 | BY LISA KASHINSKY AND KELLY GARRITY | | WARREN VS. ??? — Are you a big-name Republican willing to take on Sen. Elizabeth Warren? The state GOP would like to hear from you. Warren has drawn a handful of fringe challengers that range from a socialist to perennial candidate Shiva Ayyadurai to a Donald Trump supporter who wants to "end The Satanic Takeover," according to his website. But the GOP has yet to put up a serious contender against the progressive Democrat just over a year before Election Day. And the well of potential Republican candidates is running so dry that even pollsters can’t come up with a name to test against Warren in a hypothetical matchup. Warren outperformed a nameless Republican 55 percent to 30 percent in a survey of 500 registered voters conducted by center-left Priorities for Progress from Sept. 28-Oct. 3 with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points. The UMass Amherst/WCVB poll released this week didn’t even bother with a hypothetical matchup — the pollsters just tested Warren’s favorability (55 percent approve of her job performance) and asked people for one word to describe her (“strong,” “progressive,” “smart,” “fake,” etc.).
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Sen. Elizabeth Warren at the town hall kickoff for her reelection campaign this past spring. | AP | MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale insists “we will have somebody.” But she declined to name names. Some GOP insiders believe Mike Kennealy, who served as housing and economic development secretary under Republican Gov. Charlie Baker and is now the MassGOP’s finance chair, could be a formidable candidate. But Kennealy hasn’t publicly expressed interest in the seat. And the likelihood — at least at this point in time — that Trump will be at the top of the ticket again in 2024 is creating even more unfavorable conditions for Republicans in this deep-blue state that’s resoundingly rejected Trump twice in general elections. The longer it takes Republicans to find a candidate , the more time Warren has to squirrel away money to use against the GOP. Warren tapped into significant small-donor support to pull in more than $1 million for her reelection bid in the third quarter — and that’s without a serious challenger to drive donations. She’s also sitting on a war chest of nearly $3.7 million, according to her latest campaign finance report. Warren was back at it on Wednesday , joining House Democrats in fundraising off newly minted Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican who helped enable Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election results and who Democrats are already attacking as a MAGA-aligned, “anti-abortion extremist” as they work to retake the chamber in 2024. “MAGA Republicans have rallied around Mike Johnson because he is a threat to our democracy and a threat to our freedoms,” Warren’s Wednesday evening fundraising email read. “I’m fighting to stop their dangerous agenda, protect our freedoms, and pass policies that put our government on the side of working families.” Rep. Jake Auchincloss , who just kicked off his reelection campaign, told POLITICO’s Mia McCarthy on Capitol Hill that Johnson’s ascension “demonstrates how far out of the mainstream the Republican Party is.” GOOD THURSDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS . Gov. Maura Healey has been in contact with Maine Gov. Janet Mills to offer support after last night's deadly shootings in Lewiston . So has New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu . Updates from the Portland Press Herald . TODAY — Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll attend a Latino Excellence Celebration at 11 a.m. at the State House. Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu speak at an ARPA-H launch event at 5 p.m. in Boston. Driscoll speaks at the Housing to Protect Cape Cod summit at 9 a.m., a United Way of Massachusetts Bay event at 5:30 p.m. in Boston and the New England Council’s annual celebration at 6:30 p.m. in the Seaport; former Labor Secretary Marty Walsh is among the honorees. Wu gives an update on Mass and Cass at 9 a.m. at City Hall. Tips? Scoops? Email us: lkashinsky@politico.com and kgarrity@politico.com .
