POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Blue streak continues

View in browser   BY LISA KASHINSKY Presented by NEW POLL, SIMILAR RESULTS — Democrats are continuing on their glidepath to winning the state’s constitutional offices, a new poll shows. Attorney General Maura Healey leads former state Rep. Geoff Diehl, 59 percent to 32 percent, in a UMass Amherst/WCVB poll of 700 registered voters. The survey, conducted Oct. 20-26, has a margin of error of 4.3 percentage points. Majorities of voters trust Healey more on every issue surveyed — including the economy and crime, two issues Republicans tend to outperform Democrats on — compared to Diehl. They also think she more closely resembles Gov. Charlie Baker in ideology, policy priorities and leadership style, which shows that her constant references to and associations with the popular Republican on the campaign trail appear to be resonating. Down the ballot, Secretary of State Bill Galvin leads Republican Rayla Campbell, 55 percent to 29 percent; Democratic attorney general nominee Andrea Campbell leads Republican Jay McMahon 57 percent to 32 percent; and state Sen. Diana DiZoglio leads Republican auditor nominee Anthony Amore, 49 percent to 32 percent.   “A political ad cries foul about ‘books with sex acts.’ The TV station running it added a disclaimer,” by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “In a rarity, a Boston television station added a disclaimer to a political ad from a Republican candidate for secretary of state distancing itself from the spot, which includes images from an oft-targeted graphic novel and warns of children accessing ‘books with sex acts.’ The decision by WCVB to issue a warning about potentially ‘offensive’ content ahead of the 30-second spot from Rayla Campbell is unusual, according to advertising and media analysts, who said they have never heard of a station taking such a step. The ad includes images from the graphic novel ‘Gender Queer: a Memoir’ and a voiceover from Campbell, who is challenging Democratic incumbent William F. Galvin.” RAYLA CAMPBELL IS A REPUBLICAN RUNNING FOR SECRETARY OF STATE - DOESN'T KNOW THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OFFICE! DON'T VOTE FOR STUPID CANDIDATES! excerpts: Campbell last week posted a longer, 48-second version of the ad on Facebook that includes its own warning of “Graphic Depictions & Language.” Her move to television came shortly after she received a boost in fund-raising, largely from out-of-state donors, following an Oct. 15 appearance on the podcast of Steve Bannon, the longtime adviser to former president Donald Trump. Substantively, it’s not clear how the book’s place at local libraries directly relates to the duties of secretary of state. The office has a wide portfolio that includes overseeing elections, policing the financial industry, and enforcing the state’s public records law, but it has no authority over school or municipal libraries. In an interview, Campbell argued that if a person is denied documents under a public records request to a library or school seeking to learn “who approved [certain books] and who allowed them to be put into our libraries,” they could ultimately appeal to the secretary of state’s office. She also said the secretary of state sits on the Board of State Library Trustees, giving the secretary “influence.” But that board only relates to the State Library, which sits on the third-floor of the State House and is largely a repository for legislative and historical documents. It also has no direct oversight over local libraries or what books they include. “She has every right to spend her campaign money on this issue. But it has nothing to do with this office,” Galvin said. “A political ad cries foul about ‘books with sex acts.’ The TV station running it added a disclaimer,” by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “In a rarity, a Boston television station added a disclaimer to a political ad from a Republican candidate for secretary of state distancing itself from the spot, which includes images from an oft-targeted graphic novel and warns of children accessing ‘books with sex acts.’ The decision by WCVB to issue a warning about potentially ‘offensive’ content ahead of the 30-second spot from Rayla Campbell is unusual, according to advertising and media analysts, who said they have never heard of a station taking such a step. The ad includes images from the graphic novel ‘Gender Queer: a Memoir’ and a voiceover from Campbell, who is challenging Democratic incumbent William F. Galvin.” The auditor’s race remains the most contentious contest in what’s shaping up to be a Democratic sweep in November. And that’s why it’s also the most fraught. Democrats have dug into the turmoil surrounding Amore’s more-than-decade-old divorce. Republicans have slung their own mud over DiZoglio’s pre-politics work as a youth counselor at The Ramp , an evangelical church in Alabama that had hosted a preacher a decade ago who espoused homophobic views . Now the Baker-aligned Massachusetts Majority PAC is running a pair of digital ads linking DiZoglio to the church as part of the $100,000 it’s spending to back Amore. As a reminder, super PACs and candidates can’t coordinate. DiZoglio has the backing of the state’s two leading LGBTQ groups, MassEquality and Bay State Stonewall Democrats, though both initially endorsed her Democratic primary rival, CommonWealth Magazine reports . Tanya Neslusan, the MassEquality executive director, said in a statement provided to Playbook by DiZoglio’s campaign that the state lawmaker “has a decade-long record of voting in support of LGBTQ and reproductive rights.” She also said Amore was trying to avoid answering questions about the court records surrounding his divorce