| | |  | BY STEPHANIE MURRAY | Presented by Public Transit Public Good Coalition | GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Happy Monday! LYNCH EXPECTS TO STAY IN CONGRESS — Rep. Stephen Lynch threw cold water on speculation that he's in the mix for a job in President-elect Joe Biden's administration, saying the House already lost "quite a few" moderate Democrats earlier this month. Speculation has swirled around a number of Massachusetts officials who may join the Biden administration in recent weeks. And some of that chatter has centered on Lynch, who was early to endorse Biden in the Democratic primary. "I've got the job that I want right now. I have had no discussions," Lynch said during an interview on WBZ's " Keller @ Large" which aired Sunday. "I don't expect to be offered a position. I think I can be very helpful to the Biden administration and Harris administration as a member of Congress. We've lost quite a few moderates. And I think that's really — those people are really Biden Democrats." "We all don't have to join the Cabinet in order to be helpful to President Biden," Lynch added. TRUMP APPOINTEE SAYS BIDEN WON ELECTION — U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling, who was appointed to his post by President Donald Trump — said it "sure looks like" President-elect Joe Biden won the 2020 election. Lelling's comments are a break from Trump and many of his supporters, who maintain there was widespread voter fraud in the Nov. 3 election, but have not provided evidence. Most of Trump's legal challenges to the election have failed, while others are still tied up in court. Lelling said there were no signs of large-scale voter fraud in Massachusetts. "It sure looks like Joe Biden won the election. I think the president's entitled to his day in court," Lelling said during an interview on WCVB's " On the Record," which aired Sunday. "And that's happening and that's the system working." "It appears that overall nationwide the election proceeded as it should have. The president says he has evidence of widespread election fraud. This is why you have a court system and we'll see what happens," Lelling continued. In the months after Biden takes office in January, Trump-appointed U.S. attorneys across the country will leave their roles. Lelling left his options open, saying he "wouldn't rule out" a run for public office in the future, though he plans to work in the private sector first. Lelling is perhaps best known for his office's "Operation Varsity Blues" investigation, the college admissions scandal which landed actors Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman in prison. PROGRAMMING NOTE: Massachusetts Playbook will not publish Thursday Nov. 26 and Friday Nov. 27. I’ll be back in your inbox Monday Nov. 30. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: smurray@politico.com. TODAY — Boston Mayor Marty Walsh hosts a virtual Childcare Entrepreneur Fund Graduation Ceremony. | |
| | A message from Public Transit Public Good Coalition: We need a transit system that works for all. This means safe, affordable, and accessible service for all communities. Even as COVID-19 has reshaped our lives, public transit remains essential to the riders who make hundreds of thousands of trips a day, especially to the frontline workers who have kept our communities running during the pandemic. The MBTA’s Fiscal Management and Control Board should vote no on service cuts. Join the fight at http://publictransitpublicgood.org/ | | | | |
| | TRACK THE TRANSITION : President-elect Biden has named his chief of staff and several other key White House positions. What's next? Treasury secretary? Secretary of State? These and other crucial staffing decisions made in the coming days send clear-cut signals about President-elect Biden’s administration agenda and priorities. Transition Playbook is the definitive guide to one of the most consequential transfers of power in American history. Written for political insiders, it tracks the appointments, people, and the emerging power centers of the new administration. Track the transition. Subscribe today. | | | | | |  | THE LATEST NUMBERS |
| – “Massachusetts tops 200,000 COVID cases since pandemic began; reports 2,721 new cases, 24 more deaths on Sunday,” by Benjamin Kail, MassLive.com: “Massachusetts has topped 200,000 COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began, with public health officials on Sunday announcing 2,721 newly confirmed positive tests and another 24 COVID-linked deaths as the country continues to see spikes in nearly every state.” | | DATELINE BEACON HILL |
