POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: PROTESTS continue in Boston — ROLLINS clashes with POLICE union — POLL: Race to replace KENNEDY is wide open

By Stephanie Murray

Presented by Biogen and the Lemelson-MIT Program

GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: POLL: 4TH DISTRICT RACE IS WIDE OPEN — A new poll in the Democratic primary race to replace Rep. Joe Kennedy III shows a wide-open contest, with 60 percent of voters saying they're undecided on who to vote for. But among voters who have a preference, Newton City Councilor Becky Grossman leads the crowded field, according to a poll commissioned by her campaign. It's still early — there are 89 days until the Sept. 1 primary — but the survey provides a glimpse at where things stand in the race. The poll numbers will be released by Grossman's campaign today. The survey was conducted by Beacon Research. Grossman leads the poll with 13 percent of support, followed by former Gov. Deval Patrick aide Jesse Mermell and Newton City Councilor Jake Auchincloss, who each have 7 percent of support, according to Grossman's campaign. The poll surveyed 501 likely Democratic primary voters in the 4th Congressional District between May 26 and May 30, and the margin of error is 4 percent. There are officially nine Democrats on the ballot, and the Grossman campaign released polling data on seven of the candidates. Attorney Ben Sigel and City Year co-founder Alan Khazei each have 4 percent of support from voters, according to the poll. Two percent of those surveyed support former White House aide Dave Cavell, and 1 percent back tech entrepreneur Chris Zannetos. In a crowded race like this one, the winning candidate may get a relatively small slice of the vote. Rep. Lori Trahan won her crowded primary race with about 22 percent in 2018, for example, and beat runner-up Dan Koh by fewer than 150 votes. Grossman has the highest favorability rating of any candidate in the field at 20 percent according to her campaign, though it did not disclose favorability numbers for other candidates. Grossman's favorability is 35 percent among voters who follow politics "very closely," her campaign says. “Becky’s message of taking the fight to Washington with the fierce urgency of a mom is clearly resonating with voters across the district,” Grossman campaign manager Alex Vuskovic said in a statement. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: smurray@politico.com. TODAY — Gov. Deval Patrick speaks at a town hall on race and justice with Monica Cannon-Grant and Rev. Willie Bodrick, II, moderated by WBUR’s Kimberly Atkins. Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins is a guest on WGBH’s “Greater Boston.” Black Lives Matter demonstrations are planned for Roslindale and Jamaica Plain. Activists hold a Black Lives Matter stand-in in Framingham. The Mira Coalition holds a virtual gala.

A message from Biogen MIT: The link between biotech and health outcomes is undeniable. We need to overcome educational barriers and inspire young people to learn science. That’s why Biogen and MIT teamed up to bring Virtual Science Learning Lab. For more information, visit: biogen.com/communitylab.

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THE LATEST NUMBERS

– “Massachusetts coronavirus deaths increase by 68, but many trends show improvement,” by Alexi Cohan, Boston Herald: “Massachusetts health officials reported 429 new coronavirus cases and 68 more deaths on Wednesday, and many indicators such as testing capacity and positive test rates are showing improvement as the state continues to flatten the curve. The three-day average of coronavirus daily deaths has dropped from 137 at the start of May to 53 now, a decrease of 66%.”

