POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: The Harris blitz begins

 

BY KELLY GARRITY Presented by  THE VIEW FROM VEEP-TOWN — The hundreds of donors who clustered under a tent on the tip of Cape Cod Saturday afternoon didn’t know for certain they were watching a soon-to-be presidential candidate when Vice President Kamala Harris stepped up to the microphone — even as questions abounded about President Joe Biden’s political future. Harris didn’t know either. But the sentiment among many of the attendees who lined up to hear from the second-in-command and the star-studded posse of politicians and celebrities who joined her at the fundraiser that raked in $2 million for Biden’s joint fundraising committee was that someone other than the incumbent would likely end up at the top of the Democratic ticket. That same air of inevitability hung over the private dinner for top Democrats and Biden-Harris officials that followed at event-planner and fundraiser host Bryan Rafanelli’s house and was attended by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Gov. Maura Healey, Sen. Ed Markey and House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, among others, according to two people who attended the event granted anonymity to describe the private gathering. By the next afternoon, Biden was out and backing Harris to be Democrats’ new nominee. The vice president was moving quickly to shore up overwhelming support among prominent Democrats. Some pillars of the Democratic Party endorsed her — while others pointedly did not. Money came pouring in for the new Harris campaign. MassDems Chair Steve Kerrigan was among the state Democratic Party chairs who threw their support behind Harris Sunday night. He was making calls Sunday to check in with delegates, and the state party is planning a conference call tonight to discuss the seismic shift in the campaign. Endorsements from some — but notably not all — of Massachusetts’ top Democrats came pouring in: — WHO’S WITH HARRIS : Reps. Ayanna Pressley, Seth Moulton, Jake Auchincloss, Bill Keating, Lori Trahan and Jim McGovern; Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Markey; Boston Mayor Michelle Wu; Attorney General Andrea Campbell (a prominent backer of Harris’ failed 2020 presidential bid); and, notably, Massachusetts’ one uncommitted delegate to the Democratic Convention, state Rep. Christopher Worrell. The Young Democrats of Massachusetts, an affiliate of the state party, is also backing Harris’s bid . — WHO ISN’T: At least not yet — Healey, Clark and Rep. Richard Neal all put out statements praising Biden for his decision, but didn’t outright endorse Harris. (Harris, FWIW, gave kudos to Healey during her speech at the fundraiser.) One thing we know for certain (for now): Harris will be back in the Bay State next weekend for a fundraiser in the Berkshires — an event that, as of last night, was still on. But this time the headliner will be a candidate for president, rather than VP. GOOD MONDAY, MASSACHUSETTS . In other fundraising news, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is heading to Boston Friday to raise money for her Fight Like Hell PAC. Don’t read much into the timing — the lunchtime fundraiser was in the works before yesterday’s bombshell, and Whitmer has already thrown her support behind Harris. Ticket prices range from $100-$5,000, according to the invitation . TODAY — Healey has no public events. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll announces affordable housing grants at 1:30 p.m. in Boston. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is on WBUR’s “Radio Boston” at 11 a.m. and speaks at a Puerto Rican flag raising ceremony in the South End at 5 p.m. Where were you when you heard the news? Drop me a line, for a feature tomorrow:  kgarrity@politico.com A message from CVS Health: Paying less out-of-pocket means our members can focus on living healthier lives. Learn more about how CVS Caremark is ensuring access and affordability to critical medications for millions of Americans.   WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TODAY THEY’RE WITH HER — Harris spent the afternoon and evening making calls and shoring up support from members of Congress. Several high-profile governors thought to be potential substitutes themselves should Biden step aside (Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro) all endorsed her Sunday But some key battleground state Democrats were conspicuously quiet amid the frenzy. Keep an eye out for movement from Sen. John Tester in Montana, Sen. Sherrod Brown in Ohio, and House members facing competitive races in the fall.  MASSGOP can only regurgitate right wing propaganda, NEVER any specifics! Ignore that the Daffy Dude has DEMENTIA, keeps praising the fictional HANNIBAL LECTOR, babbles nonsense, can't remember words, is loosing his bodily functions.  President Biden and mostly Democrats passed the INFRASTRUCTURE BILL that MAGA GOP ignored and the Cape Cod Bridge finally has funding.  tRUMP urged the MAGA CLOWNS to oppose the legislation - TRY FACTS!  Crypto Carpetbagger JOHN DEATON stood at one of the Cape Cod Bridges, surrounding by a few BRAIN DEAD MASS GOP CLOWNS and blamed Senator Warren for the bridge not being built because JOHN DEATON and the BRAIN DEAD are UNINFORMED LIARS!  VOTERS are tired of REPUBLICAN LIES!  tRUMP left office with REFRIGERATED TRAILERS FILLED WITH COVID DEAD and the economy TANKED! Let's try FACTS!  The ECONOMY? Thanks Amy Carnevale for regurgitating NONSENSE! Record JOB CREATION! Historically LOW UNEMPLOYMENT!  CORPORATE GREED caused what is wrongly labeled as 'inflation.' President Biden proposed a penalty on EXCESS PROFITS used for STOCK BUYBACKS to avoid taxes - NEVER EXPECT MAGA GOP to support reasonable solutions! THE BORDER???? Try FACTS, AMY!  tRump urged the MAGA MORONS to defeat the BIPARTISAN BORDER BILL that offered solutions because he wanted it to be an ELECTION ISSUE! The MAGA MORONS genuflected and defeated the LEGISLATION! Did ANY single MASS GOP member urge its support? OF COURSE NOT!  