GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST NIGHT'S MARKEY-KENNEDY DEBATE — It's no usual election year for Sen. Ed Markey and Rep. Joe Kennedy III, who are dueling it out in a tight Democratic primary. We're in the midst of a generation-defining pandemic that forced both candidates to rewrite their playbooks.
But they've got one problem that's familiar to any Massachusetts politician. The home stretch of the campaign is during the dog days of summer because the Sept. 1 election falls just before Labor Day. It's hard to get people to pay attention.
I tried to survey a group of Bay State political watchers for their reactions to the debate. Here are some of the responses I got when I asked if they were watching:
"I’m not. Should I be?" said one source. Another who was not tuning in tried to refer me to a colleague. "Let me see if he's watching," he wrote. "Nopeeee."
"Sorry I'm going to have to watch a recorded broadcast later!" another source said. "Sorry. Not tuning in," echoed another.
If you, too, missed the debate hosted by WBZ, here are a couple of highlights:
— Kennedy drove home a central argument of his campaign, that Markey is not present in Massachusetts. The congressman pressed the senator on criticism from the family of DJ Henry, an Easton native who was killed by police in 2010. Henry's parents say they felt dismissed by Markey when they asked for his help.
"It's not my words that said you did nothing. It is Mr. Henry's words that said that you did nothing," Kennedy said, referencing a video Henry's father posted on Twitter.
And Markey pressed Kennedy on a new super PAC that's buoying the congressman's bid. Members of the Kennedy family are making fundraising calls for the endeavor, including his twin brother. Many wonder whether Kennedy's father, former Congressman Joe Kennedy II, will shift his remaining $2.8 million in campaign funds to the group. Super PACs have spent almost $3 million for Markey so far.
"I'm sure your father's watching right now. Tell your father right now that you don't want money to go into a super PAC that runs negative ads," Markey said. "Just tell your twin brother and tell your father."
FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: GOLDSTEIN‘S INTERNAL POLL — A trio of progressive Democrats made their internal polling numbers public this week.
Of course, it's important to take a campaign’s internal polling numbers with a grain of salt. Memos with incomplete polling information don't tell the whole story — and that’s usually for a reason.
But with a public polling drought in congressional races across the state, it's hard not to take a peek.
Dr. Robbie Goldstein, the infectious disease specialist challenging Rep. Stephen Lynch from the left, says he's within striking distance of the longtime lawmaker. A memo on the campaign's internal polling , first reported in Playbook, shows Lynch with 39 percent of the vote and Goldstein with 32 percent. Nearly a third of respondents said they were undecided. The poll was conducted by Lincoln Park Strategies and surveyed 1,038 likely Democratic primary voters from Aug. 8 to Aug. 9.
In the tense primary between Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse and Rep. Richard Neal, internal polling numbers have also surfaced in recent days. Morse is facing allegations from college Democrats that he behaved inappropriately around students, a charge he denies. An internal poll leaked to HuffPost, conducted just as the allegations became public, showed Neal ahead of Morse by 10 percentage points, a smaller margin than when Neal swept last primary with nearly 70 percent of the vote.
And in the crowded primary race to replace Rep. Joe Kennedy III in the House, Democratic socialist Ihssane Leckey's campaign just turned over internal numbers to The Intercept. Becky Grossman leads that race with 19 percent of support, followed by Jake Auchincloss, according to a memo summarizing the tracking poll conducted by Frederick Polls. The poll showed Leckey and Jesse Mermell statistically tied for third.
Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: smurray@politico.com.
TODAY — Rep. Katherine Clark hosts a virtual round table on Facebook Live with local hunger-relief and immigrant community advocates. Rep. Joe Kennedy III visits a job site with Laborers Local 560 in Waltham.
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 | THE LATEST NUMBERS |
– "Massachusetts reports 10 new COVID-19 deaths, 296 cases,” by Tanner Stening, MassLive.com: “Health officials announced another 10 coronavirus deaths on Tuesday, bringing the statewide death count to 8,529. Officials also confirmed 296 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of at least 112,969 cases across Massachusetts. That’s based on 14,972 new molecular tests reported on Tuesday, according to the Department of Public Health.”
| DATELINE BEACON HILL |
– “Baker says most kids can return to in-person learning,” by Bruce Mohl and Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: “Gov. Charlie Baker said a key COVID-19 metric currently indicates children in nearly 91 percent of the state’s cities and towns can safely return to school this fall for in-person learning either on a full or part-time basis. Baker said only 33 of the state’s 351 cities and towns have had four or more cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people over the last two weeks.”
– “Massachusetts emergency child care centers had 64 cases of COVID-19 in 47 different locations, state officials say,” by Douglas Hook, MassLive.com: “The Department of Early Education and Care in Massachusetts reported 64 cases of coronavirus had been reported at 47 emergency child care centers, forcing temporary closures and quarantines at some of the programs set up to care for children of essential workers, according to the Boston Globe.”