that were first reported by NBC10 Boston. Amore’s campaign sent a statement saying DiZoglio hasn’t sufficiently explained her association with the church. Expect these accusations to continue from both sides through Election Day. GOOD FRIDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Looks like Zappe fever hasn’t broken just yet. The UMass Amherst/WCVB poll shows voters want Bailey Zappe over Mac Jones as the Patriots’ starting QB — but it’s within the margin of error. TODAY — Baker, Healey, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and legislative leaders attend the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony at 1:30 p.m. at the State House. Rep. Jim McGovern attends a ceremony honoring the late Peter Kocot at 4:30 p.m. at the Northampton train station. THIS WEEKEND — Diehl is on WBZ’s “Keller @ Large” at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Rep. Richard Neal is on WCVB’s “On the Record” at 11 a.m. Sunday. Tips? Scoops? Email me: lkashinsky@politico.com .   A message from Delta Dental of Massachusetts: When it comes to overall health, Delta Dental is here to help you embrace a new “flossophy.” Preventive measures in your thirties can have a big impact on your oral and overall health in your later years. Protecting you from things like heart disease, diabetes, and depression. That’s why we’re reminding communities all over the state that a healthy smile is a powerful thing. Discover the connection between oral and overall health at ExpressYourHealthMA.org.   CAMPAIGN MODE — GOTV EFFORT: Local developer and Stop Handgun Violence co-founder John Rosenthal believes the nation is facing "an existential threat to democracy" and that younger voters could make the difference in combating it. Rosenthal spent eight months working with other activists, including March for Our Lives founder David Hogg and environmental activist Bill McKibben, to fine-tune a message that would appeal to voters ages 18-34: “America is calling. Vote.” Now it's the tagline on digital ads running in New Hampshire and North Carolina, backed by about $2 million raised through the nonprofit Future Majority. Rosenthal and his collaborators tried to pick states with competitive contests but that were less saturated with outside cash. So far they’ve seen about 3 million impressions on those ads, and are expecting that to grow upwards of 5 million by Election Day. Rosenthal, an independent voter, views his effort as a nonpartisan way to combat voter suppression. “I don’t care who votes and how they vote,” he told Playbook. “Just vote.” If his experiment works, he wants to expand the effort for the 2024 presidential election and beyond. BTW, the latest Harvard IOP youth poll shows voter turnout among 18-to-29-year-olds is expected to match or surpass that of previous high mark among that demographic from the 2018 midterms. THE LATEST NUMBERS — “Massachusetts reports 7,318 new COVID cases, virus hospitalizations drop,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “The state’s daily average of 1,045 COVID cases from the last week is a bit down from the daily rate of 1,058 virus infections during the previous week.” — "Town-by-town COVID-19 data in Massachusetts," by Ryan Huddle and Peter Bailey-Wells, Boston Globe. DATELINE BEACON HILL — NEW DEVELOPMENT: After Playbook reported yesterday that House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz is “confident” a version of the $4 billion economic development bill lawmakers shelved at the end of formal sessions would make it Gov. Charlie Baker's desk, Baker said on GBH’s “Boston Public Radio” that a bill could come “in the next couple of weeks.” Neither is saying what’s in the bill — though there’s pressure on lawmakers to not include Baker’s suite of tax reforms given economic uncertainties and the $3 billion heading out the door to taxpayers under Chapter 62F. — “Gaming regulators lay aside DraftKings’ request to revisit sports betting timeline,” by Chris Van Buskirk, MassLive: “Massachusetts gaming regulators acknowledged Thursday afternoon, but pushed aside, a request from one of the largest online wagering companies to revisit the timeline for the launch of sports betting in the state. In a letter dated Oct. 13, the company asked the Gaming Commission to reconsider the timeline it approved for launching sports betting, where in-person wagering would start in January and online in March.”   NEW AND IMPROVED POLITICO APP: Stay up to speed with the newly updated POLITICO mobile app, featuring timely political news, insights and analysis from the best journalists in the business. With a fresh look and improved features, the sleek and navigable design offers a convenient way to access POLITICO's scoops and groundbreaking reporting. Don’t miss out on the app you can rely on for the news you need, reimagined. Already a POLITICO app user? Upgrade today! DOWNLOAD FOR iOS  – DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID .     MASK-ACHUSETTS — “200 sign petition urging Northampton School Committee to ditch its own masking policy,” by Emily Thurlow, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “A member of the city’s Ad Hoc COVID Advisory Committee is urging the School Committee to ditch its masking policy in favor of the state’s guidelines, so members can focus on other educational challenges in the district.” FROM THE HUB — “Baker fires back at Wu over approach to Mass. and Cass crisis,” by Emma Platoff and Travis Andersen, Boston Globe: “An unusually public spat between Governor Charlie Baker and Mayor Michelle Wu over the intractable problems in Boston’s Mass. and Cass area escalated Thursday, underscoring their differing approaches to the crises of homelessness and addiction there, and the urgency of the situation as winter nears. A week after Wu said the state must ‘step up as a partner’ to improve conditions for the roughly 200 people who congregate in the area daily, an audibly frustrated Baker pushed back, saying: ‘I thought we had a partnership.’ … In an interview after Baker spoke, Wu was diplomatic but firm. She said she is grateful for the state’s efforts, particularly funding for hundreds of specialized housing units, but then added, ‘It would not have happened if the city had not insisted and pushed for that.’” — “Maura Healey weighs in on Mass and Cass as Charlie Baker sets the record straight,” by Matthew Medgser, Boston Herald: “Attorney General Maura Healey has joined the conversation over the humanitarian crisis plaguing Boston’s Mass and Cass amid recent friction between the Mayor and the Baker administration. ‘Obviously it’s something that requires partnership between the city and the state. So I would be interested in hearing from the mayor what exactly is needed in terms of additional resources,’ Healey said Thursday [on GBH]." PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES — “MBTA has a new bus map based on your feedback. Here’s what it looks like,” by Taylor Dolven, Boston Globe: “The latest version, published Thursday, reflects more than 20,000 public comments the agency received since releasing its initial plans for a redesigned bus network in May. … [T]he MBTA changed 85 of 133 initially proposed bus routes, in some cases adding or altering routes to provide more service to medical facilities and senior housing. … To meet the service requirements of the new bus network, the MBTA needs an additional 750 drivers.” — “T notes: Low-income fares back on agenda,” by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: “MBTA officials presented new, lower cost estimates for introducing low-income fares on Thursday, but it was unclear when or if the T board will move ahead with the proposal. At a meeting of the MBTA board, T staff estimated the cost of cutting fares in half on all transportation modes for riders earning less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level would fall somewhere between $46 million and $58 million a year.”   A message from Delta Dental of Massachusetts:     BALLOT BATTLES — WHERE THEY STAND: Gov. Charlie Baker and those seeking to replace him, Attorney General Maura Healey and former state Rep. Geoff Diehl, are weighing in on this year’s ballot questions. Baker plans to vote “no” on Question 2, which would regulate dental insurance, and “yes” on Question 3 for alcohol license reform, he told “Boston Public Radio” yesterday . He didn’t object when GBH’s Jim Braude said the governor was voting “no” on Question 1, the so-called millionaires tax, and Question 4, which asks voters if they want to keep the new law Baker vetoed that grants undocumented immigrants access to driver’s licenses. Baker, unsurprisingly, still won’t say who he’s voting for as his successor. Healey and Diehl have long argued their stances on Questions 1 and 4: Healey is a “yes” on both, Diehl is a “no” on both. Healey’s campaign told WBUR’s Nik DeCosta-Klipa that she’s yet to make up her mind on Questions 2 and 3. Diehl’s campaign said he would vote “no” on Question 2 due to concerns it could increase dental insurance premium costs for consumers. And he plans to vote “yes” on 3. The UMass Amherst/WCVB poll out today shows majorities of voters would vote “yes” on Questions 1, 2 and 4. A plurality, 39 percent, support Question 3, while 38 percent would vote no on it and 23 percent are undecided. — “Healey pledges to veto attempts to divert millionaires tax revenue,” by Gia Orsino, GBH News: “Attorney General Maura Healey said Thursday on Boston Public Radio that, if elected governor, she would veto any effort by the Legislature to divert funds raised by the so-called millionaires tax away from their intended purpose of bolstering state education and transportation spending.” MIGRANTS IN MASSACHUSETTS — “Diehl takes a shot at Baker, Healey over immigration crisis,” by Mike Damiano, Boston Globe: “Republican gubernatorial candidate Geoff Diehl took shots at the Baker administration and his Democratic opponent, Attorney General Maura Healey, a day after the Globe reported that more than 100 migrants and homeless people had been relocated to the Plymouth area in recent days. ‘There is no plan to care for these people, meaning it’s up to local officials to process these individuals and provide them with food, shelter, education, and medical care,’ Diehl said in a statement. He criticized the Baker administration’s handling of the migrants, blamed President Joe Biden’s ‘open border policies,’ and laid some of the responsibility at the feet of local politicians, including Healey, for supporting ‘sanctuary policies.’” — Related: “Massachusetts towns blindsided as migrants housed at hotels: ‘A heads up would have been nice’,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “In Kingston, 107 individuals have been sent to an area hotel in the last week, and Plymouth officials are expecting 27 migrant families to be housed at local hotels in the coming weeks. … Massachusetts — like many other states — is seeing an influx of new arrivals, many from the southern border, according to Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. ‘As Massachusetts is a right-to-shelter state, the Commonwealth must provide shelter to all eligible families who do not have a place to sleep,’ he added in a statement. ‘Some families have recently been placed in hotels and motels due to capacity constraints on the state’s Emergency Assistance shelter system.’” — Also related: “Leader of Haitian nonprofit conveys desperate situation at Days Inn,” by Christopher Roberson, Eagle-Tribune: “Two months after celebrating the establishment of his nonprofit organization, Haitians Overseas, Hugson Jean-Francois faces a significant challenge in providing assistance to a group of Haitian immigrants stranded at the Days Inn. From Oct. 12-14, families were taken from Boston Medical Center and dropped off in Methuen. … As of Oct. 25, the state Department of Housing and Community Development had not released a long-term plan on how to move forward.”   