| | | | |  | | By Kelly Garrity | | Presented by |  | | | FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES — Prominent politicians on both sides of the aisle are hitting the trail and the fundraising circuit to pump up contenders in what’s likely to be one of the most competitive state legislative races this cycle. Former Barack Obama adviser David Plouffe, who recently joined Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign, is hosting a fundraiser for Democratic state Rep. Dylan Fernandes today in Woods Hole, as the Falmouth Democrat looks to fill the Plymouth and Barnstable district seat that state Sen. Susan Moran is vacating. Plouffe is Fernandes’ uncle. And Gov. Maura Healey, who endorsed Fernandes (who worked as a political director on her 2014 attorney general campaign) is set to headline a reception for him next week, alongside former state Senate President Therese Murray. It’ll be the second Fernandes campaign event that both appear at in as many months. On the other side of the aisle, former Ambassador and past Bay State Sen. Scott Brown joined state Rep. Mathew Muratore — one of two GOP candidates vying for the seat — for a fundraiser last month, where he endorsed the Plymouth Republican. Muratore’s campaign also rolled out endorsements earlier this week from all four of the state’s Senate Republicans and from nearly all of the GOP House members. And campaign finance records show both lawmakers raking in donations from their colleagues in the Legislature. It all underscores the importance members of both parties are placing on winning the swing seat. Republicans want to build on their moment from winning seats in the House and Senate in two recent special elections. Democrats want to blunt their progress, a prospect that’s even more vital in the wake of a chaotic end to a formal session that has activists questioning whether the state’s Democratic supermajorities are all they’re cracked up to be. Fernandes holds one early advantage: no other Democratic candidates in the race means he can sail through September’s primary, while Muratore and Bourne School Committee member Kari MacRae, who is running to Muratore’s right, will face off for the GOP nomination. GOOD FRIDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. TGIF! TODAY — Gov. Maura Healey joins The Greg Hill Show for their 5th anniversary at 9 a.m. in Boston. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll speaks at the dedication of Quincy Navy Park at 10 a.m. in Quincy. Sen. Ed Markey tours the Dorchester Food Co-Op at 10 a.m. in Dorchester. He and Boston City Councilor Coletta Zapata tour Eastie Farms at 2:30 p.m. in East Boston THIS WEEKEND — Local market research expert Diane Hessan is on WBZ’s “Keller @ Large” to discuss her ongoing survey of likely voters' thoughts on the presidential race at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. MassDems Chair Steve Kerrigan is on WCVB’s “On the Record” at 11 a.m. Sunday. State Reps. Marcus Vaughn and Erika Uyterhoeven are on NBC10 Boston’s “@ Issue” to talk about changes to the state’s emergency shelter policy at noon Sunday. Tips? Scoops? Birthdays? Email me: kgarrity@politico.com
| | | | A message from Uber: Massachusetts Uber and Lyft drivers will now earn at least $32.50 while working on the app, making them some of the highest paid drivers in the country. This new rate sets a high standard for driver pay across the nation. Go deeper. | | | |  | DATELINE BEACON HILL | | — “Gov. Maura Healey floats federal investigation into Steward CEO Ralph de la Torre,” by Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald: “Gov. Maura Healey suggested Thursday that federal investigators should ‘come after’ Ralph de la Torre, the embattled Steward Health Care executive who was reportedly spotted at the Olympic Games in France as his company announced two local hospitals were slated to close. Healey’s comment, shared in a statement with the Herald, marked the closest the governor has come to calling for a federal investigation into de la Torre after the company declared bankruptcy and thousands of patients in Massachusetts were left at risk of losing health care.” RELATED — “Steward CEO explains his vacation at Olympics,” by Colin A. Young, State House News Service (paywall): “Steward Health Care CEO Ralph de la Torre was on vacation two weeks ago when his company revealed that it planned to close two hospitals in Massachusetts, but he didn't have a hand in the decision or any say in the timing of the announcement, a spokesperson for the embattled executive said Thursday.” — “Healey signs sweeping law aimed at boosting veterans and their families,” by Adam Reilly, GBH News: “The HERO Act, a sprawling piece of legislation that takes several steps aimed at helping Massachusetts veterans and military members and their families, was signed into law by Governor Healey at a ceremony in Lexington Thursday. Healey, who filed the original version of the bill on Veterans’ Day last November, called the act ‘the most comprehensive veterans’ legislation to come out of the state ever, probably.’” — “Can a legislative audit shine light on legislative gridlock?,” by Jennifer Smith, CommonWealth Beacon. — “Voter ID proponents sue Galvin,” by Christian M. Wade, The Eagle-Tribune: “A group pushing for voter ID requirements in Massachusetts has filed a federal lawsuit against Secretary of State Bill Galvin seeking records on voter registrations. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court by the Committee for Massachusetts Voter Identification Ballot Question, alleges that Galvin's office is violating a provision of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, requiring states to publicly share how they maintain their voter lists for a period of at least two years.”
