Politico Massachusetts Playbook: Where does WARREN go from here? — HOUSE votes to raise GAS TAX — Pols eye NANGLE’s seat

Where does WARREN go from here? — HOUSE votes to raise GAS TAX — Pols eye NANGLE’s seat

By Stephanie Murray

Presented by Transportation for Massachusetts

GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. WARREN CHARTS HER NEXT MOVE — Where does Sen. Elizabeth Warren go from here? After finishing third in her home state to Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders, and facing tough results across the Super Tuesday map, the Warren campaign huddled yesterday to chart its next move. It's not clear what's next for Warren, though her campaign manager Roger Lau acknowledged yesterday that they "fell well short of viability goals and projections, and we are disappointed in the results." If she does drop out, it's not clear whether Warren would throw her support behind Sanders or Biden, or stay out of the endorsement game. Lau said the choice was in Warren's hands, and that she needed time and space to make a decision. Sanders echoed that language in a press conference yesterday. The Vermont senator said he had spoken with Warren post-Super Tuesday, and that it was important to "respect the time and the space" she needed to decide what to do . Sanders' relationship with Warren has become strained in recent months, which culminated in a flare-up over what was allegedly said between the lawmakers in a private 2018 meeting. Sanders held a series of rallies on Warren's turf in the days leading up to Super Tuesday to try and beat her at home, but lost both cities he visited to Biden on election day. Outside Warren's Cambridge home yesterday, a cluster of photographers and television cameras gathered on her quiet street in case the candidate stepped outside. Curious neighbors snapped photos from the sidewalk, while a trusted Warren aide kept watch from the driveway. It was a departure from the scene 24 hours prior, when hundreds of Warren supporters holding campaign signs and decked out in her signature liberty green lined the street to watch Warren walk to her polling place and cast a ballot. Warren won her hometown of Cambridge with 42 percent of the vote, but struggled across the electoral map. WHOOPS: LAWMAKERS WANT OFF KENNEDY LIST — Two state lawmakers are criticizing Rep. Joe Kennedy III's campaign as "sloppy" and "disrespectful" for incorrectly listing them as supporters of the primary challenger on its website. Reps. Smitty Pignatelli and Angelo Puppolo say they have not endorsed anyone in the Senate primary, but showed up on Kennedy's endorsement list anyway. Last month, the Kennedy campaign shared a list of Western Mass lawmakers who endorsed the congressman in his bid to unseat Sen. Ed Markey, which included Puppolo and Pignatelli. The endorsements were circulated in a press release and published by MassLive.com, and were later corrected. But the campaign didn't update its website, where Puppolo and Pignatelli were listed as endorsers until yesterday afternoon. "It was the result of a staff error in putting out the press release and correction was made as soon as we were notified," a Kennedy aide said yesterday. The endorsements were removed from the website shortly after POLITICO asked about them on Wednesday. Puppolo expressed frustration in an interview, saying it was "aggravating" to be listed as an endorser. Puppolo, who represents Springfield, said he has nothing against Kennedy but has "no idea" what the congressman was thinking. Taking sides in a race as sensitive as the Kennedy-Markey primary is a touchy subject for pretty much any elected official in Massachusetts. "I never endorsed this Kennedy kid. ... These kinds of mistakes make me consider endorsing Ed Markey," Puppolo said. "I think it's disrespectful. I never endorsed Joe Kennedy. Why is my name on there?" Pignatelli called the announcement "premature" and "sloppy." "I haven't endorsed anybody. I was never asked," Pignatelli said, adding that the campaign billed him as a Pittsfield lawmaker, despite his living in Lenox. "I'm staying out at this point. It's too early and I'm focused on what we're doing here in the State House." FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: PRO-CHOICE GROUP BACKS BEACON HILL HOPEFULS — The NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts PAC, the political arm of the abortion rights advocacy group, is endorsing two Democratic candidates running for seats in the Legislature today. The PAC is backing Danillo "Dan" Sena to replace former Rep. Jennifer Benson, and Susan Moran to fill former Republican Sen. Vinny deMacedo's seat. Both candidates won primary elections on Tuesday, and will be on the special election ballot March 31. 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 proclaim today White Ribbon Day. Baker participates in the Dana Farber Cancer Institute's "Saving by Shaving" event. Baker, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, Boston Police Commissioner William Gross and NAACP Boston Chapter President Tanisha Sullivan commemorate the anniversary of the Boston Massacre. The House meets in formal session.

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.