DON’T MISS POLITICO’S 2nd ANNUAL DEFENSE SUMMIT ON 11/16: The United States is facing a defining moment in the future of its defense, national security and democratic ideals. The current conflicts and developments around the world are pushing Washington to reshape its defense strategy and how it cooperates with allies. Join POLITICO for our second annual defense summit, “At a Crossroads: America’s Defense Strategy” on November 16 in person at the Schuyler DC or join online to hear keynote interviews and panels discussing the road ahead for America’s national security. REGISTER HERE .     YAHD SIGNS AND BUMPAH STICKAHS — “Healey Win Would Require Interim AG,” by Chris Lisinski, State House News Service (paywall): “If she can succeed where several of her predecessors have fallen short and top Republican Geoff Diehl in the race for governor, Attorney General Maura Healey would get sworn into her new role around noon on Jan. 5. And under the timelines laid out in the state Constitution, the next attorney general will take office on Jan. 18, nearly two weeks later when the secretary of state, treasurer, and auditor will also be sworn in. … If that hypothetical scenario becomes a reality, most stakeholders agree that the top law enforcement responsibilities would fall for a brief period to one of Healey's current top deputies: First Assistant Attorney General Kate Cook.” — “Is this election likely to exacerbate Massachusetts’ regional inequities?” by Jazmyn Gray, Boston University Statehouse Program/Berkshire Eagle: “If this year’s ballot is any indication, Massachusetts’ ongoing battle with regional inequity has only become more serious as western and central parts of the state struggle to overcome a declining population and a lack of representation in statewide offices.” — READ: Eagle-Tribune reporter Christian M. Wade’s profiles of lieutenant governor hopefuls Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll , the Democrat, and former state Rep. Leah Cole Allen , the Republican. THE LOCAL ELECTIONS ROUNDUP — “Political notes: Dooley says Rausch is making him look bad — literally,” by Tom Reilly, The Sun Chronicle: “State Rep. Shawn Dooley, a Norfolk Republican who is trying to unseat state Sen. Becca Rausch, D-Needham, says she is making him look bad, literally. In a recent post on his Instagram account, Dooley says Rausch ‘has manipulated my picture to make me look fat and sinister — just as I predicted she would.’ To be fair, it looks like the image Rausch is allegedly using is a Sun Chronicle file photo of Dooley that is at least a few years old.” — COURT CHRONICLES: Republican Tracy Post, who’s running for First Barnstable state representative, has appealed a superior court judge’s denial of her request to stop counting mislabeled mail-in ballots in Dennis that erroneously identified her Democratic opponent, Chris Flanagan, as an incumbent, according to her campaign. DATELINE D.C. — “Scoop: John Kerry preparing to leave Biden administration,” by Hans Nichols, Axios: “Special climate envoy John Kerry is actively considering leaving the Biden administration after next month's COP27 summit, soliciting advice from friends and colleagues on how to stay involved in climate efforts from the private sector, according to people familiar with the matter." FROM THE DELEGATION — TICK TOCK: Reps. Lori Trahan and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) are waiting for a response from TikTok’s CEO on the company’s strategy for curbing misinformation, disinformation and the potential incitement of violence on its platform ahead of the midterms and the 2024 elections. “With the perceived lack of strong enforcement, bad actors have already begun to use TikTok to spread distrust and doubt in our upcoming midterm elections, including preemptive claims of voter fraud. We believe that TikTok needs to be more transparent about how the platform’s automated and human systems flag and remove content, and the effectiveness of their systems,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter asking for a briefing from the company.   A message from Delta Dental of Massachusetts: When it comes to oral health, Delta Dental of Massachusetts can help you achieve lifelong optimal health. Maintaining a healthy mouth now will have a positive impact as you age. That’s why you should visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and oral cancer screenings. And, don’t forget to keep practicing good oral hygiene habits at home. A healthy mouth now will set the stage for a healthy future. Discover the connection between oral and overall health at ExpressYourHealthMA.org.   HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Alex Harris and the Washington Post’s Taylor Telford. HAPPY BIRTHWEEKEND — to POLITICO’s Steve Heuser, Joanne Goldstein, Paolo Martins, Leora Eisenberg and Daisy Letendre, who celebrate Saturday, and to Sunday birthday-ers Jackie Tempera, Sandy Flint, Lydia Chernicoff and Glenda Izaguirre. NEW HORSE RACE ALERT: THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE REDISTRICTING — State House News Service's Chris Lisinski tells hosts Jennifer Smith, Steve Koczela and Lisa Kashinsky about the legislative races to watch and what's waiting for lawmakers next session. The Dorchester Reporter's Gintautas Dumcius breaks down Boston's contentious redistricting process. 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 .   Follow us on Twitter Lisa Kashinsky @lisakashinsky   Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook  |  Playbook PM  |  California Playbook  |  Florida Playbook  |  Illinois Playbook  |  Massachusetts Playbook  |  New Jersey Playbook  |  New York Playbook  |  Ottawa Playbook  |  Brussels Playbook  |  London Playbook View all our politics and policy newsletters FOLLOW US

