Politico Massachusetts Playbook: BIDEN wins Bay State SHOCKER — WARREN comes in THIRD at home — Mass. GOP rallies around TRUMP

BIDEN wins Bay State SHOCKER — WARREN comes in THIRD at home — Mass. GOP rallies around TRUMP

By Stephanie Murray

Presented by Transportation for Massachusetts

GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Super Tuesday is over! Here's how it all shook out. BIDEN WINS THE BAY STATE — How's this for an election night stunner: Joe Biden won Massachusetts, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren came in third on her home turf. The former vice president dominated the Super Tuesday map last night, and Massachusetts was no exception. Biden took 33 percent of the vote here, 7 percentage points ahead of second-place finisher Bernie Sanders, who got 26 percent of the vote. Just days ago, state polls showed Biden as far back as fifth place behind Pete Buttigieg and Mike Bloomberg. But Biden won the South Carolina primary in a landslide, then Buttigieg and Sen. Amy Klobuchar dropped out and endorsed him. He had momentum and tons of free media coverage. The result was a Biden sweep. He won suburban voters all across Massachusetts, and was able to deliver in some of the state's largest cities: Boston and Springfield. Sanders won Worcester, where he stationed a four-day music and canvassing festival in the days leading up to Super Tuesday, and held onto some towns in Western Mass. But the Vermont senator had made personal visits to Boston and Springfield in the precious days leading up to March 3, and they didn't pay off. Biden got around 30 percent of the vote in Boston, and knocked Sanders into second place by fewer than 100 votes. While Biden's win came as a surprise, he is a familiar face to a large number of Bay State voters, said strategist Andrew Feldman, a Boston native. Voters here can identify with Biden's Irish Catholic roots, Feldman said, and some are used to him calling into the annual St. Patrick's Day breakfast. "Biden has a stronger connection to Massachusetts voters than anybody ever knew or most pundits didn't realize," Feldman told me last night. WARREN COMES IN THIRD AT HOME — Warren suffered a tough blow in Massachusetts last night, coming in third behind Biden and Sanders. She only won about a dozen of the state's 351 cities and towns last night, despite her status as a home state senator who just ran for reelection in 2018. With 21 percent of the vote, Warren will take 17 delegates from Massachusetts. Biden will take 32 delegates, and Sanders will take 27. "Super Tuesday states decided Joe Biden is the one who has the best chance to beat Donald Trump and Massachusetts was no exception," said Mary Anne Marsh, a principal at Dewey Square Group. "Warren needs to demonstrate in this campaign she can beat Trump with a win or delegates like Biden did in South Carolina and that has yet to happen." One place Warren won handily was Cambridge, where she has lived for decades. Warren received 42 percent of the vote, and Sanders got 28 percent. In the other deep blue cities that gave her the widest reelection margins in 2018, Warren pulled out a couple wins. She won Somerville with 40 percent of the vote to Sanders' 36 percent, and she won Northampton by a little less than a percentage point. But coming in third is tough , and Warren will likely face calls to drop out and rally behind Sanders, her fellow progressive. For her part, Warren has said her campaign is "built for the long haul." After voting in Cambridge yesterday, Warren didn't stick around to watch the results come in. She held a rally in Michigan, a state which votes on March 10. MEDFORD SNUBS BLOOMBERG — Billionaire Michael Bloomberg, a native of Medford, didn't win his home town. He didn't even come close: Bloomberg came in fourth with 12 percent of the vote. Sanders won the city with 30 percent, followed by Warren, who received 28 percent, and Biden who got 26 percent of the vote. Bloomberg had poured millions of his own dollars into the presidential primary. Losing Medford was more of a bruise to his ego than a make-or-break for his campaign, though Bloomberg did visit a diner in his hometown and ran wall-to-wall TV ads for months. BIDEN WINS GATEWAY CITIES — Biden outperformed his rivals in a number of the state's Gateway Cities, which are mid sized urban centers that face "tough social and economic challenges" as places where manufacturing jobs have disappeared, according to a state definition. Biden won Attleboro, Barnstable, Brockton, Chicopee, Fall River, Haverhill, Leominster, Methuen, Peabody, Pittsfield, Quincy, Springfield, Taunton, and Westfield. Sanders was close behind, with victories in Lowell, Lawrence, Lynn, Worcester, New Bedford, Chelsea, Holyoke, Fitchburg, Everett, Malden, Salem and Revere.  IMHO: KENNEDY: ALL FLUFF & NO SUBSTANCE! PICKING ON TRIVIAL ISSUES WHILE PROFITING FROM FOSSIL FUEL INVESTMENTS, NO COMMENTS ABOUT ANY ISSUE THAT PERTAINS TO MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS LIKE COLUMBIA GAS, THE DECOMMISSIONING OF PILGRIM NUCLEAR & SALE TO HOLTEC, THE WEYMOUTH GAS COMPRESSOR.... KENNEDY WON'T LET IT GO — In case you were getting the post-primary blues, Massachusetts has another Democratic contest coming in September. Rep. Joe Kennedy III is needling Sen. Ed Markey this morning, pointing out in a news release that it's been 161 days since he proposed a so-called People's Pledge to keep outside money at bay. Markey countered with an updated pledge to allow "positive" voices to spend money in the race if they disclose their donors, which Kennedy says is too broad. HAPPENING TODAY - The Horse Race podcast is taping a live post-Super Tuesday episode with Gina Christo and Wilnelia Rivera of the Deep Democracy podcast on March 4 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Boston. The live show is free to attend, but guests must register in advance. The details. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: smurray@politico.com. TODAY — Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito discuss coronavirus planning with health officials. Baker and Polito announce the filing of the administration's economic development bill in Salem. Rep. Ayanna Pressley rallies on the steps to the Supreme Court during oral arguments for abortion case June Medical Services, LLC v. Russo. Rep. Joe Kennedy III hosts a coronavirus roundtable discussion at the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center. Former Rep. Mike Capuano is a guest on WBUR's "Radio Boston."