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| | A message from Delta Dental of Massachusetts: Don’t let cavities rain on your parade. Delta Dental of Massachusetts is committed to educating communities around the state, rain or shine, about the importance of oral health. Your oral health is a key predictor of overall health and can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and other health concerns later in life. A healthy smile is a powerful thing, so speak with your dentist and learn more at ExpressYourHealthMA.org. | | | |  | FROM THE DELEGATION |
| CASH DASH — Sen. Elizabeth Warren raised more money in the last three months and has the more cash on hand than any other member of the state's congressional delegation. So who raised the least? Rep. Stephen Lynch, who netted just $72,995 in the summer months. It’s not the first time Lynch has posted the lowest quarterly haul of the bunch. And it’s a number that, taken on its own, might raise questions about whether he’s really running again (he is). But Lynch has no opposition and maintains a formidable war chest of more than $1.1 million — the fourth largest of the House delegation — that he can tap should he draw a challenger. And it would be easy for Lynch to build up his financial resources should a threat emerge, former Boston city councilor and consultant Larry DiCara said. “If somebody starts snooping around, he'll just push the button and the unions will all kick in and he'll have seven figures-plus in his bank account quickly,” DiCara told Playbook. “That district has [Lynch’s] name on it.” So what are our representatives and senators doing with all their cash and no real races to run (yet)? Some are using their fundraising prowess to bolster Democrats in tougher races across the country. Rep. Richard Neal, who raised $252,295 in the third quarter and had $3.5 million in bank, dipped into his coffers to help at least seven candidates in Oregon, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Texas, Michigan and New Hampshire. Rep. Jim McGovern, who raised $86,382 last quarter and had $373,128 in cash on hand, donated to first-term Democratic Reps. Nikki Budzinski in Illinois and Pat Ryan in New York, the latter of whom recently drew a challenger .
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| | GO INSIDE THE CAPITOL DOME: From the outset, POLITICO has been your eyes and ears on Capitol Hill, providing the most thorough Congress coverage — from political characters and emerging leaders to leadership squabbles and policy nuggets during committee markups and hearings. We're stepping up our game to ensure you’re fully informed on every key detail inside the Capitol Dome, all day, every day. Start your day with Playbook AM, refuel at midday with our Playbook PM halftime report and enrich your evening discussions with Huddle. Plus, stay updated with real-time buzz all day through our brand new Inside Congress Live feature. Learn more and subscribe here. | | | | | | | DATELINE BEACON HILL |
| DRUG-PRICING DEBATE — Senate President Karen Spilka is pledging to release and debate a bill to rein in prescription drug costs before formal sessions end for the year on Nov. 15. The bill, which is still being drafted, would “direct insurance companies to provide a no-cost sharing option for certain prescription drugs used to treat asthma, heart disease, and diabetes,” according to her office. Senators passed bills to lower prescription drug costs in each of the past two sessions, but neither made it through the House. — “Waiver Seeks Fed Funding For Emergency Shelter Costs,” by Sam Drysdale, State House News Service (paywall): “MassHealth, which is partially funded by federal Medicaid dollars, filed an amendment to its Medicaid waiver which would allow the insurance program to fund up to six months of temporary housing for those who are enrolled in state health coverage. … The amendment request was filed on Oct. 16, and the [state] said it expects a few months before they hear back.” — “Rejected ballots cited in push for same-day registration,” by Christian M. Wade, Eagle-Tribune: “More than two-thirds of the provisional ballots cast in the 2022 elections were rejected, according to a new report by voting access groups, which argues that the state should adopt same-day voter registration.” — “7 takeaways from new report about how Mass. can meet its climate goals,” by Miriam Wasser, WBUR.
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| | A message from Delta Dental of Massachusetts:  
| | | | | FROM THE HUB |
| — “City council approves plan to sweep encampments and ban tents at Mass. and Cass,” by Tori Bedford, GBH News: “The Boston city council on Wednesday approved an ordinance to clear homeless encampments from the area around Melnea Cass Boulevard and Massachusetts Avenue, or Mass. and Cass, dispatching additional police officers to enforce a ban on tents around the city. The initial sweep will begin Monday, according to the city’s timeline.” — “Boston City Council emphatically backs renaming Faneuil Hall,” by Adam Reilly, GBH News: “The vote, on a resolution proposed by District 7 Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson, was 10–3. The dissenters were District 5 Councilor Frank Baker, Council President Ed Flynn, and At-Large Councilor Michael Flaherty.” — “A $2 million effort to ‘level up’ Downtown Boston,” by Catherine Carlock, Boston Globe.
