Thursday, March 6, 2025

POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Wu takes Washington

BRAVO BOSTON MAYOR MICHELLE WU!

PASS NATIONAL GUN CONTROL LEGISLATION!

PASS IMMIGRATION LEGISLATION!

BOSTON STRONG — Republicans on the House Oversight Committee looked to deliver a death blow to Democratic mayors over their handling of the immigration crisis .

They ended up giving Boston Mayor Michelle Wu fundraising fuel and a more prominent place in the national Democratic psyche.

Wu rolled in dressed for the occasion — baby in tow, with a visible Ash Wednesday cross on her forehead — before taking her seat alongside her fellow mayors: New York Mayor Eric Adams, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Republicans on the panel came out swinging, but Wu leveled several blows of her own. The first-term Democrat fired off an early shot at White House border czar Tom Homan. “Shame on him, for lying about my city, for having the nerve to insult our police commissioner, who has overseen the safest Boston’s been in anyone’s lifetime,” Wu said earlier in the hearing. “Bring him here under oath, and let’s ask him some questions.”

She deflected and redirected some lines of questioning, calling on Congress to pass gun-control legislation and “stop cuts to Medicaid,” in response to a line of questions from Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) suggesting the mayors’ policies meant their cities were harboring criminals. And (t o the excitement of her team ) Republicans largely avoided laying into Wu over her comments offering “condolences” to the family of a knife-wielding man who was shot and killed by an off-duty police officer over the weekend.

Meanwhile, supporters rallied around her at home. At dueling rallies outside City Hall, local lawmakers and immigrant-rights advocates tried to drown out the noise from those who showed up to voice their opposition to the city’s immigration policies.

The mayor revived her long-dormant X account for the occasion, posting some highlights: the Homan zinger , a few suggestions for Congress to help cities with safety, a clip of her telling committee members that Boston doesn’t listen to “kings or presidents who think they are kings.” We counted three fundraising emails off the event from Team Wu.

In the end, Wu walked away without any college-presidents-style blunders and a cache of sound bites she’ll be able to replay on the campaign trail. “This is our city,” Wu said in her opening statement, before telling the panel — and members of Congress at large — to “do your job” and pass immigration legislation.

GOOD THURSDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS . Tips? Scoops? Thoughts on the testimony? Drop me a line: kgarrity@politico.com .

MORE FROM THE HEARING:

THERE IS NO INDICATION THAT MAGA GOP HOUSE HAS ANY SANE, RATIONAL MEMBERS CAPABLE OF MOUNTING SUBSTATIVE ARGUMENTS...THEY JUST BABBLE & THREATEN....REGURGITATED BY THE BOSTON HERALD PROPAGANDA RAGE:

— “Boston Mayor Wu, other mayors may face criminal prosecution for sanctuary policies, House Republicans say,” by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald.

THE BOSTON HERALD PROPAGANDA RAG DESERVES SCRUTINY!

QUOTES GARY PALMER:

“I’ve been considering referring charges,” U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer, an Alabama Republican, said at Wednesday’s hearing of the GOP-led House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. “I don’t care who it is, I don’t care what office you hold, we need to abide by the laws passed.”

NOT AN ATTORNEY! WHAT LAW WAS BROKEN? JUST A MAGA MAGGOT THREATENING!

Palmer was born in Hackleburg, Alabama. His family lived on a 40-acre farm, where Palmer helped maintain the family garden and animals.^[5]

Palmer has a bachelor's degree in operations management from the University of Alabama.^[6] He was the first member of his family to earn a college degree.^[5] He was a walk-on wide receiver for the Crimson Tide and played under Bear Bryant.^[7] In 1989, Palmer co-founded the Alabama Family Alliance, which later became the Alabama Policy Institute. He served as its president for 25 years, stepping down in 2014 to run for Congress.^[8] Palmer helped found the State Policy Network, a nonprofit umbrella organization for conservative and libertarian think tanks that focus on state-level policy, and served as its president.^[9]

QUOTES ATTENTION SEEKING BLOVIATOR ANNA PAULINA LUNA, KNOWN FOR MAKING IRRATIONAL, FALSE STATEMENTS:

The prospect of potential charges was raised again by U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, after the Florida Republican brought up the Boston Trust Act, a 2014 local law that prohibits city police and other departments from cooperating with federal authorities on civil immigration detainers.

Luna said Boston’s enforcement of the Trust Act, which she said restricts police communication with federal immigration authorities, was a violation of federal law.

“That is not the truth,” Wu shot back to Luna’s assertion.