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POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: An October surprise on Beacon Hill

 

View in browser   BY LISA KASHINSKY Presented by IT’S ALIVE — It’s no longer a question of if the Legislature’s long-stalled economic development bill will move before the end of the year, but when — at least according to House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz. Lawmakers shelved the $4 billion legislation at the end of formal sessions amid concerns about whether the state could afford to foot that bill on top of returning $3 billion to taxpayers after triggering a 1980s tax-cap law. Leadership has provided few updates since. But Michlewitz now says he’s “confident” the bill will reach Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk “before the end of session.” The “if” is not the question, he told Playbook, “it’s the when and what’s in it that we are still working on.” That raises more questions than it answers. Here’s one thing we can probably take off the table: The bill includes bonding authorizations that lawmakers would need to approve in formal-session roll-call votes, and Democratic leadership has shown no interest in hauling legislators back in for those. But that leaves tax relief. The $4 billion legislation was poised to include $500 million in one-time rebates for middle-income earners and $500 million in tax breaks for renters, seniors, parents and caretakers, as well as changes to the state’s estate tax. Both Baker and Senate President Karen Spilka say the state can afford the $3 billion in Chapter 62F tax rebates soon heading out the door plus the $4 billion economic development bill. House leadership isn’t so sure. And it turns out neither is the state’s largest teachers union. The Massachusetts Teachers Association sent a letter to House and Senate leadership in late September, obtained by Playbook, which implores lawmakers to “pause consideration of further tax cuts — either temporary or permanent — until the next legislative session” given the economic uncertainties that “could lead to a challenging fiscal situation next year.” “The loudest voices on this subject are not considering the extraordinary level of tax relief” already being dispensed under Chapter 62F, Eric Nakajima, MTA’s director of government relations, wrote in the letter. To further help union members and their families struggling with rising costs, Nakajima wrote that “it would be far better to include in the economic development bill support for home heating, utilities and food insecurity.” MTA, Spilka and Michlewitz all declined comment on the letter. House Speaker Ron Mariano didn’t respond. MTA also urged lawmakers to consider tweaking 62F next session so funds could be returned “in a more progressive manner” if the voter-passed tax-cap law is triggered again. A handful of progressive Democrats filed a bill to cap rebates at $6,500 and redistribute the excess to lower-income earners, but Mariano previously told reporters any changes to the law are unlikely to happen until next session. GOOD THURSDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. I'm off to soak up some sunlight. But you can email me at lkashinsky@politico.com . TODAY — AG Maura Healey is on GBH’s “Boston Public Radio” at 11 a.m; Baker joins the show at 12:30 p.m. Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito speaks at the National Housing Conference’s National Advisory Council Meeting in D.C. at 1 p.m. Rep. Richard Neal makes a federal funding announcement at 10 a.m. at Mount Holyoke College. Wu is at the Richard J. Murphy School in Dorchester at 10 a.m. and attends MGH’s patient tower groundbreaking event at 3 p.m. Sen. Ed Markey and Rep. Lori Trahan announce federal funding for a clean drinking water project at 11 a.m. at UMass Lowell. Rep. Jim McGovern visits the New England Botanic Garden at 4:30 p.m.   A message from Delta Dental of Massachusetts: When it comes to overall health, Delta Dental is here to help you embrace a new “flossophy.” Preventive measures in your thirties can have a big impact on your oral and overall health in your later years. Protecting you from things like heart disease, diabetes, and depression. That’s why we’re reminding communities all over the state that a healthy smile is a powerful thing. Discover the connection between oral and overall health at ExpressYourHealthMA.org.   WU TRAIN — DIFFICULT INTERSECTIONS: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is playing the long game when it comes to securing more state aid for the troubled Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard corridor. Wu’s recent requests for the state to help build 1,000 units of low-threshold , supportive housing for people struggling with homelessness and substance use prompted a sharp rebuke from Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders on Wednesday, who said it’s the city’s responsibility to do more. The Baker administration’s top health official sent Wu a letter highlighting the $40 million the state has already invested in addressing the twin issues at Mass and Cass and $20 million for additional regional low-threshold housing that’s still tied up in the Legislature. Sudders also urged Wu to “pursue criminal investigations and community policing efforts” to try and