Middleboro Review 2: POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: N.H. Dems dismiss FITN fixes

Thursday, May 18, 2023

POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: N.H. Dems dismiss FITN fixes

PRIMARY PROBLEMS — Top national Democrats are kicking around two ideas to keep New Hampshire’s presidential primary in the official early voting lineup. But they both appear dead on arrival in the Granite State.

To recap: The Democratic National Committee voted at President Joe Biden’s behest earlier this year to slide South Carolina up to the first primary slot on the 2024 nominating calendar and bump New Hampshire down to second, on a shared date with Nevada. But New Hampshire has a state law that requires it to hold its primary at least a week before any other similar contest. The DNC gave the state until June to change it, but Republicans who control the legislature and the governor’s office aren’t budging.

As that deadline approaches, DNC members are mulling another extension for the state, Holly Otterbein and I report . But New Hampshire Democrats aren’t asking for one because they say changing the law continues to be a lost cause.

“We tried. But the state law is the state law," Donna Soucy, the state Senate Democratic leader and a DNC member, said in an interview.

There’s also the notion of a party-run primary, which would allow Granite State Democrats to skirt the state-run system and have their delegates count at the party’s nominating convention.

But they’re nixing that one, too, arguing that it would be exorbitantly expensive — upwards of $7 million — and logistically impossible for the party to stand up its own contest.

And so the standoff continues — an impasse that’s increasingly likely to be broken by New Hampshire going rogue and going first.

The presidential primary election midnight vote at The Balsams Resort in Dixville Notch, N.H., early Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020. | Paul Hayes/Caledonian-Record via AP

Secretary of State David Scanlan told Playbook he’s open to setting the primary date as early as this year to get around both the DNC’s preferred calendar and Iowa’s proposed changes to their caucus system that would make it more primary-like. Such a scenario would also move up the timetable for the Republican presidential hopefuls already parading through the state.

"The straight answer is yes," Scanlan said when asked if he'd schedule the primary in 2023. "If we’re forced into that position, that's certainly a possibility."

It’s still unclear what sanctions New Hampshire Democrats would face for breaking the party’s rules. But it’s likely to cost the state at least half of its delegates to the convention, under penalties the DNC’s Rules and Bylaws Committee passed last year.

State Democrats are shrugging at the threat, pointing to how the DNC eventually relented when Florida and Michigan jumped the line in 2008.

Meanwhile, they’re appealing to Biden to put his name on the ballot anyway. The state’s all-Democratic congressional delegation has talked to the president about the potential general-election consequences — for him and for down-ballot Democrats — if he doesn’t campaign in the Granite State.

State party officials also tapped one of their primary’s staunchest defenders — Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), who happens to be on Biden’s campaign advisory board — to help amplify their message. And Khanna didn’t mince words when he headlined the party’s big McIntyre-Shaheen fundraising dinner last Friday.

“Let me be very clear: It would be political malpractice to strip New Hampshire of delegates,” Khanna said in his speech. “We all know these four electoral votes are going to matter for the presidency.”

GOOD THURSDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS . Are you ready for it? Taylor Swift doesn’t kick off her three-day run at Gillette until tomorrow, but the news cycle has already begun. Traffic reports ! Sold-out hotels ! 2011 rain show memories ! Town officials shrugging at the spectacle of it all ! She's the problem, it's her.

TODAY — Gov. Maura Healey attends the Rand-Whitney Container ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. in Boylston. Healey, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and incoming Housing Secretary Ed Augustus announce affordable rental housing awards at 12:30 p.m. in Lowell. Healey, Driscoll and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu attend Boston's FIFA World Cup 2026 brand launch at 2:30 p.m. at Big Night Live. Wu hosts a Pride 2023 conference at 10:50 a.m. at BAGLY, Inc., joins Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune at City Hall’s Haitian Flag Day Breakfast at noon, and attends the Environmental League of Massachusetts's Earth Night at Fenway Park at 6:25 p.m.

Tips? Scoops? Email me: lkashinsky@politico.com .

ROLLINS REPORT

U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins, for the Massachusetts Disctrict, at the Moakley Federal Courthouse, Tuesday, May 24, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) | AP

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

— ‘FLAGRANT VIOLATIONS': U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Rachael Rollins leaked sensitive Justice Department information to a Boston Herald reporter as part of a broader effort to tip the scales in last year’s Suffolk district attorney race — an “extraordinary abuse of her authority” that she then lied to investigators about, federal watchdogs said in a pair of scathing reports yesterday.