HER EDUCATION, LAW DEGREE NOT INCLUDED:

In 2017, Luna earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of West Florida.^[2]

Luna became the director of Hispanic engagement for Turning Point USA in 2018.^[12] In a November 2018 Fox News segment, she compared Hillary Clinton to herpes, leading the network to cut the segment short and host Rick Leventhal and anchor Arthel Neville to apologize to viewers.^[13] In 2020, she appeared at a We Build the Wall event as vice president of Bienvenido, an organization dedicated to conservative Hispanic outreach.^[14]

QUOTES WHACK-A-DING IRRATIONAL MTG:

Later on, U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia Republican, went as far as to accuse the four mayors of committing “treason” with their sanctuary policies.

MTG, NEVER ONE TO INFORM HERSELF WITH FACTS, JAN 6

CAPITOL RIOTERS SEEM TO FIT THIS DEFINITION:

Article III of the U.S. Constitution defines treason as levying war against the United States or adhering and providing aid or comfort to its enemies. Although there have been relatively few treason cases in American history, the Supreme Court has clarified what it means to "levy war" and provide "aid or comfort" to enemies.

FIND LAW

QUOTES NANCY MACE OF BATHROOM POLICE:

While not going as far as her Republican counterparts, U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace told the mayors of their sanctuary policies, “You all have blood on your hands,” as others spoke of crimes committed by illegal immigrants.

FALSE COMMENT!

QUOTES JAMES COMER WHO COULDN'T FIND A SPY WHO FLED THE COUNTRY TO AVOID PROSECUTION, THEN DEPOSED A KNOWN LIAR WHO WAS PAID BY TRUMP AFFILIATES FOR 1 YEAR PRIOR TO BIDEN'S ELECTION
MAGA GOP investigating ....? AGAIN ? Remember when MAGA GOP COMER has a known LIAR testify to President Biden's 'grand crimes'? ALEXANDER SMIRNOV was paid for 1 year prior to the election by those connected to TRUMP....

MAKING FALSE ACCUSATIONS ABOUT 'CRIMINAL ILLEGALS' WITH NO PROOF...

After the hearing, Committee Chair James Comer, a Kentucky Republican, told reporters there would be “serious consequences” for the mayors, including cuts to federal funding for their cities, if they continue to “obstruct” the deportation of “criminal illegals.”

Comer said, however, that he would leave the prospect of criminal charges and prosecution up to the Department of Justice.

“We investigate, we have public hearings, and the Department of Justice would determine whether or not to prosecute,” Comer said. “Federal funding is at risk if they continue to obstruct.”

“They continue to push the bounds of what is criminality, to stoke the flames of fear-mongering, of demonizing our neighbors, our loved ones, our communities and the cities that we love,” Pressley told reporters.

“I’m just proud of our mayor and her vigorous defense of our city, and that she is telling the accurate story of the vitality and the vibrance, and also that this is the safest big city in America,” Pressley added.

Wu referenced the city’s low homicide rate last year, the lowest on record for roughly 70 years, while defending the Hub’s public safety record amid blistering attacks from House Republicans. Democrats on the panel offered Wu and her colleagues support to counter the onslaught.

Boston’s mayor got in her own shots throughout the hearing, particularly when pushing back on border czar Tom Homan’s vow to bring “hell” to the Hub and urging Congress to do their “jobs” and fix the federal government’s broken immigration system.

“Let’s talk about Tom Homan,” Wu said. “Shame on him for lying about my city, for having the nerve to insult our police commissioner who has overseen the safest Boston in anyone’s lifetime. Bring him here under oath and let’s ask him some questions.”

QUOTES BYRON DONALDS:

“You don’t ask how much money the city of Boston has spent on illegal immigration — are you out of your mind?” U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, a Florida Republican, said. “Do you manage your budget?”

Wu responded by saying that she does, in fact, manage her budget, and that Boston has a healthy AAA bond rating.

Byron Donalds: 10 things to know about the US congressman running for Florida governor

TALLAHASEE DEMOCRAT

ALWAYS THE CLOWN, MASS GOP AMY CARNEVALE HAS TO MAKE A MINDLESS COMMENT:

MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale later blasted Wu’s “lack of transparency” around taxpayer funds.

“Taxpayers deserve to know how much of their money is being diverted away from vital services from lifelong Bostonians to fund sanctuary city policies that encourage illegal immigration,” Carnevale said in a statement.

— “‘Give ‘em hell Michelle’: Mayor Wu stayed calm and combative during her first congressional hearing on immigration,” by Jim Puzzanghera and Emma Platoff, The Boston Globe.

— “‘It’s heartbreaking': Mass. Rep. Pressley shares constituents’ deportation fears,” by John L. Micek, MassLive.

