GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS.
BOSTON GLOBE IS BACKING MARKEY — The Boston Globe is telling Rep. Joe Kennedy III to wait his turn.
The paper's editorial board endorsed Sen. Ed Markey over his Democratic primary challenger this morning, a move that is making waves in the Senate primary race. The Globe cited Markey's advocacy on climate change as one reason for the endorsement, and suggested Kennedy "lacks the chops and track record" on climate change that Markey can provide as the co-author of the Green New Deal.
"The crux of Kennedy’s campaign against Markey seems to come down to the question of whether a generational torch-passing is needed in the delegation this year," the endorsement says. "And here, the senator’s own words to the Globe editorial board are his best defense: 'It’s not your age. It’s the age of your ideas that’s important.'”
The timing is interesting here. It's early for the newspaper to announce an endorsement. The Sept. 1 primary is more than a month away, and applications for mail-in ballots are reaching voters now. Plus, the endorsement appears in print on the same day as a Globe investigation, separate from the editorial board, which found Markey spent the least time in Massachusetts of the state's congressional delegation over the last several years. Kennedy often knocks Markey for being absent in the Bay State in his pitch to voters.
The Editorial Board addressed that concern : "If the senator from Malden spends a lot of time in Washington, one reason might be that he’s been busy getting legislative proposals passed to improve people’s lives."
Do newspaper endorsements matter like they used to? It depends who you ask. In some of the state's recent Democratic primaries, the Globe sided with the challenger who went on to win. The paper endorsed Rep. Ayanna Pressley's campaign against longtime former Rep. Michael Capuano in 2018, and a few cycles earlier endorsed Rep. Seth Moulton's bid to oust former Rep. John Tierney in 2014. But in the race for Secretary of State in 2018, the Globe backed incumbent Bill Galvin, who beat his primary challenger Josh Zakim after losing to him at the state Democratic convention.
The insider-outsider dynamic is muddled in the Kennedy-Markey race because two well-liked lawmakers are on the ballot. Kennedy is the challenger but he has a fundraising advantage, an edge in polling, a massive online following and a famous last name. To compete, Markey's been forced to pull from the insurgent playbook.
Neither Markey nor Kennedy are strangers to the endorsement process. The paper endorsed Kennedy in his 2012 congressional bid, and endorsed Markey for Senate over Rep. Stephen Lynch in 2013.
The Globe’s batting average isn’t perfect. In the Democratic presidential primary that wrapped up this spring, the Globe declined to endorse any candidate ahead of the New Hampshire contest, which was an unusual move. The paper later backed home state Sen. Elizabeth Warren a week before she finished in third place here on Super Tuesday.
FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: BOLD PAC BACKING NEAL — Rep. Richard Neal is touting a new endorsement from the campaign arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus this morning. The powerful chair of the House Ways and Means Committee is facing a Democratic primary challenge from Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse.
Neal's new endorsement comes from BOLD PAC, which is affiliated with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and aims to "increase Latino representation in Congress" according to its website. The group called Neal an "uncompromising ally to the Latino community."
"Chairman Neal has stood up vehemently against Trump’s border wall and has championed comprehensive immigration reform," BOLD PAC chair Tony Cárdenas said in a statement. "On securing affordable health care, an issue that disproportionately impacts Latinos in this country, Chairman Neal has worked tirelessly to lower the costs of prescription drugs for our seniors and families because no family should go bankrupt when they fall ill."
Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: smurray@politico.com.
TODAY — The Boston City Council Committee on Ways and Means holds a hearing regarding Boston Police overtime. Rep. Joe Kennedy III visits Quincy with City Councilor Ian Cain, and Haitian-owned Businesses in Brockton.