AMY, How about PROJECT 2025? You're ignoring that as well! THE GOP TAKE — “No matter the nominee, Americans now see through the failed policies of the Democratic Party," MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale said in a statement. "From the economy to border security, Democrats have fallen short. Americans want a shift, and we’re confident that no Democrat will measure up to the Republican ticket.” AROUND NEW ENGLAND — New Hampshire Reps. Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas, two of the state’s four delegation members, endorsed Harris. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan both issued statements supportive of Biden’s decision, but didn't back Harris. The vice president also won support from Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Reps. Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo (h/t WPRI’s Ted Nesi) and Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos. — Why Biden finally quit via POLITICO’s Eli Stokols, Jonathan Lemire, Elena Schneider and Sarah Ferris — VEEPWATCH via POLITICO’s Kierra Frazier, Hailey Fuchs and Heidi Przybyla — COLUMN: Alone and Abandoned, Biden Learns That Friends Are More Dangerous Than Enemies via POLITICO’s John Harris — PAC PIVOT: A super PAC with ties to Hollywood and Massachusetts that formed to boost Biden’s standing with younger voters is putting six figures behind a new 30-second spot backing Harris. The ad, which will air on social media and streaming platforms in three swing states, is targeted to younger voters, Lisa scooped . The locals behind the PAC: pollster John Della Volpe and Deval Patrick alum Doug Rubin . WHAT YOU MIGHT’VE MISSED — All the updates from POLITICO’s liveblog … NYT has a timeline of Dem. lawmakers’ pressure campaign … If you’re confused by all the “coconut tree” references read this explainer from Forbes … NYT: How Aaron Sorkin would’ve written the script (featuring former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney) ... The Boston Globe checks in with some Bay State voters ... POLITICO: Sorry, 2028-ers (or are they 2032-ers now?) WHAT’S FOR DINNER — The roughly hundred attendees at the Rafanelli event dined on chili honey glazed shrimp, grilled salmon, potato pavé and more.   Live briefings, policy trackers, and procedural, industry, and people intelligence from POLITICO Pro Analysis gives you the insights you need to focus your policy strategy this election cycle. Secure your seat .      DATELINE BEACON HILL CASH DASH — Gov. Maura Healey was in Edgartown yesterday for another fundraiser — this one for herself — according to an invitation obtained by Playbook. — “Mass. Convention Center Authority under audit for settlement agreements, contracting issues, sources say,” by Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald: “Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s Office is preparing to release an investigation into the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority after “several significant issues” were discovered, including around settlement agreements and contracting, according to multiple state and private-sector sources. The audit, which is expected to be released later this summer, comes months after the organization’s executive director, David Gibbons, resigned, controversy escalated around a piece of land in South Boston, and a separate investigation into allegations of race discrimination at the authority.” THEY’RE GRINDING — “Accords Reached On Wage Transparency, $1.26 Billion IT Bond Bills,” by Sam Doran, State House News Service (paywall): “Conference committees negotiating pay equity legislation and a $1.2 billion info-tech bond bill each filed their House-Senate accords around 3 p.m. Friday in the House clerk's office, teeing up both measures for votes next week. Speaker Ronald Mariano's office told the News Service that the House will take up both conference reports at its next formal session, which is currently scheduled for Wednesday.” MIGRANTS IN MASSACHUSETTS — “Massachusetts migrant-family shelter program has had 300-plus ‘Serious Incident’ reports this year: ‘Very disturbing’,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “More than 300 ‘Serious Incident’ reports have been recorded at Bay State migrant-family shelter program sites so far this year, the Herald has learned. The Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities has listed a total of 316 Serious Incident reports at hotels, congregate sites, scattered sites, and co-shelters in the Emergency Assistance family shelter program. … Hotels had the most reported serious incidents with 125 — followed by congregate sites with 78, scattered sites with 72, and co-shelters with 22. There were 19 other incidents, but officials said they couldn’t determine the type of shelter or agency called.”   