DATELINE BEACON HILL

– “Surrounded By National Guardsmen, Protesters Speak Out: 'The System Is Working, But Not For Us,'” by Tori Bedford, WGBH News: “Standing before a crowd of more than 1,000 protesters spilling out into the Boston Common Wednesday, organizer Matthew Burchfield noted a few significant absences. ‘Where are the Democrats? Where is [Senator] Elizabeth Warren? I haven’t seen Liz Warren at a protest, have you? Where is [Mayor] Marty Walsh?’ Burchfield asked.” – “Mass. to continue forging ahead with reopening; Baker to lay out more information about Phase 2 on Saturday,” by Tim Logan, Travis Andersen and Jaclyn Reiss, Boston Globe: “With progress continuing in the fight against coronavirus, Massachusetts is on the verge of opening up more of its economy and society, Governor Charlie Baker said Wednesday. Baker told reporters that on Saturday he’ll announce a date to start Phase Two of the reopening plan, a landmark that would allow more retailers and restaurants, child care centers and summer camps to open their doors again. Under the state’s plan, the earliest Phase Two can begin is Monday.” – “Charlie Baker says despite conflicts law enforcement have shown ‘discipline and restraint’ to keep people safe during protests,” by Ainslie Cromar, Boston.com: “During the protests, law enforcement have often donned riot gear to interact with demonstrators, which some politicians have said only incites violence. At his Wednesday afternoon briefing, Gov. Charlie Baker said he thinks ‘attitude has a lot more to do with’ the violence, than what police officers, state troopers, and National Guard troops wear.” – “State tax revenues continued to crater in May,” by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “Another month, another dip in state revenue. The Department of Revenue reported Wednesday that it collected nearly $1.74 billion in taxes during May, more than 15 percent below what state officials had projected and 13 percent off from the $2 billion it collected in May 2019. Tax receipts are now $2.25 billion below what the state had projected to have at this point in the fiscal year, which wraps up at the end of this month.” – “An Effort to Curtail the Use of Tear Gas on Protesters Is Underway in Massachusetts,” by Spencer Buell, Boston Magazine: “Images of gas canisters raining down on demonstrators protesting American police brutality, and acrid smoke filling the air, have been shared from Massachusetts and around the country. Now, a Massachusetts state rep is pushing to crack down on the use of the chemical agents, and sharing fears that continued use of the tactic will only make tensions worse in Boston and beyond.”

FROM THE HUB

– “Rollins, Boston police union clash,” by Michael Jonas, CommonWealth Magazine: “Protests over the police killing of George Floyd have exposed a deep divide in the country on race issues. That schism is now playing out within Boston’s law enforcement community. Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins, who took office a year and a half ago with a vow that it would not be business as usual, has made good on her pledge.” – “Retailers hit by thefts and damage are supporting protests against racism, violence,” by Janelle Nanos, Boston Globe: “At 6 on Monday morning, Hadley Douglas awoke to a text from a friend. It was the news that she’d been dreading: Urban Grape, the South End storefront that Douglas owns with her husband, TJ, had had its window smashed in as thieves took advantage of the chaos that erupted after Sunday’s peaceful protest. The hours and days that followed tested the Douglases emotionally and were yet another significant setback after months of financial strain.” – “Marty Walsh adding $5M to Boston coronavirus rental relief fund,” by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: “The city of Boston is putting $5 million more into a rental relief fund as the massive economic hit of the coronavirus pandemic drags on. Mayor Martin Walsh announced the new influx — nearly double the original $3 million chunk of money set aside for the fund — in a news release, saying applications will open Friday for Boston residents.” – “Emerson president calls George Floyd’s killing ‘a legalized lynching’ in letter to campus, reflects on own experiences of racism,” by Ainslie Cromar, Boston.com: “Emerson College’s president penned a poignant and deeply personal letter to the campus community Sunday, referring to the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis as a ‘legalized lynching’ and detailing how racism has painfully impacted his own life.” – “BU president apologizes for initial letter on racism, sends a second,” by Laura Krantz and Deirdre Fernandes, Boston Globe: “After Boston University president Robert Brown suffered sharp criticism for a mild e-mail he sent on Monday in response to the recent police killings of Black people and subsequent protests, Brown issued a second, strongly worded letter that apologized for the first and condemned racism and police brutality.” – “Boston Police commissioner, clergy say ‘black lives matter’ – and so does the ‘rule of law,’” by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: “Boston’s Police Commissioner and several local clergy members spoke side-by-side on Wednesday, flanked by other cops and clergy as they sent out a dual message: Black lives matter — and so does keeping law and order in the city of Boston. ‘The rule of law is a core philosophical defense against a society’s descent into dystopian chaos and madness,’ the Rev. Eugene Rivers said, slamming the ‘trust-fund anarchists’ who stuck around after a peaceful Boston protest Sunday to start fires and hit stores with smash-and-grab looting.” – “A new name for Dudley library,” by Kenneal Patterson, Bay State Banner: “Boston Public Library trustees have voted to change the Dudley branch’s name to the ‘Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library.’ Not everyone is in favor of the name change, which passed in a 7-4 vote. ‘Folks are stunned and upset,’ said Sadiki Kambon, chair of the Nubian Square Coalition. ‘We intend to contest this whole process,’ he told the Banner. Kambon led the movement to rename Dudley Square to Nubian Square.” – “Councillors mull plan to have city buy back liquor licenses and lease them to proprietors,” by Katie Trojano, Dorchester Reporter: “City leaders discussed the idea of purchasing liquor licenses back from restaurateurs during a lengthy council hearing online last week. Councillor Lydia Edwards, who proposed the buyback plan, said it could help small businesses during and after the pandemic and allow the city to reset its antiquated licensing system.She outlined her idea as a ‘leasing’ effort.”