root out the “individuals preying upon vulnerable people” in what’s essentially an open-air drug market. Wu, in response, said she’s “grateful” for the state’s partnership in setting up 192 units of low-threshold, supportive housing across six sites in Boston. But, she added in her Wednesday evening statement , there are more than 150 people on the waitlist for housing. “No one is doing enough,” Wu said. “We look forward to being the strongest partner now and in the next chapter of state leadership taking this on and scaling up what we have seen works and saves lives.” That last line is the key. Wu is seeking help now. But she’s also very publicly setting expectations for the next governor when it comes to aid for Mass and Cass. That responsibility will likely fall to Democrat Maura Healey , who Wu endorsed but has rarely appeared with publicly since. The two will, however, be together at Healey’s election night soiree at the Fairmont Copley. Boston.com asked both gubernatorial hopefuls as part of lengthy questionnaires if they would seek to decentralize recovery services if elected. Healey responded with calls for a “multidisciplinary approach” and more funding. Geoff Diehl said recovery services need “to be placed in the suburbs and not just in cities .” WBUR’s Deborah Becker has more on the Wu and Baker administrations’ back and forth.   NEW AND IMPROVED POLITICO APP: Stay up to speed with the newly updated POLITICO mobile app, featuring timely political news, insights and analysis from the best journalists in the business. With a fresh look and improved features, the sleek and navigable design offers a convenient way to access POLITICO's scoops and groundbreaking reporting. Don’t miss out on the app you can rely on for the news you need, reimagined. Already a POLITICO app user? Upgrade today! DOWNLOAD FOR iOS  – DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID .     DATELINE BEACON HILL — “Baker recommends pardons of four people,” by Jenifer B. McKim, GBH News: “Gov. Charlie Baker announced pardons of four people on Wednesday, including two immigrants hoping to gain legal residency status in the United States and Canada. The four had been sentenced to a variety of crimes, including drug distribution and breaking and entering. This is the second time this month — and only the second during his time as governor — that Baker announced actions to forgive people of their criminal offenses.” — “Massachusetts could hit $70M annual jackpot for sports betting revenue,” by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: “The Bay State is expected to rake in at least $70 million from gaming licenses, and another $70 million per year in revenue once sports betting begins, lawmakers said. Those who took part in Wednesday’s panel discussion at Suffolk University said it was important to capture that additional revenue, particularly since every state around Massachusetts, except for Vermont, already benefits from legalized sports betting profits.” FROM THE HUB — “After backlash, Boston councilor shifts course on ‘Hijab Day’ resolution,” by Katie Lannan, GBH News: “The Boston City Council on Wednesday agreed to mark an official ‘Day of Woman, Life and Freedom’ in connection with ongoing women’s rights protests in Iran, shifting after international pushback to [Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson]’s original proposal to recognize women’s right to self-expression via a citywide Hijab Day.” — “Boston City Council pushes off redistricting vote in light of open-meeting law complaint,” by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: “The Boston City Council will wait another week to vote on redistricting after an open-meeting complaint from South Boston civic organizations pressed pause on the highly fraught process.”   A message from Delta Dental of Massachusetts:     YAHD SIGNS AND BUMPAH STICKAHS — POLLING TIME: A new Harvard Institute of Politics poll shows voter turnout among 18-to-29-year-olds is expected to match or surpass that of previous high mark among the demographic from the 2018 midterms, my colleagues report . “Forty percent (40%) of young Americans report that they will ‘definitely’ vote in the upcoming midterms, matching the proportion of young Americans who said the same in the IOP’s fall 2018 survey. The number of young Americans likely to vote has increased four percentage points since spring 2022 Harvard IOP polling — and is 14 points higher than 2014 and 13 points higher than 2010 fall benchmarks.” See the full survey results — “Baker-linked super PAC spends $100,000 on behalf of Amore,” by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: “A super PAC with ties to Gov. Charlie Baker on Wednesday reported spending $100,000 on digital advertising on behalf of Anthony Amore, the Republican running for auditor against Democratic Sen. Diana DiZoglio. Baker has endorsed Amore and campaigned on his behalf, but this is the first time the Massachusetts Majority super PAC has weighed in in the race. The $100,000 appears to be the PAC’s largest single expenditure ever.” — “A political ad cries foul about ‘books with sex acts.’ The TV station running it added a disclaimer,” by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “In a rarity, a Boston television station added a disclaimer to a political ad from a Republican candidate for secretary of state distancing itself from the spot, which includes images from an oft-targeted graphic novel and warns of children accessing ‘books with sex acts.’ The decision by WCVB to issue a warning about potentially ‘offensive’ content ahead of the 30-second spot from Rayla Campbell is unusual, according to advertising and media analysts, who said they have never heard of a station taking such a step. The ad includes images from the graphic novel ‘Gender Queer: a Memoir’ and a voiceover from Campbell, who is challenging Democratic incumbent William F. Galvin.” RAYLA CAMPBELL IS A REPUBLICAN RUNNING FOR SECRETARY OF STATE - DOESN'T KNOW THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OFFICE! DON'T VOTE FOR STUPID CANDIDATES! excerpts: Campbell last week posted a longer, 48-second version of the ad on Facebook that includes its own warning of “Graphic Depictions & Language.” Her move to television came shortly after she received a boost in fund-raising, largely from out-of-state donors, following an Oct. 15 appearance on the podcast of Steve Bannon, the longtime adviser to former president Donald Trump. Substantively, it’s not clear how the book’s place at local libraries directly relates to the duties of secretary of state. The office has a wide portfolio that includes overseeing elections, policing the financial industry, and enforcing the state’s public records law, but it has no authority over school or municipal libraries. In an interview, Campbell argued that if a person is denied documents under a public records request to a library or school seeking to learn “who approved [certain books] and who allowed them to be put into our libraries,” they could ultimately appeal to the secretary of state’s office. She also said the secretary of state sits on the Board of State Library Trustees, giving the secretary “influence.” But that board only relates to the State Library, which sits on the third-floor of the State House and is largely a repository for legislative and historical documents. It also has no direct oversight over local libraries or what books they include. “She has every right to spend her campaign money on this issue. But it has nothing to do with this office,” Galvin said. “A political ad cries foul about ‘books with sex acts.’ The TV station running it added a disclaimer,” by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “In a rarity, a Boston television station added a disclaimer to a political ad from a Republican candidate for secretary of state distancing itself from the spot, which includes images from an oft-targeted graphic novel and warns of children accessing ‘books with sex acts.’ The decision by WCVB to issue a warning about potentially ‘offensive’ content ahead of the 30-second spot from Rayla Campbell is unusual, according to advertising and media analysts, who said they have never heard of a station taking such a step. The ad includes images from the graphic novel ‘Gender Queer: a Memoir’ and a voiceover from Campbell, who is challenging Democratic incumbent William F. Galvin.” — “Massachusetts Labor Relations Department finds Attleboro mayor made ‘coercive’ comments,” by Kate Robinson, WBSM: “In a move that Attleboro Mayor Paul Heroux called ‘downright unethical’ right before an election, the state's Department of Labor Relations this week released a decision finding that Heroux made ‘coercive’ comments about a city employee. Heroux is currently running a contentious race for Bristol County Sheriff against incumbent Thomas Hodgson. In the Oct. 24 decision , DLR Hearing Officer Gail Sorokoff wrote that Heroux violated state law protecting employees when he called firefighters union president Paul Jacques a liar, and when he ‘made coercive comments’ to the spouse of another employee.” In another twist in this contentious sheriff race, The Sun Chronicle reports that Heroux is off the campaign trail after he tested positive for Covid-19 on Monday . Heroux is now expected to participate in events via Zoom, including a forum hosted by South Coast community organizations and a WPRI-hosted debate Friday against Hodgson. BALLOT BATTLES — “‘A love-hate relationship’: In progressive Massachusetts, GOP immigration policies are on the ballot,” by Samantha J. Gross, Boston Globe: “[T]ensions over national immigration policy are on display in Massachusetts once again, with voters in November slated to weigh in on a Republican-led effort to strip undocumented residents of their recently earned right to a driver’s license. Meanwhile, the world watched as Martha’s Vineyard opened its doors to asylum-seekers after the state was unexpectedly thrown into the national immigration debate by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who sent two planeloads of mostly Venezuelan asylum-seekers to the tony island. And on Wednesday, two South Shore towns scrambled to help more than 100 migrants and homeless people after the state relocated them to the area without advance notice. The push and pull reflects Massachusetts’ checkered record on immigration policy as a state that lambasted some waves of immigration, such as the Irish in Boston, while later welcoming migrants to work in mill cities.” — Related: "More than 100 people in need of food, shelter arrive unannounced in Massachusetts town," by Shaun Chaiyabhat, WCVB. — “Groups spar over biz impact of millionaires' tax,” by Christian M. Wade, Eagle-Tribune: “On Wednesday, several business groups opposed to the ballot question held a live-streamed briefing where they talked about the potential impact on businesses from the proposed surtax. … But a coalition of groups backing the proposed surtax pushed back on those claims, trotting out a list of about 100 businesses they say support the amendment.” — “Carmakers say they can’t obey the state’s right-to-repair law,” by Hiawatha Bray, Boston Globe: “The automotive right-to-repair law that won overwhelming approval from Massachusetts voters in a referendum nearly two years ago is still propped up on jacks in Boston federal court. And based on documents submitted to the court last week by two major automakers, it’ll be there for quite a while. Cybersecurity executives for General Motors and