A message from CVS Health:     FROM THE HUB — “After demotion of BPD deputy superintendent, department’s commitment to reform is questioned,” by Laura Crimaldi, The Boston Globe: “Supporters of a veteran Boston police officer who was removed this month from the command staff gathered Saturday in Dorchester, where they criticized the demotion as emblematic of unfilled promises to take law enforcement reform seriously and unequal treatment of people of color within the department. Speakers at the gathering, held at the headquarters for the Massachusetts Association of Minority Law Enforcement Officers, or MAMLEO, also accused Mayor Michelle Wu of failing to honor commitments made to instill more accountability and transparency in the Police Department. They vowed to take their fight to the ballot box.” — “Boston City Council looks to get grasp on ‘reckless’ moped driving impeding quality of life,” by Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald. — “Boston outlines surveillance technology in first-ever transparency report,” by Dan Glaun, The Boston Globe. THE RACE FOR CITY HALL  NEVER VOTE FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS NEVER HELD ELECTED OFFICE! THE BOSTON COFFEE SHOP WALLS HAVE EARS — by Gintautas Dumcius, CommonWealth Beacon: “Josh Kraft, who heads up the philanthropic New England Patriots Foundation, may not officially be a candidate for mayor of Boston, but he’s making moves and holding talks that potentially indicate an eye on formalizing a 2025 campaign. During a sit-down with a friend inside a Back Bay coffee shop on Monday, Kraft told him that he is ‘announcing in the fall,” adding, ‘We have the opportunity to do so much good.’ Kraft’s conversation about what sounded like a mayoral run was overheard by another customer who relayed the details to CommonWealth Beacon.”   SUBSCRIBE TO GLOBAL PLAYBOOK: Don’t miss out on POLITICO’s Global Playbook, our newsletter taking you inside pivotal discussions at the most influential gatherings in the world. Suzanne Lynch delivers the world's elite and influential moments directly to you. Stay in the global loop. SUBSCRIBE NOW .     YAHD SIGNS AND BUMPAH STICKAHS FIRST IN PLAYBOOK — The Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts is rolling out a slate of legislative endorsements today, targeting seats in the southeastern part of the state where abortion services are more limited. Among the more than two dozen candidates the organization is backing: State Rep. Dylan Fernandes, who is running for the open Plymouth and Barnstable District state Senate seat; And in open House races, Arielle Reid Faria, who’s running for the Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket seat Fernandes is leaving behind; Hadley Luddy in 4th Barnstable; Leigh Davis in the 3rd Berkshire; and Rebecca Coletta in the 6th Plymouth. One notable challenger PPAF is backing: Johnnie McKnight, who’s taking on Democratic state Rep. Bud Williams in the 11th Hampden district.  WARREN BUFFETT called CRYPTO RAT POISON SQUARED!  CARPETBAGGER JOHN DEATON voted 3 TIMES in 20 years, no ties to Massachusetts, conspicuously uninformed. JOHN DEATON LIED ABOUT THE CAPE COD BRIDGES because he's too lazy to inform himself and a few MASS GOP BRAIN DEAD joined him!  The ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS owns both Cape Bridges and tRump slashed funding!  — “Republican John Deaton finds friends in the Winklevoss twins,” by Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald: “Republican John Deaton’s bid to unseat U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren is becoming increasingly tangled up with the cryptocurrency industry. Two giants in the space who are also known for their ties to Facebook, Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, donated $1 million worth of Bitcoin this week to a super PAC backing Deaton — who moved to Massachusetts this year from Rhode Island — the Commonwealth Unity Fund. Tyler Winklevoss said Warren is ‘one of the single greatest threats to American prosperity.’” — “U.S. Senate candidate Ian Cain meets with Worcester voters,” by Spectrum News staff.  DAY IN COURT — “Dearth of judges causing court bottleneck in Hampshire Superior Court, across state,” by James Pentland, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “Summertime is traditionally slow time in the courts, with vacations eating into the judicial system’s flow of business and occasionally leaving a court with no judge. This summer, the seasonal slowdown is only compounding the fact that there aren’t enough judges, especially in Superior Court, which has 12 openings statewide, or one out of every seven seats.” A message from CVS Health: CVS Caremark works every day to put medicine within reach of people who need it. Our members have an average out-of-pocket cost of less than $8 for a 30-day supply of medication, and we’re actively working to bring down costs for plan sponsors and their members. Learn more about how we’re making medicine more affordable for all Americans.   IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN — “Debris Clean-Up Continues As Nantucket Considers Legal Action Against Vineyard Wind,” by JohnCarl McGrady, Nantucket Current: “The Nantucket Select Board on Saturday announced its intent to discuss potential legal action against Vineyard Wind as teams from the company and hired contractors - along with island residents - continued to clear debris from the beaches Saturday morning. The Select Board's meeting will be held in executive session on Monday. Executive session meetings are closed to the public to avoid potentially compromising the Town's position by revealing legal strategies and other details. In the meantime, Vineyard Wind assured island residents that Jetties Beach was free of debris ahead of today's Nantucket Triathlon, at least for now.” HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH TRANSITIONS — Boston College Law professor David Wirth was tapped to join the Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee, which advises the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Wirth served as a senior attorney and co-director of the International Program at the D.C. office of the Natural Resources Defense Council, focusing on environmental issues, including environmental reform at the World Bank. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Rosemary Powers. 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 Kelly Garrity @KellyGarrity3   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: Republicans search for a standard-bearer