– “State begins targeting COVID-19 spread in 33 communities,” by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: “A cluster of working-class cities remain the most hard-hit by COVID-19 in Massachusetts, as Gov. Charlie Baker on Tuesday announced new state assistance for virus hotspots. Although state officials have for months been releasing community-level information on COVID-19 spread, Baker on Tuesday announced a new effort with enhanced data to identify municipalities with particularly high rates of the virus and to work with local officials to stop the spread.”
– “Massachusetts health secretary says certain residents should consider face coverings inside their homes,” by Nik DeCosta-Klipa, Boston.com: “Gov. Charlie Baker’s new order requiring people in Massachusetts to wear face coverings at organized gatherings of more than 10 people from more than one household took effect on Tuesday. But according to the state’s top health official, some residents should consider wearing a face covering even more often than that.”
– “Baker sees positives in July revenue numbers,” by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: “Gov. Charlie Baker saw some positive signs in the state’s tax haul in July, but he cautioned that the fiscal challenges Massachusetts is facing right now are not going away. The state Department of Revenue reported last week that the July tax haul was $4.5 billion.”
– “Massachusetts releases new map tracking COVID in communities across state: Chelsea, Everett, Lynn and Revere deemed high risk,” by Benjamin Kail, MassLive.com: “While more than 300 Massachusetts communities are at or below targets for new COVID-19 case numbers, public health officials on Tuesday released a color-coded map highlighting community-by-community at-risk levels as Gov. Charlie Baker expressed heightened urgency to wear masks after some areas have seen spikes following large gatherings and parties.”
– “Massachusetts Gaming Commission to consider giving OK for return of roulette, craps at casinos during COVID-19 pandemic,” by Peter Goonan, Springfield Republican: “The Massachusetts Gaming Commission on Thursday will consider a request by casinos to restart roulette and craps games during the coronavirus pandemic. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. by teleconference.”
| FROM THE HUB |
– “Father of teenager killed in school shooting designs billboard with bracing message: ‘Vote for Me.’” by Gal Tziperman Lotan, Boston Globe: “A few years ago, Joaquin Oliver asked his father what he wanted to be when he grew up. It was a joke, of course. Manuel Oliver was already grown, living in Parkland, Fla., watching Joaquin make his way through high school. But he played along, telling his son he wanted to retire, ride his motorcycle, maybe spend time with grandchildren one day. Then he asked his son the same question, Manuel Oliver recalled Monday.”
– “BU students launch provocative campaign to promote Covid safety,” by Hilary Burns, Boston Business Journal: “Students who want to return to Boston University this fall have been meeting regularly on Zoom to brainstorm how they could persuade their peers to follow public health guidelines when they're back on campus. The students don’t want to take classes from their childhood bedrooms, but that depends on people following social-distancing rules on campus.”
– “Prisons chief said order halting guards’ discipline was news to her. E-mails say otherwise,” by Matt Rocheleau, Boston Globe: “It was a trial balloon that crashed almost immediately. Department of Correction officials had announced internally on March 17 that they would lift the suspensions of all prison guards and halt employee discipline due to the coronavirus pandemic. Within hours, word spread publicly, and prisoner advocates complained that the directive could embolden abusive guards who knew they wouldn’t be punished.”
| PRIMARY SOURCES |
– “Kennedy allies sweat as Massachusetts Senate race tightens,” by Stephanie Murray, POLITICO: “Joe Kennedy was once thought to be such a lock to defeat Sen. Ed Markey that there was widespread speculation in Massachusetts that Markey might just retire to avoid a humbling end. But Markey is piling up endorsements and closing in on the young congressman in the polls by running a policy-heavy campaign that seems tailored for the moment.”
– FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: “UFCW endorses Leckey,” from the Leckey campaign: “United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1445 endorses Ihssane Leckey. Local 1445 is among the largest affiliates of the UFCW in Massachusetts representing tens of thousands of workers in retail, industrial laundries, warehousing, health care, and the expanding cannabis industry. The vast majority of our membership are considered essential workers.”
– FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: “Allston-Brighton City Councilor Liz Breadon Endorses Kevin Honan,” from the Honan campaign: “Allston-Brighton City Councilor Liz Breadon has joined other progressive leaders and advocacy organizations in endorsing Rep. Kevin Honan's re-election campaign. Breadon said, ‘Kevin Honan is an accessible Representative with an impressive record of service as a progressive legislator.’”
– “The Race To Replace Joe Kennedy In Congress Is Heating Up,” by Ryan Grim, Daniel Boguslaw, The Intercept: “A crowded primary for Joe Kennedy’s congressional seat in Massachusetts is presenting Democratic primary voters with one of their final opportunities of the cycle to decide which direction to take the party. The nine-person race includes just about every archetype from every faction of the Democratic Party.”
– “New York congressional candidate Jamaal Bowman ‘pauses’ Alex Morse endorsement; Mount Holyoke College Democrats disinvite mayor from events,” by Jim Kinney, Springfield Republican: “Jamaal Bowman, a progressive candidate for the U.S. House from New York whose primary victory over a longtime incumbent was seen as encouragement for Holyoke Mayor Alex B. Morse’s own congressional bid, has paused his endorsement and his campaign activity on Morse’s behalf.”