A message from Transportation for Massachusetts: Massachusetts is facing a transportation crisis on our roads, bridges, transit, bikeways, and in neighborhoods that suffer from pollution and congestion. The Massachusetts House is about to debate landmark legislation to reform and revitalize transportation across the Commonwealth. Your voice matters, so please take action today at www.t4ma.org/takeaction.

DATELINE BEACON HILL

- "Baker Casts Ballot, Won't Discuss His Preferences," by Matt Murphy, State House News Service: "When it comes to discussing presidential politics, Gov. Charlie Baker has been nothing this cycle if not consistent. After months of resisting questions about who he would vote for on Super Tuesday, the state's top elected Republican showed up at the First Church in Swampscott on Tuesday night and cast a secret ballot. And secret it shall remain. "I said before I wasn't going to get into presidential politics and I'm not going to do it tonight," Baker said after voting across the street from his home after a day of working on Beacon Hill." - "Mass. Taxi Companies, Decimated By Ride Share Apps, Look Toward $7M State Fund For Hope," by Bob Seay, WGBH News: "Sean McCue says his family's business was an institution, and it was booming. Four generations operated McCue's Yellow Cab of Watertown out of an office on Main Street at Watertown Square. And then Uber and Lyft came to town. At first, Sean said he thought they were just transit technology companies. And since they were only operating in Boston, he didn't pay much attention. But in retrospect, he said, he should have." - "Lawmakers ask DOJ to divert settlement money," by Christian M. Wade, Eagle-Tribune: "Members of the state's congressional delegation are asking the U.S. Department of Justice to divert money from a federal court settlement with Columbia Gas to the Merrimack Valley's first-responders. In a letter to Attorney General William Barr, U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan and other lawmakers say funds from a $53 million fine should somehow be returned to residents of Lawrence, Andover and North Andover who were affected by the Sept. 13, 2018 gas fires and explosions."