 

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BY LISA KASHINSKY , SOPHIE GARDNER AND KELLY GARRITY

HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO — Two surveys showing hypothetical but unrealistic Senate showdowns between Elizabeth Warren and former Gov. Charlie Baker underscore the GOP’s problem: the party still doesn’t have anyone to run this race. One poll of likely voters, from Republican-aligned Advantage Research for the Fiscal Alliance Foundation, shows Baker leading Warren 49 percent to 34 percent. Another poll , by Change Research for Northwind Strategies (whose founder, Doug Rubin, advised Warren in 2012), showed her leading Baker 46 percent to 41 percent. We could debate the polls’ methodologies all day. But our time is better spent talking about the problem these surveys present for the flailing state GOP. Republicans are going to need someone with money and name recognition to mount any sort of serious challenge to powerhouse progressive Warren. That’s not going to be Baker. Sure, the former governor is set to headline a June party fundraiser . And he hasn’t ruled out a run for higher office someday. But he’s not leaving his brand new, probably $3-million-per-year job running the NCAA to do it now. Really, his political adviser said so . That brings us to former Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. Despite the persistent speculation about her political ambitions — she’s got $1.7 million in her state campaign account, she’s got houses in two congressional districts — she’s shown no outward interest in such a campaign. Warren’s last Republican rival, Geoff Diehl, has lost two statewide races in a row and ended his last campaign in debt. Chris Doughty, the political newcomer who lost the Republican gubernatorial primary to Diehl last year, has personal wealth but isn’t looking at this race, according to people familiar with his thinking. There’s a potential new Doughty on the block in Peter de Silva, a Cape Cod businessman, author and former Harvard fellow who’s been floated as a possible contender. He didn’t return a request for comment yesterday. There’s also the open question of whether the faction of the state party led by former Chair Jim Lyons will try to muddy the primary waters by running its own candidate. MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale told Playbook she’s aware of “at least one candidate who could be a serious contender” but declined to say who. “My hope, frankly, is the poll that came out [yesterday] will show that the race is winnable for a Republican that has the right message,” she said. GOOD FRIDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS . C’s in seven! TODAY — AG Andrea Campbell speaks at ROCA’s 35th anniversary breakfast at 7:45 a.m. at the Intercontinental Hotel in Boston. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu speaks at the GBLC breakfast at 8:30 a.m. at Pipefitters Local 537, attends a Dorchester coffee hour at 9:30 a.m., announces a new program for tree canopy growth at 11:15 a.m. at Mass Audubon's Boston Nature Center, is on GBH at 12:30 p.m. and attends the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce conference at 1:40 p.m. at the Mandarin Oriental Boston. Sen. Ed Markey and CDC Director Rochelle Walensky hold a youth mental health panel at noon at Suffolk University. THIS WEEKEND — Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell 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? Thinking of running for Senate? Email us: lkashinsky@politico.com , sgardner@politico.com and kgarrity@politico.com .