TODAY — Gov. Maura Healey , Attorney General Andrea Campbell , Secretary of State Bill Galvin and Auditor Diana DiZoglio testify at a Joint Ways and Means Committee hearing that begins at 11 a.m. DiZoglio speaks at a Contrarian Boston webinar forum at 11:00 a.m. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll speaks at the 7th Annual Building Women in Construction "Inspire Awards" at 5:30 p.m. in Boston. Democratic Whip Katherine Clark is among the members of Congress holding a "on the Republican scheme to cut Medicaid," at 9 a.m. in D.C.

DATELINE BEACON HILL

***MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING!****

— “Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s office consulted with labor lawyer amid first legislative audit fight,” by Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald: “State Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s office consulted with former attorney general candidate and longtime labor lawyer Shannon Liss-Riordan in 2023 as the Methuen Democrat pursued an initial audit of the Legislature, according to public records obtained by the Herald. The State Auditor’s Office did not enter into a formal contract with Liss-Riordan and her firm, Lichten & Liss-Riordan, P.C., but instead sought ‘legal advice and assistance’ in connection to DiZoglio’s audit of the House and Senate that was released in October, the records show. The Office of the State Auditor acknowledged the correspondence in a detailed list of records they withheld from public release under the claim of attorney-client privilege.”

— “These 12 committees held no hearings last session. They’re back, and their leaders earn up to $44,862 in extra pay,” by Emma Platoff and Laura Crimaldi, The Boston Globe: “Last session, a dozen of the Massachusetts Legislature’s 53 committees did not hold a single hearing or consider a single bill. This session, Democratic leaders have brought all those panels back, and in many case kept the same committee chairs in their lucrative posts. During the most recent two-year session, more than one in five legislative committees did little or no legislating, but their leaders nonetheless earned tens of thousands of dollars in additional pay, the Globe reported last year. House Speaker Ronald Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka last week maintained the charges of those committees and shuffled only a few of their leaders to helm other panels that traditionally consider legislation."

ICYMI — Gov. Maura Healey joined “Late with Seth Meyers” Wednesday night (technically this morning), her second notable national media hit in less than a week.

The conversation spanned the spectrum, from Donald Trump’s address to Congress Tuesday night, to Healey’s “DunQueens” get up.

Healey again delivered a pointed message about the state of the Democratic Party. Asked by Meyers if she feels like the party has any plan, Healey avoided a “yes.”

“People need to be active,” Healey said. “I mean, look, it’s frustrating for me to see some of what’s gone on the last few weeks because I think it’s important for people to speak up. People in leadership, members of Congress, get out to your districts, stand alongside folks in your districts, and listen to them about what they’re experiencing.” You can watch here .

FROM THE HUB

— “Among Boston nonprofits, federal funding unknowns causing trepidation,” by Danny McDonald, The Boston Globe.

THE NEWTON NEBBISH DIDN'T NOTICE?

OOPS — A recent fundraiser invite for an event supporting Boston mayoral hopeful Josh Kraft featured a graphic of a prominent city skyline.

One tiny problem: It was New York City’s not, not Boston’s.

The graphic shows the hard-not-to-recognize outlines of the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. (Though to be fair to the Kraft camp, we missed that at first glance, too; h/t to Aidan Doherty, who first pointed it out to us).

The fundraiser/cocktail party featured on the invite is billed for tonight at the UMass Club. It’s hosted by Rishi Shukla and Josh Leffler, according to the invite, and the campaign is suggesting donations of $250+.

TRUMPACHUSETTS

— “Mass. receives $2 billion in federal education funds. It can’t replace it,” by Juliet Schulman-Hall, MassLive.

****BRAIN DEAD MUSKRAT CUTS IGNORES THAT WEATHER FORECASTING ALLOWS FOR PREPARATIONS AHEAD OF SEVERE STORMS, AMONG NUMEROUS OTHER ISSUES - JEOPARDIZING PUBLIC SAFETY! *****

— “National Weather Service cuts could hamper ability to warn of dangerous storms, local forecasters say,” by Clarence Fanto, The Berkshire Eagle: “When Chief Meteorologist Paul Caiano goes on the air during NewsChannel 13 news broadcasts in Albany, he's reporting a weather forecast prepared with the help of his team at the station. But that forecast is based on information and data it receives from the local office of the National Weather Service — part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. That federal agency reportedly lost nearly 1,000 employees as part of the ongoing mass federal layoffs, though it's unclear how hard the local office of the National Weather Service in Albany was hit.”

THE LOCAL ANGLE

— “Every year, the water in this Western Mass. town turns brown. When will residents finally get a solution?,” by Erin Douglas, The Boston Globe.

— “Worcester Police Chief Saucier outlines department changes in wake of critical DOJ report,” by Toni Caushi, Telegram & Gazette: “The City Council will hold a special meeting on March 18 to discuss a report by Police Chief Paul B. Saucier that outlines how the department has addressed the findings of a U.S. Department of Justice's investigation that allege use of excessive force and sexual contact during undercover operations. Saucier's report was briefly referenced at Tuesday's City Council meeting. Councilors had the report in hand but opted to put off their responses to the special session.”