HAPPENING TOMORROW @ 12 p.m. EDT – A DEEP DIVE INTO 2020 CAMPAIGN POLLING : With less than 100 days remaining until Election Day, it’s time for a deep dive into campaign polling with POLITICO senior campaign and elections editor Steven Shepard and national political reporter Laura Barrón-López. Hear from expert pollsters Margie Omero and Jon McHenry on how the polls look today and what they portend for the future, how the industry corrected mistakes made in 2016, and the impact of Covid-19 on their work. REGISTER HERE.
 | THE LATEST NUMBERS |
– “COVID-19 cases starting to rise in Mass.,” by Sarah Betancourt, CommonWealth Magazine: “The number of new COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts is rising, raising concerns that the coronavirus could be picking up steam again. The number of new confirmed cases averaged nearly 162 a day between July 1 and July 15, but the average rose to 203 from July 16 through Monday. That’s an increase of 25 percent.”
| DATELINE BEACON HILL |
– “For many Massachusetts districts, school year might start 2 weeks late,” by James Vaznis, Boston Globe: “School districts across Massachusetts will be allowed to delay the opening day for students this fall up to 10 days — and students won’t have to make up the lost time — under a deal finalized Monday that aims to give districts more time to prepare for a safe return.”
– “6 lawmakers named to conference committee on police reform,” by Sarah Betancourt, CommonWealth Magazine: “Two members of the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus will be part of the group that will hammer out differences between the House and Senate versions of police reform legislation. Springfield Democrat Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, who chairs the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, will be joined by Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz of Jamaica Plain, who is the sole member of the caucus in the Senate.”
– “Mass. a hotspot for new childhood illness,” by Christian M. Wade, Eagle Tribune: “Massachusetts is a hot spot for a rare but severe disease in children that is linked to COVID-19. The state is one of four with a high number of cases of pediatric multi-system inflammatory syndrome, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The illness was first detected several months ago.”
– “‘Small clusters’ of coronavirus outbreaks linked to gatherings; Gov. Charlie Baker acknowledges uptick in cases,” by Tanner Stening, MassLive.com: “Coronavirus infections have risen slightly in recent weeks, likely as a result of several ‘small clusters’ of cases officials have been closely monitoring linked to recent gatherings, Gov. Charlie Baker said on Monday. The statewide positive test rate has increased from about 1.7% to roughly 2%, Baker said.”
– “Demanding driver’s licenses for all: Activists encamping at Statehouse push for passage of Work and Family Mobility Act,” by Dusty Christensen, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “Through heavy rains and a heat wave, immigrant rights advocates have been sleeping in tents in front of the Statehouse as part of a campaign with one demand: driver’s licenses for all. As the end of the legislative session on Beacon Hill fast approaches on Friday, activists are holding out hope that lawmakers will finally approve a bill that would see Massachusetts join 17 other states in giving undocumented immigrants the right to have driver’s licenses.”
| FROM THE HUB |
– “Moderna and Pfizer Begin Late-Stage Vaccine Trials,” by Denise Grady, The New York Times: “The first large study of the safety and effectiveness of a coronavirus vaccine in the United States began on Monday morning, according to the National Institutes of Health and the biotech company Moderna, which collaborated to develop the vaccine.”
– “Bay State Cruise Company hit with cease and desist order after photo circulated of crowded ship in Boston Harbor,” by Tanner Stening, MassLive.com: “Bay State Cruise Company has been hit with a cease and desist order after a photo showing passengers packed tightly together on one of the company’s ships in Boston Harbor circulated over the weekend.”
| PRIMARY SOURCES |
– FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: “Mermell Earns Endorsements from United Auto Workers Region 9A, Carmen’s Local 589,” from the Mermell campaign: “Jesse Mermell continues to dominate the crowded Fourth Congressional District field with overwhelming support from labor, today bringing the total number of unions supporting her to 19 with new endorsements from the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers (UAW) Region 9A and Carmen’s Local 589. These 19 unions represent more than 265,000 workers across Massachusetts.”
– “Markey spends less time in Mass. than the rest of the delegation,” by Victoria McGrane and Liz Goodwin, Boston Globe: “As Edward J. Markey attempts to defend his Senate seat from Representative Joseph P. Kennedy III, he’s moved his hometown — and the modest house that he grew up in — front and center. It’s a potent contrast to the gilded legacy of the Kennedys. But there’s one problem: Markey spends less time at home than any other member of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, according to a Globe review of members’ travel schedules.”