DATELINE BEACON HILL

— BAD BLOOD: Auditor Diana DiZoglio is accusing top Senate Democrats of trying to "settle political scores" over her audit of the Legislature by shortchanging her office's budget. Gov. Maura Healey and the House both budgeted more than $26 million for the auditor’s office, while the Senate is pitching around $23 million for fiscal year 2024. And DiZoglio said other statewide offices received larger percent increases to their budgets than hers did. “The shameless tactics used to coerce, control, manipulate and punish just add to the many examples of why an audit of the Legislature is so desperately needed,” DiZoglio said in a statement. “No amount of bullying or retaliation will stop our office from doing our jobs by conducting this audit.” The auditor’s office is still in line for a $315,000 bump in the Senate budget, while “hundreds of accounts were level funded,” Senate Ways and Means Committee spokesperson Sean Fitzgerald said in response to DiZoglio's claims. DiZoglio’s word choice echoes what House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz said last month when explaining why his chamber matched the governor’s monetary request for the auditor’s office despite the ongoing drama. The budget, he said, was "not the place to potentially settle a political score.” Still, House lawmakers rejected the other piece of the governor’s ask — that state agencies be audited on a four-year cycle instead of three. DiZoglio is reviewing her legal options to force her former colleagues in the Legislature to comply with her audit. — “For years, Mass. Senate has set aside thousands to pay interns. This summer, it will actually pay some student workers,” by Samantha J. Gross, Boston Globe: “Each state Senate office will be allowed to choose one fellow who comes from an ‘underserved population’ for either summer or fall, and each fellow will be paid $20 per hour for a maximum 150 hours, according to an e-mail announcing the online application obtained by the Globe. The state Senate will also continue to offer an unpaid internship program available to a wider pool of applicants.”

MASK-ACHUSETTS

— “As Massachusetts’ COVID public health emergency ends, advocates worry about the lifting of mask mandates,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “On Thursday, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported 979 virus cases over the last week. The daily average of 140 COVID cases from the last week was a slight increase from the daily rate of 128 virus infections during the previous week.”

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FROM THE HUB

— “Boston Police budget returning to the fore as council mulls amendments,” Sean Cotter, Boston Globe: “City councilors and the Wu administration last year clashed over millions of dollars in cuts to the Police Department’s budget. The debate saw the council flex its budgetary powers, a mayoral veto of proposed cuts, and a council override attempt. This year, the issue has flown under the radar, fading into the background behind a run of major pieces of legislation, drama over council redistricting, and acrimony among members of the divided council. But now the issue of budget cuts is moving to the fore, even if in lower dollar amounts.” — “Boston-area mayors sign compact to improve diversity in real estate projects,” by Alexi Cohan, GBH News: “Local mayors are committing to improving diversity, equity and inclusion in the real estate business by signing a compact that pledges a historic 25% DEI evaluation criteria in public and private projects. … Mayors in Boston, Lynn, Somerville, Cambridge and Salem signed onto the compact.”

PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES

— “State transportation secretary approached Bill Bratton, her former brother-in-law, before his firm won a $900,000 no-bid contract with MBTA,” by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “Shortly into her tenure as state transportation secretary, Gina Fiandaca turned to Bill Bratton, a well-known figure and former family member, as she faced mapping a response to a scathing federal review of the T. Months after that, Bratton’s firm scored a no-bid deal to help the agency with that very task.” — “ MBTA budget gap could hit $542M by 2028 ,” by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: “ The MBTA was able to lean on state and federal assistance, and a hefty dip into its own emergency fund to close a $366 million budget gap for fiscal year 2024, but faces future shortfalls that could grow to $542 million by 2028.” — “Sagamore Bridge repairs are complete, two weeks before Memorial Day weekend,” by Andrea Perdomo-Hernandez, WBUR. — “Somerville extends free taxi service for low-income residents,” by Jacob Garcia and Vanessa Ochavillo, WBUR. DATELINE D.C. — “Despite Feinstein’s return, Delaney’s controversial nomination to be a judge on the Boston federal appeals court remains stalled,” by Jim Puzzanghera and Jess Bidgood, Boston Globe: “ Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, said Thursday that it was ‘not the right moment’ for the panel to vote on [New Hampshire Attorney General Michael] Delaney, who was nominated to the First US Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston by President Biden in January. ... Delaney’s nomination has drawn fire because of his role representing the elite St. Paul’s School in a civil suit stemming from the 2014 sexual assault of Chessy Prout, then 15, by an 18-year-old senior, Owen Labrie, at the Concord, N.H., institution.” THE LOWELL CONNECTOR — “‘Play’ ransomware group releases 5GB of Lowell data,” by Melanie Gilbert, Lowell Sun: “Play’s news feed, which lists six pages of cyberattacks including Lowell, says the data is ‘Private and personal confidential data, finance, taxes, clients and employee information. For now partially published compressed 5gb. If there is no reaction full dump will be uploaded.’” FROM THE 413 — “Bill would seat Western Mass. resident on state Gaming Commission,” by Jonah Snowden, Springfield Republican: “Citing what he says are shortcomings with how MGM Casino has operated in Springfield, state Rep. Bud L. Williams filed a bill in the state legislature that would require at least one member of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission come from Western Massachusetts.” — “A race for a Select Board seat in West Stockbridge ended in a tie. That was only the beginning of the drama,” by Clarence Fanto, Berkshire Eagle: “After their race for a Select Board seat ended in a tie earlier this week, challenger Jon Piasecki sat down next to incumbent Kathleen Keresey on Wednesday at the panel’s first post-election meeting and insisted that neither of them should be there. Verbal sparks flew for 20 minutes before Piasecki, a local cannabis farmer, gave in to angry demands from many of the 40-plus residents on hand that he step aside and let the Select Board get down to business. As he left, he threatened to file a lawsuit against the town.”   GET READY FOR GLOBAL TECH DAY: Join POLITICO Live as we launch our first Global Tech Day alongside London Tech Week on Thursday, June 15. Register now for continuing updates and to be a part of this momentous and program-packed day! From the blockchain, to AI, and autonomous vehicles, technology is changing how power is exercised around the world, so who will write the rules? REGISTER HERE .     THE LOCAL ANGLE — “Police regulators floating rules for auditing law enforcement agencies in Mass.,” by Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald: “State law enforcement regulators are starting to think about how and to what extent they can audit police departments, including reviewing files on disciplinary matters, use of force, and officers whose credibility has been called into question.” — More: “Police regulators debate releasing partial list of disciplinary records for cops across Mass.,” by Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald. — “Wellesley School Committee seeks state help to prevent teacher strike,” by James Vaznis, Boston Globe: “The Wellesley School Committee Thursday night filed a petition with the state Department of Labor Relations to prevent teachers from engaging in an illegal strike as contract negotiations become increasingly more acrimonious and drawn out.” — “New Bedford withholds public records regarding alleged police misconduct,” by Anastasia E. Lennon, New Bedford Light: “An attorney with the solicitor’s office said the city would be withholding the records in full, after the office assessed and accepted payment from The Light to process the records.” REGIONAL ROUNDUP — "State Senate kills bill to legalize marijuana in New Hampshire," by Josh Rogers, NHPR: "The New Hampshire Senate again voted to reject legalizing marijuana in the state Thursday, keeping New Hampshire the lone New England state where recreational cannabis use by adults remains illegal." — “‘The time has come to act’: R.I. leaders push for assault weapons ban,” by Amanda Milkovits, Boston Globe.     HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH SPOTTED — at the U.S. Capitol with his dad Rep. Jake Auchincloss , who was called back to D.C. to vote against House Republicans’ border bill days before his wife is due with their third child: 3-year-old Teddy Auchincloss. Pic ... another pic . ALSO SPOTTED — Gov. Maura Healey , state Rep. Marjorie Decker and Cambridge City Councilor Marc McGovern on the set of "The Instigators" movie shoot with Matt Damon and Casey Affleck. A Healey spokesperson said the group discussed support for the film industry. Tweet . HAPPY BIRTHDAY —  to Kathryn Alexander , communications director for House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark; Laura Melle, Tommy Gardner, Nick Tierney, Kate Kelly and Andrew Thorne. HAPPY BIRTHWEEKEND — to Michael Goldman , president of Goldman Associates, who celebrates Saturday, and to Sunday birthday-ers Pam Wilmot, Lucy Martirosyan, Samuel Greer, Jeffrey Barrett, Alycia DiTroia, Sophia Nigro, Samuel Greer  and Kylie Harrigan. NEW HORSE RACE ALERT : MASKS OFF —  GBH’s Katie Lannan walks hosts Steve Koczela, Jennifer Smith and Lisa Kashinsky through the end of the state and federal Covid-19 public health emergencies. Plus, a breakdown of the Senate budget and the latest Boston redistricting drama. 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 .   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    POLITICO, LLC 1000 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA, 22209, USA