the shortages and support our communities head-on. With interactive lab spaces and traditional classrooms, students can learn, practice, and demonstrate the skills they’ll need to succeed in their careers and support their future patients in an encouraging and engaging environment.
At Endicott, the idea that college and career are connected is not an abstract concept. With current predictions of a crucial nursing shortage, employment options for nurses will continue to grow faster than all other occupations combined. Endicott's highly regarded nursing offerings – including our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program – prepares graduates for fulfilling careers of service in the complex and ever-changing field of health care. Learn more. | | | | | | | 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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