— “Former Methuen police chief, officer back in court this spring,” by Jill Harmacinski, The Eagle-Tribune: “Former Methuen police Chief Joseph Solomon and officer Sean Fountain are scheduled to be back in Salem Superior Court this spring although their criminal trial on fraud, perjury and related charges has not yet been rescheduled. The trial was previously scheduled for early March but postponed earlier this year.”

PAY WALL

— “Can you take a bus to South Coast Rail stations? SRTA will unveil an 'Uber-like' service,” by Dan Medeiros, The Herald News: “The MBTA's South Coast Rail project hopes to attract riders looking to leave their cars at home — or don’t use cars to begin with. The regional bus system is working to connect people to the train stations with its existing routes and a new Uber-like service.”

excerpt:

The MBTA's South Coast Rail project hopes to attract riders looking to leave their cars at home — or don’t use cars to begin with. The regional bus system is working to connect people to the train stations with its existing routes and a new Uber-like service.

Shayne Trimbell, director of transit planning for the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority, said SRTA has been preparing for commuter rail for the last few years.

SRTA’s plans, initially developed in 2022 and 2023, have been a bit of a moving target because of the MBTA's evolving plans, Trimbell said.

“This was all predicated on the idea that there would only be early-morning trips to Boston and then early and late evening returns from Boston," Trimbell said. “Since then, the MBTA has expanded the schedule for the South Coast Rail that will include trips throughout the day.”

Commuter rail timetable: MBTA's South Coast Rail schedule is posted. Here's when and how often trains will run.

Can you take a bus to the train stations in Fall River and New Bedford?

Trimbell said SRTA’s fixed routes will not change to accommodate the new commuter rail stations.

“The Fall River Depot station is served by our North Main route," Trimbell said, or the 102 bus. “The stop is at Pearce Street, which is a short walk, just a couple hundred feet down the street and you’re there at the platform.”

For riders headed outbound, or north, on the 102 bus, the bus stop is at the corner of North Main and Pearce. Riders need to walk about 500 feet down Pearce Street to the station’s steps or accessibility ramp.

When headed inbound, or south, on the 102 bus, the bus stop is closer to the corner of President Avenue and North Main Street — about 800 feet to the station.

The 114 bus, which normally on its way outbound drives along Davol Street on its way into Swansea and passes directly past the train station, has been diverted due to construction. Trimbell said when its route is restored, it will have stops at the station both in- and outbound.

"In New Bedford, the downtown New Bedford station is serviced by three different routes, the 211, 204 and the 202," Trimbell said.

The 211 bus, both inbound and outbound, stops right outside the New Bedford station on Acushnet Avenue.

The 202 and 204 buses, both inbound and outbound, have stops on Purchase Street where the new pedestrian bridge begins. The bridge carries walkers across Route 18 to the station parking lot.

No direct fixed-route service to Church Street station in New Bedford

For rail riders who might use the Church Street station in New Bedford’s North End, SRTA has not adjusted its fixed routes to serve it. The closest stop to Church Street is the 204 bus stop at Ashley Boulevard and Carlyle Street, about a quarter-mile walk away.

Since that same bus also serves the downtown New Bedford station, Trimbell said, riders who live near that line could head into the city to pick up the train downtown.

"We felt that it would be a disserve to our existing customers to reroute their trip to go to a station when most likely that’s not their destination,” Trimbell said. “We didn’t want to make their trips longer to accommodate the South Coast Rail.”

Freetown station on South Main Street in Assonet, is not accessible by bus.

SRTA to use 'microtransit' pickup and dropoff appointments via app

But some riders might find it more convenient to use a new “microtransit” service SRTA is planning to unveil — pickup at their door and dropoff directly at the train station.

“For the public, it will look and feel a lot like Uber," Trimbell said. “But it will be a van that is run by a company called Via, and they’re under contract with us.”

SRTA is planning to operate the service in the early mornings and evenings.

HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH

TRANSITIONS — Martha Minow will be the new chair of the board of trustees at GBH . Mathai Mammen and Karen Hawley Miles were elected trustees.

— Liza Meyer will be the next president of the Friends of the Public Garden. She currently serves as Boston’s interim parks commissioner and chief landscape architect.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Jason Ross , UMass Journalism’s Steve Fox, Blake Gottesman, Jenn Queally and Lauren Young. Happy belated to Michael Sandel, who celebrated Wednesday.

Happy belated birthday to WBZ’s Jon Keller , who celebrated Thursday, and to Gabrielle Meyerowitz , who celebrated Sunday.

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