FROM THE HUB

- "Mass. Election Officials Respond To Reports Of Voter ID Issues At Dorchester Polling Location," by Simón Rios, WBUR: "Boston election officials are reassuring voters that identification is not generally required to vote, following an incident at a polling location in Dorchester on Super Tuesday. Poll officials at Harbor Point apartments reported earlier Tuesday that security staff at the housing development repeatedly asked voters for IDs as they arrived at the front gate to cast their ballots at a building inside the complex. The secretary of state's office said it spoke with the Boston election officials — and say that the matter is now settled." - "Mayor Walsh names Kathryn Burton his new chief of staff," by Danny McDonald, Boston Globe: "An executive from a Boston development firm will be Mayor Martin J. Walsh's next chief of staff, marking the first time an indigenous person will hold a cabinet-level City Hall post, Walsh's office announced Tuesday. Kathryn R. Burton will assume chief of staff duties starting March 9. She succeeds Dave Sweeney, who worked in that role for two-and-a-half years before accepting a job as president and chief executive of MASCO, the Medical, Academic, and Scientific Community Organization that manages operations for the institutions that make up Boston's 210-acre Longwood medical and academic campus ." - "'Donate Your Vote': Some Mass. Voters Are Casting Ballots On Behalf Of Disenfranchised Prisoners," by Quincy Walters, WBUR: "On the day of the Democratic presidential debate in South Carolina, Kyle Bryant, who's serving time at the medium-security prison in Norfolk, was trying to get fellow inmates to tune in. But it was a struggle. "[People in prison] believe all politicians lie," he said. "And that [politicians] all make fake promises." Debate-watching is just one way Bryant is trying to get other inmates at MCI-Norfolk to think about voting."

PRIMARY SOURCES

- "Majority of Massachusetts voters 'dissatisfied' if Michael Bloomberg becomes Democratic presidential candidate," by The Associated Press: "More than $500 million in spending on ads could not buy Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg much love. Bloomberg fared better among voters older than 65 compared with those younger, and similarly among those who think of themselves as moderate or conservative more so than liberals. But even among these groups, he was edged out by Biden. The former New York mayor was the Democrat voters were least enthusiastic about nominating." - "PAC with ties to Baker sees mixed results," by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: "A SUPER PAC closely aligned with Gov. Charlie Baker saw mixed results Tuesday night. A Democrat the PAC supported easily won the state rep seat from Melrose, but the PAC's foray into two Republican primaries appeared to yield one win and one loss. Kate Lipper-Garabedian, a Melrose city councilor, cruised to victory in the general election for the House seat vacated by Paul Brodeur, who was elected mayor of Melrose. Lipper-Garabedian, a lifelong Democrat, declared victory not long after the polls closed." - "Here's how some people who voted early are feeling after their candidates dropped out," by Steve Annear, Boston Globe: "Unlike the playground games of your childhood, when it comes to casting a vote early in Massachusetts, there's no take-backs and no do-overs — you only get one shot. For constituents who cast their votes for Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar and former South Bend, Ind., mayor Pete Buttigieg — who both dropped out ahead of the Massachusetts primary on Super Tuesday, and endorsed former vice president Joe Biden — that means the deal is done." - "Biden wins state, but Sanders strong in Hampshire County," by Dusty Christensen and Michael Connors, Daily Hampshire Gazette: "Joe Biden won the Democratic primary in Massachusetts, edging out Bernie Sanders in a surprise victory, while Elizabeth Warren finished third in her home state. Locally, Sanders did well, winning in Easthampton, Holyoke, Hadley, Hatfield, Williamsburg, Granby, Chesterfield, Worthington, Belchertown, Shutesbury and Cummington. Biden won Southampton and South Hadley, and Warren won in Pelham and Goshen. Other municipalities had not reported results by press time Tuesday night." - "Newton voters OK Northland's big mixed-use project, despite predictions of a traffic nightmare," by John Hilliard, Boston Globe: "After weeks of bitter debate, the city's voters gave the go-ahead Tuesday to a plan to build hundreds of apartments and new commercial space in Newton Upper Falls. The special municipal election, timed for Super Tuesday, asked voters whether they approved of Northland Investment Corp.'s mixed-use project at the corner of Needham and Oak streets. According to the city clerk's office, 18,565 voters backed a zoning change needed for the plan to move forward, while 13,449 cast ballots against the project."