| – “For Boston police officers accused of crimes, legal troubles tend to just melt away,” by Evan Allen and Andrew Ryan, Boston Globe: “A Globe investigation found that the way the badge shielded Tully is often the way it works in the Boston Police Department. Boston police officers accused of crimes over the last decade have encountered a kinder, gentler justice system than the one civilians must navigate — a system where justice takes a back seat to protecting officers.” – “Massachusetts DCF repeatedly discriminated against parents with disabilities, federal officials find,” by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families repeatedly discriminated against parents with disabilities, and must reshape its policies so to not rely on ‘unsupported stereotypes’ when deciding whether to separate children from their parents, according to a watershed settlement with federal authorities. The agreement between the US Department of Justice, the US Department of Health and Human Services, and DCF caps a years-long investigation into the state agency.” – “Beacon Hill now agrees on higher fees for Uber and Lyft ... sort of,” by Adam Vaccaro, Boston Globe: “The most powerful people on Beacon Hill now all agree that the state should raise fees on Uber and Lyft trips from the current 20-cents-a-ride, with the money funding transit and other transportation improvements. But Governor Charlie Baker, the House of Representatives, and now the state Senate have each embraced different approaches, making it unclear whether the broad alignment will ultimately translate into law.” – “As COVID Cases Spike, New State Metric Means 80 Communities Can Loosen Restrictions,” by Craig LeMoult, GBH News: “The latest weekly COVID report from the state shows 62 cities and towns in the high-risk ‘red zone.’ A month ago, there were nearly twice as many on the map. But that doesn’t mean things are better now. In fact, they’re worse. The apparent reduction in risk is the result of a change three weeks ago in the metric the state uses to determine what communities are considered high risk.” – “AG Maura Healey says Trump ‘trying to steal the election,’ calls on GOP officials to condemn his behavior,” by Travis Andersen, Boston Globe: “Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said Friday that President Trump is ‘essentially trying to steal the election for himself’ and called on more Republican leaders to join GOP officials like Mitt Romney and Charlie Baker in condemning his refusal to concede the race to Democratic President-elect Joe Biden.” – “Health experts sound alarm in Mass. as COVID-19 case total climbs past 200,000,” by John Hilliard, Boston Globe: “Public health officials Sunday renewed calls for people to keep their guard up against the coronavirus during the holiday season, as dozens of local municipal leaders were briefed on worrisome projections on the course of the pandemic in Massachusetts. That briefing was held as the state Department of Public Health confirmed a new milestone for the pandemic, with the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases since the start of the crisis climbing past 200,000 on Sunday.” – “Coronavirus ‘testing deserts’ are plaguing parts of Massachusetts,” by Lisa Kashinsky, Boston Herald: “Julian Cyr got a rapid test for COVID-19 when he showed up for work at the State House this week. But after spending a couple of days inside the building where some have reported infections, the state senator from Truro felt it was prudent to get another. The problem, he said, was where.” – “Massachusetts to require visitors from New Hampshire and Maine to quarantine or have a negative COVID-19 test,” by Nik DeCosta-Klipa, Boston.com: “Massachusetts residents planning to visit family in New Hampshire and Maine this Thanksgiving will be required to quarantine for two weeks or have proof of a negative COVID-19 test upon their return, according to the latest change of the state’s out-of-state travel rules — and the same goes for visitors from two those states coming here for the holiday.” | | FROM THE HUB |
| – “Boston coronavirus metrics continue climb as experts say restaurants likely first restriction target,” by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: “Boston’s coronavirus metrics continue to approach their “thresholds for concern” as the city released a new report on Saturday and officials consider new regulations that experts say likely would first include cutting down on areas like restaurants where people gather indoors. Boston unveiled a new suite of coronavirus metrics earlier this week, saying that the city will update the numbers every Saturday and Wednesday.” – “‘I want to cry because they are affected so much’: Pandemic widens divide over standardized tests,” by Deirdre Fernandes, Boston Globe: “Thousands of students nationwide are traveling hundreds of miles and