PRIMARY SOURCES

– “9 Dems, 2 in GOP make ballot to seek Kennedy’s US House seat,” by Ted Nesi, WPRI: “The field is set for the Sept. 1 primary to succeed Congressman Joe Kennedy III in Massachusetts’ 4th Congressional District. Nine Democrats — Newton residents Jake Auchincloss and Becky Grossman; Brookline residents Dave Cavell, Alan Khazei, Ihssane Leckey, Natalia Linos, Jesse Mermell and Ben Sigel; and Wellesley resident Christopher Zannetos — qualified for the primary ballot by Tuesday’s deadline, according to the secretary of state’s office.”     PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES – “The T again shut stations near protest sites, drawing ire of riders,” by Adam Vaccaro, Boston Globe: “The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority again shut down transit stations near the sites of demonstrations against police brutality and racism, drawing anger from some riders and advocates who say the agency is creating a public safety hazard by making it more difficult for protesters to leave the area. On three of the last four nights, the MBTA has closed subway stations in parts of downtown Boston amid rallies over the killing of George Floyd.” DAY IN COURT – “Federal immigration office reopens,” by Sarah Betancourt, CommonWealth Magazine: “The Boston office of the federal immigration agency that deals with the country’s naturalization process reopened today, 11 weeks after shutting down most in-person services due to the coronavirus pandemic. A spokesperson said that USCIS is following the Trump administration’s three-phase guidelines for reopening the country as well as Department of Homeland Security and health officials’ policies and social distancing safety guidelines.” – “'There Is Nothing Easy About Any Of This': Mass. Justices Urge Lawyers, Judges To Root Out Racial Bias In Court,” Deborah Becker, WBUR: “Amid the nationwide protests against racism and police brutality, seven Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court justices say judges and lawyers must do more to root out bias in the state's criminal justice system. In a letter to the state's judiciary and the Massachusetts Bar Association, the justices say that expressing sadness and anger is not enough.” – “Vincent Eovacious, accused of bringing Molotov cocktails to Worcester after peaceful protest over the death of George Floyd ended, now facing federal charges,” by Melissa Hanson, MassLive.com: “Federal officials say an 18-year-old Worcester man is facing charges after making Molotov cocktails and bringing them out after thousands of people peacefully protested police brutality following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Vincent Eovacious was arrested Wednesday and has been charged with civil disorder.” – “Man allegedly admitted firing shots near Boston police officers during looting in Back Bay, prosecutor says,” by John R. Ellement, Boston Globe: “A Dorchester man charged with the attempted murder of 21 Boston police officers allegedly admitted opening fire early Monday as police responded to looting in the Back Bay, an action he took because he was angry police hit the windshield of his car as they tried to stop him from backing into another vehicle a short time before, a prosecutor said Wednesday.” MARKEYCHUSETTS – “Markey seeks end to immunity for police officers in civil suits,” by Milton J. Valencia, Boston Globe: “US Senator Edward J. Markey joined local Black community leaders Wednesday calling for an end to qualified immunity, the concept that a police officer can be protected from liability for most job-related conduct. Markey, a Democrat, said he is cosponsoring a Senate resolution condemning qualified immunity.” ABOVE THE FOLD — Herald: “WE’RE LIVING IN ABSURD TIMES,” — Globe: “Despite damage, retailers back protests," "Mass. readies for next steps on reopening.” TRUMPACHUSETTS – “Fall River man beat up Trump supporter, 82, over political sign, cops say,” by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: “A Fall River man ripped up an 82-year-old Air Force veteran’s Trump sign and beat him up, kicking the man repeatedly, police say. Aiden Courtright, 24, of Fall River, was arraigned Wednesday and is being held for a dangerousness hearing that will take place Thursday, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s office.” FROM THE 413 – “Food insecurity rising in western Mass. amid pandemic,” by Scott Merzbach, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “Up to a quarter of all children in western Massachusetts may not know where their next meal will come from, or may not easily be able to get fresh and healthy food, as hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic continue, according to a new study.” – “No arrests, no violence after thousands of Black Lives Matter demonstrators march through Springfield,” by Stephanie Barry, Springfield Republican: “As they crested a hill on State Street, an estimated 3,000 Black Lives Matter demonstrators’ collective voices could be heard nearly all the way to their destination in front of the Springfield Police Department a half-mile away.” – “Michael Wilk removed from position as Chicopee Police Department