WARREN REPORT - "Warren team turns grim after Super Tuesday wipeout," by Alex Thompson, POLITICO: "Elizabeth Warren had a plan for winning. It didn't work: In 18 nomination contests, she hasn't finished above third place — including in her home state. Now, she's facing political and financial pressures to get out. Warren's campaign declined to comment on her next steps after her dismal Super Tuesday performance. But allies who speak regularly with the campaign say the mood was bleak. A small wave of last-minute endorsements from groups like EMILY's List, along with late financial help from a super PAC, did not significantly move the needle." TRUMPACHUSETTS - "Trump Coasts To Win In Mass. Republican Primary," by Steve Brown and Lisa Creamer, WBUR: "President Trump glided to an easy and expected win in the Massachusetts Republican primary Tuesday night. With just 1.2% of precincts reporting, the president had secured 90% of the vote when the race was called by The Associated Press. There was little question that the president, in his bid for re-election, would defeat his most significant opponent in the primary race — former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld. Rather, the question was by how wide a margin." ABOVE THE FOLD — Herald: "LIZ LOSES MASS," — Globe: "Biden keeps momentum going, Sanders shows strength out West." FROM THE 413 - "UMass chancellor says 'free college' would come with strings attached," by Ron Chimelis, Springfield Republican: "Nothing in life is free, the saying goes, and a college education is no different. That is why University of Massachusetts Amherst Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy urges a careful look at so-called "free tuition," which is being discussed as a national remedy to the burden of college cost. Subbaswamy endorses paths to debt-free or low-debt college. Eliminating the cost to the student entirely, though, is not an all-encompassing elixir, he said." - "Peter Pan To Continue Allowing Immigration Checks On Buses," The Associated Press: "Peter Pan Bus Lines, a major Northeast carrier, will continue to allow federal immigration officials on its buses to conduct routine checks for immigrants living in the country illegally, saying it could help stem human trafficking, the company said this week. Peter Pan, based in Springfield, Massachusetts, "has always and will continue to cooperate with law enforcement," Christopher Crean, vice president of safety and security, said Monday ." THE LOCAL ANGLE - "North Shore voters weigh in on national race," by Dustin Luca, The Salem News: "The Democratic presidential primary has proven to be a slug-fest for the Democratic party, and it showed at the polls Tuesday. "They're going against Bernie," said Peabody voter Sabrina Gale, who said she cast a ballot for the Vermont senator. "The establishment is scared. I think they're throwing everything they can to build up the establishment candidate." Standing with his daughter Erin, Michael Melin added that the recent surge of support for Vice President Joe Biden over the weekend helped determine his choice." - "Possible coronavirus patient isolated at LGH," by Aaron Curtis, The Lowell Sun: "A patient at Lowell General Hospital is undergoing treatment in an isolated room to evaluate whether they meet the criteria for COVID-19, or coronavirus, testing, hospital officials say. The patient was admitted to the hospital on Sunday night after showing symptoms of the illness. He is considered at "very low risk" of infection, according to Lowell City Manager Eileen Donoghue." TRANSITIONS - Kassandra Frederique was appointed executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance. HAPPY BIRTHDAY - to Rene Fielding, former City of Boston Director of Emergency Management, now director of emergency management at Boston University (h/t Ed Cash), Henry Barrett and the Daily Hampshire Gazette's Bera Dunau. DID THE HOME TEAM WIN? Yes and no! The Bruins beat the Lightning 2-1. The Nets beat the Celtics 129-120. FOR YOUR COMMUTE: BERNING DOWN THE HOUSE - On this week's Horse Race podcast, hosts Steve Koczela and Stephanie Murray talk all things Super Tuesday. Beth Huang from the Boston chapter of Democratic Socialists of America discusses Bernie Sanders and the possibility of a brokered Democratic National Convention. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and Sound Cloud. 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 Transportation for Massachusetts: All throughout the Commonwealth, in our cities and rural towns, people are frustrated with the transportation status quo. Now the Massachusetts House is about to debate legislation to tackle our toughest transportation challenges.The proposals will fund expanded public transit statewide, make our roads and bridges safer, encourage clean transportation, and improve our daily commutes. This is a time when your voice will make a difference. Please take action, and contact your State Representative today at www.t4ma.org/takeaction.     Follow us on Twitter Stephanie Murray @StephMurr_Jour   Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook  |  Playbook PM  |  California Playbook  |  Florida Playbook  |  Illinois Playbook  |  Massachusetts Playbook  |  New Jersey Playbook  |  New York Playbook  |  Brussels Playbook  |  London Playbook View all our politics and policy newsletters Follow us

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