– “College Democrat At Center Of Attack On Alex Morse Hoped To Launch Career Through Richard Neal,” by Daniel Boguslaw, Ryan Grim, The Intercept: In the battle raging for Massachusetts First Congressional District, currently held by the chair of the powerful Ways and Means committee Richard Neal, political operatives are turning up in unlikely places. Last week, tensions flared after a letter, written by the Massachusetts College Democrats, informed Alex Morse, Neal’s challenger, that he was no longer welcome at their events.”
– “Massachusetts Nurses Association reaffirms support for Alex Morse’s congressional campaign,” by Jim Kinney, Springfield Republican: “The Massachusetts Nurses Association reaffirmed its support of Holyoke Mayor Alex B. Morse in his Democratic primary campaign for Congress against incumbent U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal as the University of Massachusetts reviews Morse’s relationships with college students.”
| DAY IN COURT |
– “Supporters pull back after Massachusetts Bail Fund posts bond for registered sex offender who had pending rape charge,” by Andrea Estes, Boston Globe: “This has been a banner year for the Massachusetts Bail Fund, a charity that pays the bail for prisoners who can’t afford it. The nationwide protest movement spurred by the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota has brought a flood of donations, empowering fund officials to pay much higher bails than they ever could before.”
| WARREN REPORT |
– “Biden's Pick Marks The End Of Warren 2020 — But Not Her National Influence,” by Adam Reilly, WGBH News: “Joe Biden’s decision to tap Sen. Kamala Harris as his running mate effectively closes the books on Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s 2020 presidential bid, which saw the Massachusetts senator briefly emerge as the Democratic frontrunner — but then stumble in key early states like Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina.”
| TRUMPACHUSETTS |
– “Baker opposes Trump’s stimulus alternative,” by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: “Gov. Charlie Baker said he opposes President Trump’s stimulus alternative because it relies for funding on money Massachusetts and other states are counting on to cover COVID-19 costs and related expenditures. With Congress unable to come to agreement on a stimulus package, Trump over the weekend signed a number of orders, including one that would provide an extra $400 a week to people out of work and receiving existing unemployment insurance benefits.”
| DATELINE D.C. |
– “US government strikes $1.525 billion deal with Moderna for 100 million doses of its Covid-19 vaccine,” by Jen Christensen, CNN: “The Trump administration has reached a deal with Moderna Inc. to manufacture and deliver 100 million doses of the company's Covid-19 vaccine once it is approved, according to a news release from the US Health and Human Services Department. President Trump announced the deal during a media briefing on Tuesday.
| IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN |
– “After activists climb scaffolding to hang climate justice banner on Boston’s Citgo sign, DA’s office to review costs city incurred as a result,” by Melissa Hanson, MassLive.com: “After a group of people climbed scaffolding to hang a banner reading ‘Climate Justice Now’ on Boston’s landmark Citgo sign, the Suffolk District Attorney says her office will review the risks the action created, and the costs that the city of Boston incurred as a result, before determining the next steps in court for defendants.”
| ABOVE THE FOLD |
— Herald: “LEFT BEHIND,” — Globe: “A GROUNDBREAKING VP PICK," "Out of the running, but Warren could still have a key role.”
| FROM THE 413 |
– “Still awaiting gathering waiver, Pittsfield theater companies say shows will go on,” by Danny Jin, The Berkshire Eagle: “Two Pittsfield theater companies with ongoing productions are working to adapt to new Massachusetts gathering limits that took effect Tuesday. Gov. Charlie Baker has reduced the maximum size of outdoor gatherings in the state from 100 to 50 .”
| THE LOCAL ANGLE |
– “More Cape towns imposing tougher restrictions to limit beach crowds,” The Associated Press: “Cape Cod towns are imposing tougher restrictions to limit beach crowds and prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The Cape Cod Times reports a number of towns are taking steps to limit capacity at beach parking lots or restrict certain beaches to residents only. In Mashpee, the local Board of Selectmen voted Monday to continue a temporary, residents-only restriction until Gov. Charlie Baker lifts his state of emergency order.”
– “In Worcester, 394 kids have contracted COVID-19. But how likely are they to spread it?” by Cody Shepard, Telegram & Gazette: “As school districts around Massachusetts decide on how they plan to reopen this fall, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 continues to increase and the number of unknowns surrounding children and the disease remain. Experts say ‘hope’ might be a key word, as the current rise in coronavirus cases could be an indication that current planning might need to be put to the side and all districts will need to start remote come mid-September.”
– “Worcester police chief backs body cameras,” by Nick Kotsopoulos, Telegram & Gazette: “Police Chief Steve M. Sargent voiced support Tuesday for a permanent police body camera program, saying he believes it would help protect the public and police officers. He said the use of body cameras would also enhance transparency of police operations.”
– “2 Democrats run write-in campaigns in 2nd District,” by Geoff Spillane, Cape Cod Times: “Two Democratic candidates will vie for their party’s nomination in the Sept. 1 primary in the 2nd Barnstable District, but neither will be on the ballot. Michael Mecenas, of Hyannis, who had been running as an independent, now says he has launched a write-in campaign as a Democrat. Kip Diggs, of Osterville, is also running as a write-in candidate.”
HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to Lauren Collins Cline.
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