HEALTH CHECK

- "Baker administration says coronavirus test kits are coming to Mass., but many questions remain," by Kay Lazar, Adam Vaccaro and Felice J. Freyer, Boston Globe: "Governor Charlie Baker moved to reassure a jittery public that Massachusetts is taking decisive action to prevent the spread of coronavirus, announcing Wednesday the MBTA would begin routine disinfections of its stations and vehicles, and urging colleges and high schools to cancel student travel overseas. Just hours after Baker's assurances at a Beacon Hill news conference, though, state lawmakers grilled administration officials on whether they are taking enough steps to keep the public safe." - "Baker calls on schools to cancel all trips abroad," by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: "GOV. CHARLIE BAKER on Wednesday urged the state's colleges and high schools to cancel all organized trips abroad, as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expands its travel guidance regarding coronavirus. "Due to the evolving situation, we are urging colleges, universities, and high school to cancel upcoming organized international trips at this time," Baker said at a State House briefing. " Taking this precaution will help protect the students and the Commonwealth." - "Mass. Lawmakers To Question Health Leaders About Coronavirus Response," by Carey Goldberg, WBUR: "Massachusetts lawmakers get the chance Wednesday to question public health and medical leaders about the state's response to the new coronavirus, from current impacts to the capacity to handle much worse. The state has thus far seen only one confirmed case of the virus — a student who traveled from China and is reported to be recovering well at home — and one apparent case stemming from a trip to Italy."

DATELINE BEACON HILL

- "Massachusetts House passes hike to gas tax, ride-hailing fees," by Matt Stout and Adam Vaccaro, Boston Globe: "The Massachusetts House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a package of fee and tax hikes late Wednesday night that would make it more expensive for motorists to get around, raising as much as $600 million and plowing that money into the MBTA, rural towns, and improvements to crumbling transportation infrastructure. Six months before most seek reelection in the state primary, lawmakers approved the legislation, 113-40, which would raise the state's gas tax 5 cents, to 29 cents per gallon." - "Farm food benefits program revived," by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: "AFTER A NEARLY two-week hiatus, Massachusetts plans to use $2 million in new state funds to restart a program that lets SNAP recipients receive additional money to buy fresh produce. The program will begin again on Friday. "It's great to see the administration and Legislature supporting the program so it can operate the way it's intended," said Winton Pitcoff, director of the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative, a privately funded organization created to implement the state's local food action plan." - "Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker files $240M economic development bill," by Matt Murphy, State House News Service: "A new $240 million economic stimulus bill filed by Gov. Charlie Baker on Wednesday seeks funding to incentivize the construction of new housing near public transit, maintain broadband service in western Massachusetts, grow manufacturing jobs and support key technology industry clusters centered around the work being done on university campuses. Baker unveiled his bill on Wednesday afternoon in Salem, where Mayor Kim Driscoll has been a vocal supporter of his separate "Housing Choices" bill, which he attached to the new economic development bill to reinforce his desire to see it passed."

FROM THE HUB

- "For third time in history, more than 40,000 apply to Harvard for class of 2024," by Travis Andersen, Boston Globe: "Just over 40,000 prospective students applied to Harvard's class of 2024, a slight dip from the previous year but only the third time the Ivy League institution has eclipsed that threshold in its centuries-long history, the university said Wednesday. In a statement posted to The Harvard Gazette, which is published by the school, university officials said applications for the 2024 class totaled 40,246, down from the 43,330 who sought admission to the class of 2023."

PRIMARY SOURCES

- "Joe Biden's supporters didn't think he would win Massachusetts. Here's how he did." by Lisa Kashinsky, Boston Herald: "No one expected Joe Biden to win Massachusetts — not even his own supporters. But in what was ostensibly a contest between two New Englanders — home-state U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders — it was the former vice president from Delaware who swept to victory with roughly a third of the vote, riding a wave of momentum across the state and across the country on Super Tuesday. "It was not expected. It certainly wasn't expected or predicted within the Biden camp," said Biden backer and state Sen. Marc Pacheco, D-Taunton." - "Warren And Sanders Lose Massachusetts — Big Time," by Peter Kadzis, WGBH News: "Until several days ago, former Vice President Joe Biden was the political equivalent of a dead skunk in the middle of the road. (Apologies to Loudon Wainwright III.) Now, with Biden's surprising upset victory in the Massachusetts Democratic presidential primary, it's Sen. Elizabeth Warren who's roadkill." - MEANWHILE IN NEW JERSEY: "Joe Kennedy raising money in N.J. this week," by David Wildstein, New Jersey Globe: "A group of powerful New Jersey Democrats are hosting a fundraiser for Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III to boost his campaign for a United States Senate seat in Massachusetts. State Sen. Vin Gopal (D-Long Branch) is heading the event this Friday at the Wilentz Law firm's Eatontown offices. Middlesex County Democratic Chairman Kevin McCabe, powerbroker Maggie Moran, Assemblyman Tom Giblin, State Sen. Linda Greenstein (D-Plainsboro) and Essex County Clerk Christopher Durkin are about the hosts of the fundraiser." - "Joan Menard backs Grossman for Kennedy's House seat," by Ted Nesi, WPRI: "Former Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Joan Menard, a longtime fixture in Fall River and statewide politics, is endorsing Newton City Councilor Becky Grossman for the U.S. House seat currently held by Joe Kennedy III. Menard represented the South Coast on Beacon Hill as a state representative and then state senator for over three decades until her retirement a decade ago."