Stellantis, the company that owns carmaker Chrysler, told the court that they’ve done nothing to prepare for complying with the law, because they can’t.” FROM THE DELEGATION — “Mass. delegation calls for better access to federal aid as state sees influx of immigrants,” by Gabrielle Emanuel, WBUR: “The Massachusetts congressional delegation is calling on the Federal Emergency Management Agency to improve its Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) amid an influx of new immigrants, primarily from Haiti and South America. … According to the lawmakers’ letter, a number of organizations assisting migrants in Massachusetts have found it difficult to access EFSP funds. Some local organizations and medical providers have been overwhelmed by a significant uptick in the number of new immigrants arriving and seeking refugee status. One organization said it had welcomed nearly 2,000 people between May and August.” — “Rep. Ayanna Pressley responds to rescinded letter she signed calling for Biden’s direct talks with Russia,” by Ross Cristantiello, Boston.com: “‘While I had no control over or insight into the timing of the release of this letter, which was originally drafted much earlier this year, the timing and resulting confusion, given Republicans and others actively seeking to undermine the Ukrainian cause, is deeply unfortunate,’ Pressley said in a statement to Boston.com.”   DON’T MISS POLITICO’S 2nd ANNUAL DEFENSE SUMMIT ON 11/16: The United States is facing a defining moment in the future of its defense, national security and democratic ideals. The current conflicts and developments around the world are pushing Washington to reshape its defense strategy and how it cooperates with allies. Join POLITICO for our second annual defense summit, “At a Crossroads: America’s Defense Strategy” on November 16 in person at the Schuyler DC or join online to hear keynote interviews and panels discussing the road ahead for America’s national security. REGISTER HERE .     THE LOCAL ANGLE — “LGBTQ prison abolition group split by racism accusations,” by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: “The advocacy group Black and Pink Massachusetts was formed to fight on behalf of some of the most marginalized and powerless people in society — gay, lesbian, and transgender people and those living with HIV who are incarcerated or were recently released from prison. For months, however, the group has been riled by allegations of racism within its leadership and questions about whether the group is itself marginalizing Black members. The internal battle has split the organization and the community that relies on it." — “Worcester City Council deadlocks over Christopher Columbus statue,” by Cyrus Moulton, Telegram & Gazette: “In a 5-5 vote of the City Council, a request to have a community discussion about the removal of the Christopher Columbus statue failed Tuesday night, after emotional testimony by members of the public and councilors.” — “Mass. agrees to pay NH $3.5M in Merrimack River property tax dispute settlement,” by Tristan Smith, MassLive: “Massachusetts has agreed to pay about $3.5 million to New Hampshire to settle a yearslong dispute over lost property taxes caused by infrastructure in New Hampshire that helps to prevent Merrimack River flooding that primarily benefits Massachusetts, authorities said Wednesday.” MEANWHILE IN RHODE ISLAND — “Jill Biden stumps for Magaziner, McKee to get out the vote in the homestretch,” by Amy Russo, Antonia Noori Farzan and Linda Borg, Providence Journal: “First Lady Jill Biden logged a whirlwind visit to Rhode Island on Wednesday to campaign for Democrats facing tough competition in the general election — Seth Magaziner and Gov. Dan McKee.”   A message from Delta Dental of Massachusetts: When it comes to oral health, Delta Dental of Massachusetts can help you achieve lifelong optimal health. Maintaining a healthy mouth now will have a positive impact as you age. That’s why you should visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and oral cancer screenings. And, don’t forget to keep practicing good oral hygiene habits at home. A healthy mouth now will set the stage for a healthy future. Discover the connection between oral and overall health at ExpressYourHealthMA.org.   HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH ‘MIDNIGHTS’ MAYHEM CONTINUES — Market Basket grabbed headlines for its parody of Taylor Swift’s new album. The Worcester Telegram & Gazette spotlighted the Shrewsbury native featured in her “Anti-Hero” music video. And now the Boston Globe informs us that *spoiler alert* the casket Swift emerges from in the “Anti-Hero” video is from a Methuen-based company that bills itself as the “Warby Parker” of caskets . It must be exhausting always trying to find a Massachusetts connection. Just kidding, it’s not. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Rep. Lori Trahan, Stephanie Knapp of the Barbara Lee Family Foundation and Cara Burke. NEW HORSE RACE ALERT — State House News Service's Chris Lisinski tells hosts Jennifer Smith, Steve Koczela and Lisa Kashinsky about the legislative races to watch and what's waiting for lawmakers next session. The Dorchester Reporter's Gintautas Dumcius breaks down Boston's contentious redistricting process. 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 .   Follow us on Twitter Lisa Kashinsky @lisakashinsky   Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook  |  Playbook PM  |  California Playbook  |  Florida Playbook  |  Illinois Playbook  |  Massachusetts Playbook  |  New Jersey Playbook  |  New York Playbook  |  Ottawa Playbook  |  Brussels Playbook  |  London Playbook View all our politics and policy newsletters FOLLOW US

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