The probes by the DOJ’s inspector general and the Office of Special Counsel detail alleged ethics violations that range from Rollins using her personal cell phone to text staff to accepting free Celtics tickets and a stay at a resort, Josh Gerstein, Kyle Cheney and I report .

But it was Rollins’ attempts to influence the Suffolk district attorney’s race and her decision to attend, against advice, a Democratic National Committee fundraiser in her official capacity that federal investigators flagged as possible violations of the Hatch Act, which limits partisan political activity by federal officials.

Rollins acted as a “de facto campaign advisor” to Boston City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo in the district attorney’s race, according to the Office of Special Counsel. She spoke to reporters at the Herald and the Boston Globe in an attempt to boost Arroyo and “sabotage” then-acting District Attorney Kevin Hayden , who was seeking a full term. And she gave the Herald an internal DOJ memo intended to imply a possible federal probe of Hayden, in what the special counsel said was “among the most flagrant violations of the Hatch Act” the office had “ever investigated.”

The Justice Department declined to charge Rollins for initially lying to investigators about being the Herald’s source. And her resignation, which is expected by close of business on Friday, appears to preempt any possible discipline from the president over the alleged Hatch Act violations. But she could still face discipline from state bar authorities.

“Most of the allegations amount to minor process fouls,” Rollins’ lawyer, former Justice Department Inspector General Michael Bromwich , said in a statement. He suggested the reports should be put in the context of Rollins moving from a local elected office “with virtually no restrictions on her activities to the highly-regulated environment of the US Attorney’s Office.”

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

— ARROYO: Speaking to reporters at City Hall before reading the report, Arroyo described the situation as “incredibly sad” and Rollins as a longtime friend from whom he would “seek counsel.” Arroyo, who faced allegations of possible sexual assault toward the end of the DA primary, said the contest "suffered from a number of illegal leaks from different directions." Later, in a statement on Twitter , he said that "neither of these [federal] reports allege any wrongdoing on my part."

— HAYDEN: The district attorney’s spokesperson, James Borghesani , said the report focuses on “the conduct of one individual and requires no additional comment from us.” Borghesani also said he is not aware of any federal investigations into the office.

— WARREN AND MARKEY: Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey , who recommended Rollins to President Joe Biden and lobbied for her confirmation, called the reports “deeply troubling” and said they “agree with Rollins’s decision to resign.”

WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD BE READING

— “A reputation for straight talk – but a record of subterfuge,” by Jennifer Smith, CommonWealth Magazine.

— “Rachael Rollins, a champion of criminal justice reform, was undone by her political activity,” by Paul Singer, Adam Reilly and Phillip Martin, GBH News.

— “5 takeaways from U.S. Attorney Rollins investigations,” by WBUR.

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DATELINE BEACON HILL

— “Cape Cod bridges get a promise of up to $700 million from Healey,” by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “After Massachusetts struck out on billions of dollars in federal grants to replace the two aging Cape Cod bridges, Governor Maura Healey is promising to double the state’s financial commitment to the project — up to $700 million — as the state tries to lure the federal money needed to realize the long-gestating plans. Healey’s pledge marks a major escalation in the state’s willingness to devote its own cash to the estimated $4 billion replacement of the Sagamore and Bourne bridges.”

— “Three-way duel over app-based drivers’ classification returns to Beacon Hill,” by Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald: “Massachusetts for Independent Work Coalition, backed by some of the largest gig companies, is advocating for legislation that would classify app-based rideshare and delivery drivers as independent contractors with some benefits like an earnings guarantee of $18 an hour. An opposing group says the proposal offers no protections to drivers and keeps them working for long hours with little pay. The Drivers Demand Justice Coalition wants state lawmakers to pass legislation that would give rideshare drivers the right to unionize.”

— “Massachusetts’ public housing is deteriorating. The cost to fix it could be billions,” by Andrew Brinker, Boston Globe: “Conditions have become so deplorable that housing authority leaders and advocates are campaigning the Legislature and Governor Maura Healey for a whopping $9 billion in the new state budget for the next fiscal year and in a bond bill for housing to bring the units into acceptable condition. So far in the annual budgeting season, the state Senate has proposed $107 million for yearly operating costs of the state’s more than 240 local housing authorities, roughly $70 million short of what public housing leaders say is needed.”