WARREN REPORT

- "'We fell well short': Warren team considers ending campaign," by Alex Thompson, POLITICO: "Elizabeth Warren's campaign manager Roger Lau sent a frank email to staffers this morning saying the campaign missed its goals on Super Tuesday and that the "decision is in her hands" about what to do next. "Last night, we fell well short of viability goals and projections, and we are disappointed in the results," Lau wrote in an email obtained by POLITICO, adding that "we are obviously disappointed."

TRUMPACHUSETTS

- "Baker fails to gain ground in state GOP," by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: "COMPLETE ELECTION RESULTS were still not available last night, but Republican insiders said Gov. Charlie Baker appeared to lose ground Tuesday night in his bid to seize control of the Massachusetts Republican Party. The insiders said Baker forces failed to increase their representation among the 80 state committee officials elected Tuesday night and may have even lost ground to candidates loyal to GOP party chairman Jim Lyons. Lyons, a President Trump supporter, stunned the Baker forces in 2019 by winning the party chairmanship by a margin of 47-30."

MARIJUANA IN MASSACHUSETTS

- "Walsh Names Five To Boston Marijuana Board," by Saraya Wintersmith, WGBH News: "Boston Mayor Marty Walsh has named members of a new board that will oversee the city's decisions about licensing marijuana businesses. The announcement Wednesday comes nearly four months after Walsh signed an ordinance that called for creating the board. It will issue operating licenses, sanction owners for any violations and recommend terms for host community agreements."

ABOVE THE FOLD

— Herald: "DIDN'T GO WELL," "SHIELDING SENIORS," — Globe : "Despite Baker reassurance, worries about virus persist," "Biden, Sanders square off." THE LOCAL ANGLE - "2 pull papers for Rep. Nangle's seat," by Elizabeth Dobbins, The Lowell Sun: "Calling for a restoration of "honesty and integrity to the office," two Lowell Democrats pulled papers this week to run for the 17th Middlesex District. Both Lisa Arnold and Zachary Stinchfield have announced their intentions to enter the race. If they return papers, state Rep. Dave Nangle, a Democrat who was indicted on federal charges last month, could see his first primary challenge to the seat since 2004. "I think we need to restore honesty and integrity to the office," Arnold said. Stinchfield said he agrees, referencing Nangle as well as U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan, who the House Committee on Ethics announced it would further investigate in December." - "Worcester County voters joined majority in supporting Biden - and Trump," by Brad Petrishen, Telegram & Gazette: "Voters in Worcester County were in the middle of two story lines that emerged nationally on Super Tuesday - the stunning comeback of Joseph R. Biden Jr. for Democrats, and the impressive turnout for Republican President Donald J. Trump. Voters here, as in so many other counties across the nation Tuesday, breathed new life into a Biden campaign that appeared to be seriously ailing before a strong showing in South Carolina prompted Biden's two main moderate rivals to step aside." - "Locals react to Biden, Trump victories after 'whirlwind' Super Tuesday," by Joe DiFazio, The Patriot Ledger: "Democratic Party delegates say they were shocked by former Vice President Joe Biden's Super Tuesday performance in which he won primaries in 10 states, including Massachusetts, and swept the South Shore. "I don't think anybody thought Biden was going to win," said Quincy Democratic City Committee Chairman Alicia Gardner, who called Super Tuesday a "whirlwind." "I think people see Biden as the viable candidate now." - "Gloucester officials say putting Seafood Expo on ice was right call," by Sean Horgan, The Salem News: "The city and other exhibitors will have to wait for the organizers of Seafood Expo North America to develop a Plan B, but the consensus seems to be the decision to postpone the 2020 Boston show as a health precaution to the spreading novel coronavirus was the right one. The international seafood industry trade show, which was set to run March 15 to 17 at the Massachusetts Convention & Exhibition Center, draws tens of thousands of exhibitors and attendees from all over the world — including many countries already with confirmed cases of the dangerous COVID-19 coronavirus." TRANSITIONS - Rachael Dubinsky is leaving the Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action to become events and communication manager at Parenting Journey. HAPPY BIRTHDAY - to Sharon Block, Lowell state Rep. Thomas Golden, Gov. Charlie Baker's 2018 campaign manager Brian Wynne, Bentley University's Chris Joyce, South Shore Chamber of Commerce Director of Development and Tedeschi alum Chris Lane, Justin Backal Balik at the at New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Neighborhood Network News' Adam Boyajy, Tavo True-Alcalá and Tamsin True-Alcalá. DID THE HOME TEAM WIN? Yes! The Celtics beat the Cavaliers 112-106. 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  POLITICO, LLC 1000 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA, 22209, USA