spokesperson following controversial social media posts,” by Benjamin Kail, MassLive.com: “Michael Wilk, the longtime public information officer for the Chicopee Police Department, has been removed from his position as a spokesperson after coming under fire for controversial social media posts.” – Greater Springfield NAACP criticizes Mayor Domenic Sarno for rescinding plans to participate in ‘town meeting’ that was called in response to George Floyd death,” by Peter Goonan, Springfield Republican: “The Greater Springfield chapter of the NAACP and a grassroots group have criticized Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood for a “last minute cancellation” of participating in a digital ‘Town Hall’ discussion regarding police accountability.” THE LOCAL ANGLE – “Salem Police Captain Suspended For Inappropriate Tweet Criticizing Protests,” The Associated Press: “A Massachusetts police captain has been suspended after posting a tweet criticizing Boston Mayor Marty Walsh for permitting demonstrations during the coronavirus pandemic. Capt. Kate Stephens tweeted ‘(S)o you issued a permit for 10 of thousands of people to protest but I can’t go to a restaurant? You are ridiculous. You and Too Tall Deval are killing this State,’ from the Salem Police account on Monday.” – “Brockton ‘mayhem’ after George Floyd protest was unacceptable: Mayor,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “The violence and ‘mayhem’ in Brockton Tuesday night after a George Floyd peaceful protest was unacceptable, the city’s mayor said a day after police officers were injured and buildings were damaged, including a Dunkin’ Donuts that was set on fire. ‘Last night the people that came here to create mayhem was in no manner what Brockton is about,’ Mayor Robert Sullivan said at a Wednesday press conference with U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch and other officials.” – “Cape Codders of color ‘taking a stand,’” by Cynthia McCormick, Cape Cod Times: ““With the COVID-19 pandemic threatening the Cape, Tameeka Reid, of Yarmouth, stayed mostly at home, donning a mask to run to the grocery store for essential items. But the death of George Floyd while in custody of Minneapolis police officers had her joining protesters Saturday on Hyannis Village Green.” – “Wrentham police head off caravan at outlet following Boston riots,” by David Linton, Sun Chronicle: “Local police headed off a caravan of cars at the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets after receiving a tip that people in the vehicles ‘were coming to loot,’ Chief Bill McGrath said Wednesday. Officers blocked off the mall Monday, the day after rioting roiled the city of Boston, and when drivers in the caravan of 20 or so cars saw the police presence they drove off without incident, McGrath said.” MAZEL! to Jon Carvalho, spokesperson for New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, who was promoted to deputy chief of staff. HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to Lance Lambros, May Davis, associate White House counsel; Robert Schulte and André de Haes. NEW EPISODE: PROTESTS AND PATHS FORWARD – On this week’s Horse Race podcast, host Jennifer Smith speaks with Boston City Councilor Andrea Campbell about protests against systemic racism and police brutality that have broken out in cities all over the world, including Boston, in response to the death of George Floyd, who was killed by police. 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 Biogen and the Lemelson-MIT Program: Teachers and parents are struggling to deliver educational continuity during this public health crisis. At the same time, creative solutions abound, including bringing science education and lab experiences to life outside of physical settings. Inspiring young people to learn science, particularly at a time when health innovation is one of the world’s most pressing challenges, requires creative thinking and collaboration. For students historically underrepresented in science, access to education and hand-on exposure to the world of biotechnology can open a lifetime of opportunity. That’s why Biogen and the Lemelson-MIT program teamed up to bring a new Virtual Science Learning Lab to students in Massachusetts and North Carolina. Biogen is working with the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus to engage students in learning directly from, and being mentored by, leading scientists at Biogen and MIT. For more information, visit: biogen.com/communitylab.     POLITICO Magazine Justice Reform: The Decarceration Issue, presented by Verizon : Over the past decade, the longstanding challenge of criminal-justice reform has emerged into the spotlight with a new twist: Both Republicans and Democrats are on board with reform. But if both parties want to lower the incarceration rate, why are U.S. jail and prison populations still so high? The latest series from POLITICO Magazine searches for answers to this important question and takes a deeper look into what it will take to make progress toward real justice reform. READ THE FULL ISSUE.       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

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