FROM THE HUB

— “Boston council moves to push back candidate deadline as a fourth redistricting map plan emerges,” by Danny McDonald, Boston Globe: “At its regular City Hall meeting, the body approved a home-rule petition moving the deadline for filing nomination papers for the district seats from May 23 to the end of day on June 23. The deadline for council candidates running to represent the whole city rather than just a district would remain unchanged. The delay proposal is expected to be signed by Mayor Michelle Wu before heading to Beacon Hill, where it would need approval to become a reality.”

— More: "Voting rights groups seek to intervene in redistricting case as councillors ready maps," by Gintautas Dumcius, Dorchester Reporter.

— “Divided Boston City Council considering anti-bullying policy,” by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: “Months of heated discussions between councilors on opposite sides of a fraught redistricting process, along with reports that council staffers were mistreated, led to the proposal, several councilors suggested on Wednesday.”

DAY IN COURT

— “Mass. Air National Guard scolded Jack Teixeira multiple times for copying classified info before arrest,” by Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald: “Massachusetts Air National Guard officials scolded a 21-year-old service member accused of leaking classified government documents multiple times in 2022 for copying sensitive information that he was not supposed to be viewing, according to new court filings."

— “Middleboro student sues. Why Liam Morrison says his 'two genders' shirt protected speech,” by Christopher Butler, Brockton Enterprise: “[Liam] Morrison's attorneys announced Wednesday his family filed a federal lawsuit against the town for violating his First Amendment right to freedom of speech during school. In March, the middle school's principal and a school counselor pulled Morrison, a seventh-grade student at Nichols Middle School, out of his gym class and told him to change his T-shirt that read ‘there are only two genders.’ He declined and was sent home.”

FROM THE 413

— “Springfield officials question the city’s ability to accommodate an influx of arrivals,” by Aprell May Munford, Springfield Republican: “Superintendent of Schools Daniel J. Warwick says he was told by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education this month that an influx of people are expected to arrive in the state within days. … While both Warwick and Mayor Domenic J. Sarno say the city is willing to help, they question the availability of resources.”

— “Sarno announces reelection bid: ‘I’m hungry and there’s more to be done’,” by Jonah Snowden, Springfield Republican: “Domenic J. Sarno officially announced he would seek another term as Springfield’s longest-running mayor, setting the stage for a municipal race where, for the first time in several years, he faces a field of seasoned political challengers.”

— “Students have a chance to experience farm life in former Governor Jane Swift's backyard in Williamstown,” by Greta Jochem, Berkshire Eagle.

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THE LOCAL ANGLE

— DEPARTURE LOUNGE: Former MassGOP spokesperson and Baker administration alum Naysa Woomer has resigned as communications director for Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.), Scripps News scooped . “Unfortunately, you never took one point of professional advice given,” Woomer wrote in her resignation email, in an apparent dig at the embattled representative who now faces federal charges .

— “Here's what Worcester leaders are saying about Edward Augustus as state housing secretary,” by Marco Cartolano, Telegram & Gazette: “Following the announcement Monday that former City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr. has been named state housing secretary by Gov. Maura Healey, Augustus received praise from Central Massachusetts officials as a qualified leader on housing. However, some housing advocates and city progressives have raised issues with Augustus' perceived closeness to developers.”

— “Only 4% of Medway's registered voters came out for Tuesday's town election,” by Tom Benoit, Milford Daily News.

MEANWHILE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

— “New Hampshire Governor’s Path to the Presidency: Iowa,” by Trent Spiner, The Messenger: “If [Gov. Chris] Sununu doesn’t run for president, he plans to endorse early and campaign for his preferred candidate often. He has ruled out supporting Trump. … His deadline for a decision is mid-June.”

— “Mike Pence Stopped at Dunkin' During NH Visit. Cue the Ben Affleck Memes,” by Marc Fortier, NBC10 Boston .

HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to POLITICO and Boston Globe alum Bryan Bender , state Rep. Bill Driscoll Jr. , Erik Smith , Robert Colt , Patrick Long , Jason Meininger, Judy Boullet and Josh Troop .

NEW HORSE RACE ALERT: ROLLINS REPORTS — Hosts Steve Koczela , Jennifer Smith and Lisa Kashinsky unpack the federal ethics probes that prompted U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Rachael Rollins to resign. Plus, there's joint committee drama on Beacon Hill. 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 .

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