| | | | During unprecedented times, POLITICO Pro Analysis gives you the insights you need to focus your policy strategy. Live briefings, policy trackers, and and people intelligence secures your seat at the table. Learn more. | | | | | | | FROM THE HUB | | — “Boston Seaport company nabs $600K liquor license, continuing post-pandemic trend,” by Irene Rotondo, MassLive: “The sale of a $600,000 liquor license from a shuttered Downtown Crossing restaurant to the developer of a 17-story high-rise in the Seaport district was approved by Boston officials last week. The license purchase continues a post-pandemic trend of the restaurant and bar business shifting from Downtown, once bustling with workers, to surrounding neighborhoods such as the Seaport, home to several biotech companies with employees that must work on-site due to the nature of the business. John Hynes IV, lead on the $600-million 10 World Trade commercial development project for Boston Global Investors and a company vice president, was given the go-ahead to buy the closed Silvertone Bar & Grill’s license on Thursday by the Boston Licensing Board, his attorney said.” — “Boston City Council pushes for mayor to present ‘Plan B’ after tax plan flames out on Beacon Hill,” by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: “A Boston city councilor is pressing the mayor to provide details on what steps the city will take to blunt the impact of a projected double-digit residential tax increase next year, amid revelations that her bid to raise commercial tax rates is all but dead on Beacon Hill. Hours after Mayor Michelle Wu vowed to call every state senator to push for the bill she championed to be taken up again by the Senate, where it died by formal session’s end, City Councilor Erin Murphy introduced a measure that suggested it was time for the Wu administration to move on from the ‘failed’ plan.” — “Boston’s mandate for residents’ say in spending city tax dollars is coming to life,” by Saraya Wintersmith, GBH News: “Boston residents have less than a week left to suggest ideas on how some of the city’s money gets spent. The new practice, called ‘participatory budgeting,’ shifts a modicum of control from the long held mayoral power over the city’s purse. It comes three years after Boston voters approved it and put in the city charter.” — “Boston should expect 12 to 19 days of high-tide flooding next year, per NOAA,” by Barbara Moran, WBUR.
| | | | A message from Uber:   | | | | | MIGRANTS IN MASSACHUSETTS | | — “Lawmakers question contract to continue holding immigrants at Plymouth jail,” by Deborah Becker, WBUR: “Massachusetts Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey are raising new concerns about conditions at the Plymouth County Correctional Facility and are asking federal immigration officials to reconsider an agreement allowing the jail to hold people there on immigration charges. In a letter to the offices of U.S. Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the lawmakers said 'inhumane' and 'substandard' conditions have persisted at the Plymouth facility, such as deficient medical care, the punitive use of solitary confinement, and restrictions on communication with legal counsel and family members.” — “As eviction deadline looms, housing advocates urge Healey to reverse five-day shelter policy,” by Tori Bedford, GBH News: “A coalition of local housing advocates rallied outside the State House Thursday, calling on Gov. Maura Healey to reverse a recent policy to evict families staying in homeless overflow sites after five days. Protesters said the new policy, which took effect Aug. 1, could have a dramatic and dangerous impact on hundreds of migrant families seeking shelter across the state.”
| | PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES | | — “Winthrop is latest front in MBTA Communities fight,” by Bhaamati Borkhetaria, CommonWealth Beacon: “In February, after Milton voters snubbed their nose at the law, which requires cities and towns served by the MBTA to approve new zoning for multi-family housing, Attorney General Andrea Campbell wasted little time before taking the town to court. ‘The MBTA Communities Law was enacted to address our region-wide need for housing, and compliance with it is mandatory,’ she said. Her lawsuit was aimed not only at forcing Milton to fall into line but was a warning shot to other communities where opposition to the law was brewing. It seems to be falling on deaf ears in Winthrop.”
| | YAHD SIGNS AND BUMPAH STICKAHS | | — “Meet Republican Senate candidate Ian Cain,” by Hannah Loss, GBH News. ON THE AIRWAVES — The PAC backing attorney and former Marine John Deaton is out with an ad touting the political newcomer’s background and blasting Sen Elizabeth Warren over her record in office. The cable ad is backed by a roughly $250,000 buy and is mainly targeting the Boston market according to the media tracking firm AdImpact.
| | | | SUBSCRIBE TO GLOBAL PLAYBOOK: Don’t miss out on POLITICO’s Global Playbook, our newsletter taking you inside pivotal discussions at the most influential gatherings in the world. Suzanne Lynch delivers the world's elite and influential moments directly to you. Stay in the global loop. SUBSCRIBE NOW. | | | | | | | IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN | | — “Kestrel, towns reach milestone in effort to conserve 1,000 acres in three communities,” by Alexis Lewis, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “An ongoing effort to preserve 1,000 acres for environmental protection in Southampton, Westhampton and Montgomery reached a major milestone this month by acquiring an initial 387 acres. The Mountain Waters Project is a collaboration between Kestrel Land Trust and local partners, which hopes to see all 1,000 acres successfully preserved by next summer.”
| | 2024 WATCH | | MARK YOUR CALENDARS — “Trump re-commits to debating Harris on ABC after backing out,” by Jared Mitocvich, POLITICO: “At a rare press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, [former President Donald] Trump added that he would participate in an additional debate on Sept. 25 on NBC, with a ‘fairly full agreement’ in place, and also reiterated his support for a debate on Fox News on Sept. 4. In his remarks, Trump confused the dates for the ABC and NBC debates, though a spokesperson later clarified his comments."
| | FROM THE 413 | | — “Before the toters roll in Pittsfield, the city is spreading the word on how recycling and trash collection will work,” by Greg Sukiennik, The Berkshire Eagle.
| | | | A message from Uber: Massachusetts Uber and Lyft drivers will soon receive comprehensive benefits alongside their new pay rate. Benefits include health insurance stipends for those working over 15 hours a week, paid sick leave, and occupational accident insurance. These enhancements provide vital support and security for drivers, ensuring they have access to essential healthcare and financial protection. These new benefits mark a significant improvement in the quality of life for rideshare drivers.
Go deeper. | | | | | THE LOCAL ANGLE | | — “Canton Select Board shifts to Zoom meetings after months of verbal attacks,” by John R. Ellement, The Boston Globe: “After months of facing verbal attacks during Town Hall meetings, often by supporters of Karen Read, the Select Board in Canton will move its meetings online to ensure they can be held in a ‘safe and efficient’ way. In brief comment before a meeting on Tuesday, Board Chair Michael C. Loughran said on Zoom that the virtual meetings will continue for the foreseeable future.” — “Fatal shooting of New Bedford fire chief 'justified.' DA's report details chaotic standoff,” by Frank Mulligan, The Standard-Times. — “Wrentham working on alternative electricity program,” by Stephen Peterson, The Sun Chronicle. — “Nantucket residents seek to freeze offshore wind projects following Vineyard Wind failure,” by Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald.
| | HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH | | HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Jake Elitzer; and happy belated to Peter Panos, who celebrated Tuesday. HAPPY BIRTHWEEKEND — to state Rep. Tackey Chan, state Rep. Steven Ultrino, Matthew MacWilliams, Ryan O. Ferguson, The Boston Globe’s Lissandra Villa de Petrzelka and Mike Linhorst, who celebrate Saturday; and to Sunday birthday-ers state Sen. Jamie Eldridge, Megan Alberto, Dan Wolf, founder and CEO of Cape Air; and Axios Boston’s Steph Solis. 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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