leaning on their in-the-know private tutors and guidance counselors to get them a seat for entrance exams that many colleges have said will not be required during this pandemic. Meanwhile, for high school seniors with less financial means, the SATs and ACTs have never been further out of reach.” – “After Controversy, Boston School Committee's New Chairwoman Promotes Healing,” by Max Larkin, WBUR: “The Boston School Committee will navigate a fraught school year under new leadership. New chair Alexandra Oliver-Dávila promised to “work together to heal” after the committee’s former chair was heard mocking the names of commenters at a meeting last month, which prompted his resignation.” – “‘It’s just depressing’: As the pandemic worsens, oystermen struggle to remain afloat,” by David Abel, Boston Globe: “The pandemic has hurt many businesses since March, but it has been particularly painful for the oyster industry. Unlike other seafood harvesters that have managed to sustain their businesses through the pandemic by selling to supermarkets, large institutions, and in some cases directly to consumers, nearly all oysters are sold at restaurants.” | |
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| | BALLOT WARS |
| – “Auto manufacturers sue to block state’s new right-to-repair law, after voters approved it,” by Jon Chesto, Boston Globe: “After failing to stop a referendum on the November ballot, a trade group for auto manufacturers sued Massachusetts on Friday in federal court to block a new state law that expands access to the diagnostic data collected by car computers .” | | YOU'VE GOT MAIL |
| – “Voting advocates call for reforms, permanent voting by mail,” by Danny Jin, The Berkshire Eagle: “In the aftermath of an election that broke turnout records, advocates in Massachusetts are continuing efforts to expand access to the ballot. Added options for voting by mail, which the Massachusetts Legislature adopted this year because of coronavirus pandemic-related safety concerns, have strong support to be made permanent. Advocates and lawmakers also are pushing for Election Day voter registration, as well as improving translation for non-English speakers and resources for incarcerated voters.” | | DAY IN COURT |
| – “Suffolk DA slams judge for demanding defendant appear in court despite pandemic,” by Jeremy C. Fox, Boston Globe: “Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins on Saturday slammed a Boston Municipal Court judge who she said is putting people’s health and legal rights in jeopardy by trying to demand defendants appear in court despite the coronavirus pandemic .” – “Rollins investigates sexual assault allegations against former Suffolk prosecutor,” by John Hilliard, Boston Globe: “Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins has launched an independent investigation of a former prosecutor and high-profile advocate for criminal justice reform accused of sexually assaulting a New York City woman in 2017. Adam Foss, who worked at the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office from 2008 to 2016, faces allegations of engaging in behavior that was ‘either inappropriate, an abuse of authority, unethical, or illegal,’ Rollins said in tweets Friday.” – “Wilbraham native Danielle Williams poised to become first Black, female district court judge in Western Mass.” by Stephanie Barry, Springfield Republican: “Danielle Williams had no immediate aspirations to don a black robe and sit on the bench when she graduated from law school in 2002. But, 18 years later, Williams finds herself poised to be the first Black woman to be sworn in as a district court judge in Western Massachusetts.” | | THE PRESSLEY PARTY |
| – “Rep. Ayanna Pressley: ‘Canceling student debt will ensure an equitable economic recovery,’” MSNBC: “MSNBC’s ‘American Voices’ host Alicia Menendez speaks with Rep. Ayanna Pressley, who says a Biden administration executive order to cancel student loan debt will give millions of Americans the relief they need and allow for nationwide economic recovery.” | | MOULTON MATTERS |
| – “Moulton to serve on Defense Bill Conference Committee,” Gloucester Daily Times: “Congressman Seth Moulton has been selected for the Defense Bill Conference Committee. As a conferee, Moulton will help to negotiate final passage of the fiscal 2021 National Defense Authorization Act.” | | ABOVE THE FOLD |
| — Herald: “OUT OF REACH," "ANSWERING THE CALL,” — Globe: “More in GOP call on Trump to concede," "As pandemic worsens, oyster industry faces grim harvest.” | | FROM THE 413 |