| | THE RACE FOR CITY HALL |
| FIRST IN PLAYBOOK — The Latino Victory Fund is endorsing Delmarina López for Chicopee mayor. López was the first person of color elected to the Chicopee City Council and would be the first Latina and first Afro Latina to serve as the city’s mayor. — State Rep. Christopher Worrell is endorsing Enrique Pepén for Boston's District 5 city councilor. — “Black Lives Matter comment stirs Boston City Council race,” by Gintautas Dumcius, CommonWealth Magazine: “[Bridget Nee-Walsh, a] top contender for one of Boston’s four City Council at-large seats is drawing heat for stating Black Lives Matter set race relations back 50 years.” — “'An inflection point': Longtime Worcester incumbents try to survive progressive challengers this November,” by Sam Turken, GBH News: “The election is the first in more than two decades that all 11 City Council seats — including mayor — have multiple candidates running. Although the races are nonpartisan, local political experts say the increased competition mainly stems from more progressives, like those at the September gathering, becoming involved in Worcester politics.”
| | PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES |
| NOT ALL ABOARD — When the Sumner Tunnel shut down this summer, public transit advocates hoped they could get the people who ditched their cars for the (temporarily free) Blue Line to keep riding the rails once the tunnel reopened. That didn’t happen. Weekday and weekend ridership dropped on the Blue Line after the tunnel reopened, CommonWealth Magazine’s Bruce Mohl reports . But it’s going up on the Orange Line.
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| | PLAYBOOK IS GOING GLOBAL! We’re excited to introduce Global Playbook, POLITICO’s premier newsletter that brings you inside the most important conversations at the most influential events in the world. From the buzzy echoes emanating from the snowy peaks at the WEF in Davos to the discussions and personalities at Milken Global in Beverly Hills, to the heart of diplomacy at UNGA in New York City – author Suzanne Lynch brings it all to your fingertips. Experience the elite. Witness the influential. And never miss a global beat. BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION. SUBSCRIBE NOW . | | | | | | | THE LOCAL ANGLE |
| — “Students at several Mass. colleges staging protests against Israel’s attacks on Gaza, joining nationwide rallies,” by Talia Lissauer, Maeve Lawler and Jack Underhill. — “Brockton city councilors questioned these 5 large expenses after schools' overspending,” by Chris Helms, Brockton Enterprise. — “MGM Springfield to pay $6.8M settlement for wage, hour violations,” by Nick DeGray, WWLP.
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| | A message from Delta Dental of Massachusetts: As a mission-driven organization, Delta Dental of Massachusetts is invested in the health of our communities. Oral health goes beyond the mouth, and we know that access to dental care can impact everything from mental and physical health, to economic well-being. That’s why we’re committed to Massachusetts and working together to confront the systemic challenges of a health system that doesn’t work for everyone. We see change as an opportunity for progress on things that matter. We’re working to increase access to oral care across the state, support the expansion of a more diverse dental workforce, and incentivize preventive care. These priorities not only express Delta Dental’s values, they help everyone in our communities express their health. To learn more about Delta Dental’s commitment to the community, visit ExpressYourHealthMA.org. | | | | | HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH |
| SPOTTED — on the guest list for President Joe Biden ’s state dinner for Australia last night: House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, Biden campaign finance chair Rufus Gifford, climate envoy John Kerry, Ambassador Caroline Kennedy , former ambassador Alan Solomont, and Bryan Rafanelli and his partner, Mark Walsh . TRANSITIONS — Kevin McColaugh is now director of federal relations at Northeastern University. He previously was director of government affairs at 6K Inc. and is a Charlie Baker alum. NEW HORSE RACE ALERT: POLL-O-WEEN — Hosts Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith have a bumper crop of new polls to discuss, as well as the state’s new guidance for equity in higher education. Host Lisa Kashinsky checks in from the presidential campaign trail in New Hampshire. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and SoundCloud . 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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