| – “‘It’s one team and one fight’: Springfield police rejoin federal anti-gang task force,” by Patrick Johnson, Springfield Republican: “The Police Department will once be working alongside federal agents in an anti-gang task force, a move seen as a thawing of relations left frosty by four years of federal investigations into police misconduct and corruption by the U.S. Department of Justice.” – “Pioneer Valley Project organizes protest for police reform outside the Springfield mayor and police commissioner’s homes,” by Douglas Hook, MassLive.com: “Outside the residences of Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood, a usually quiet Saturday was punctured by the sound of car horns protesting the lack of reforms resulting from a scathing U.S. Department of Justice report.” | | THE LOCAL ANGLE |
| – “Massachusetts officials say Worcester’s COVID positive test rate is 2%, but city says it’s 15%; Here’s why,” by Michael Bonner, MassLive.com: “Data released Thursday by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported Worcester’s positive test rate was 2.36%. Worcester Medical Director Dr. Michael Hirsh said, while the number is accurate, it is also a fraction of where the city actually stands.” – “Dining out: Central Mass. restaurants welcoming diners on Thanksgiving Day,” by Brian Lee, Telegram & Gazette: “State-imposed limits on indoor gatherings could provide a spark for local restaurants on Thanksgiving. State COVID-19 guidelines call for a limit to 10 people for indoor gatherings, and officials suggest holiday gatherings be limited to the people you live with, or a small group with whom you are in regular contact.”
– “Methuen retirement home signs up for COVID vaccine,” by Bill Kirk, Eagle-Tribune: “When a vaccine for COVID-19 becomes available in the coming weeks or months, the staff and residents of one local retirement home will be in front of the line, arms out, ready for the injection. The Woods at Merrimack Retirement Community, located at 197 Howe St., right across from the Merrimack Valley Golf Club, has signed onto a program put together by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as CVS and Walgreens pharmacies.” – “Attleboro mayor, union chief clash over COVID coverage for firefighter,” by David Linton, Sun Chronicle: “The president of the city firefighters union is accusing Mayor Paul Heroux of denying injured-on-duty benefits to a firefighter hospitalized with COVID-19, but Heroux vehemently disputed the claim. The firefighter tested positive for the virus and was hospitalized earlier this week at Sturdy Memorial Hospital due to the severity of his symptoms, Paul Jacques, president of the Attleboro Firefighters Local 848, said Friday .” REMEMBERING FRANK DUEHAY, via Boston Globe: “A three-time former mayor who served four terms on the Cambridge School Committee and 14 terms on the City Council, Mr. Duehay died Friday in Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center of acute leukemia.” Link. HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY – to Lynda Tocci, who celebrated Saturday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to Tory Stephens, Joel McAuliffe, district director and senior adviser to state Sen. Eric Lesser; and Matt Stromski. NEW EPISODE: THE KIDS ARE NOT ALRIGHT – On this week’s Horse Race podcast, hosts Steve Koczela, Jennifer Smith and Stephanie Murray discuss new polling on K-12 schools during the coronavirus pandemic, and an investigation by the U.S. Attorney which found the Massachusetts Department of Correction violated the constitutional rights of some incarcerated people. 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 Public Transit Public Good Coalition: The essential workers we rely on during the pandemic need reliable and uncrowded public transportation to get to and from work safely. Service and job cuts not only threaten the frontline workers who rely on the T; it would also leave thousands of people without access, threaten our environment, and delay our economic recovery. The MBTA’s Fiscal Management and Control Board members should vote no on service cuts. Join the fight at http://publictransitpublicgood.org/ | | | | |
| | DON'T MISS THE MILKEN INSTITUTE FUTURE OF HEALTH SUMMIT 2020: POLITICO will feature a special edition Future Pulse newsletter at the Milken Institute Future of Health Summit. The newsletter takes readers inside one of the most influential gatherings of global health industry leaders and innovators determined to confront and conquer the most significant health challenges. Covid-19 has exposed weaknesses across our health systems, particularly in the treatment of our most vulnerable communities, driving the focus of the 2020 conference on the converging crises of public health, economic insecurity, and social justice. Sign up today to receive exclusive coverage from December 7–9. | | | | | | |
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