– “Pandemic scrambles the campaign playbook,” by Michael Jonas, CommonWealth Magazine: “John Walsh, considered one of the maestros of Massachusetts campaign operations, admits he’s a bit befuddled. The man who helped Deval Patrick rocket from political unknown to two-term governor and helmed the state Democratic Party as it worked to have Elizabeth Warren win back a US Senate seat knows as much about campaign strategy and field operations as anyone.”
– “Markey-Kennedy Senate race brings intense focus on Latino communities,” by Marcela García, Boston Globe: “Sunday night’s debate between Senator Ed Markey and his challenger, Representative Joe Kennedy, underscored the microscopic policy differences between the candidates, but it highlighted one important macro trend: Latinos may tip the balance in this race.”
– “Ed Markey accuses Joe Kennedy of voting to ‘hollow out’ Puerto Rico,” by Nik DeCosta-Klipa, Boston.com: “A new front emerged Sunday in the blockbuster Senate primary battle between incumbent Sen. Ed Markey and Rep. Joe Kennedy III: Puerto Rico. After several days of criticism from Kennedy and his allies over a 2013 vote for a immigrant detention bed quota, Markey pressed back on his primary challenger for voting for a controversial law known as PROMESA.”
| AS SEEN ON TV |
– “Labor-aligned group knocks Neal's primary challenger in new ad,” by Ally Mutnick, POLITICO: “Rep. Richard Neal (D-Mass.), the powerful House Ways and Means chair, is getting some outside help as he attempts to hold off a well-funded primary challenger. Fresh off a slew of wins in New York last month, liberals are setting their sights on Neal, who will face Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse in the Sept. 1 primary. Prominent progressives with ties to Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and the Justice Democrats have launched a six-figure independent expenditure to help Morse.”
– “With Auchincloss’s new $380k TV spot, Fourth District is being blitzed with campaign ads,” by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “Jake Auchincloss, a Newton city councilor and former Marine, is pouring $381,000 into a new television ad, according to his campaign — his second of the race and only the latest in what has become an airwaves arms race in the Fourth Congressional District. The ad buy appears to be the largest, to date, for any of those launched by candidates in the nine-Democrat primary, and is notable both for its size and breadth.”
| DAY IN COURT |
– “Mass. Judge Accused Of Helping Immigrant Evade ICE To Face Trial On Conspiracy, Obstruction Charges,” by Shannon Dooling and Deborah Becker, WBUR: “Suspended Newton District Court Judge Shelley Richmond Joseph and retired court officer Wesley MacGregor will face trial on charges of conspiracy and obstruction of justice after a federal judge denied their request to dismiss the charges.”
| FROM THE DELEGATION |
– “'I love you, brother.' Lawmakers remember Rep. John Lewis' friendship and advice,” by Maureen Groppe, Nicholas Wu, Jason Lalljee and Sarah Elbeshbishi, USA TODAY: “Rep. Katherine Clark, D-Mass., was walking with Lewis to the Capitol one day when passengers in a cab driving along Independence Avenue spotted Lewis. ‘They literally jumped out of the cab, in the middle of the street, and cars were honking,’ Clark remembers. ‘John was saying, `I love you, brother. I love you, sister. But you’ve got to be safe!’’”
– “Rep. Lori Trahan Lied About Campaign Funds. The House Ethics Committee Cleared Her Anyway.” by Matthew Cunningham-Cook, The Intercept: “Last December, the independent Office of Congressional Ethics released a report concluding that there was ‘substantial reason’ to believe that freshman Rep. Lori Trahan had broken campaign finance laws in the final days of her tight Democratic primary in Massachusetts. OCE then kicked it over to the House Ethics Committee, which is run by a bipartisan panel of Trahan’s colleagues. They’ve now concluded their own investigation, with a starkly different finding.”
| TRUMPACHUSETTS |
– “Maine governor rips state GOP over call to allow Rhode Island and Mass. visitors without quarantining,” by Travis Andersen, Boston Globe: “Maine’s Democratic governor on Monday blasted state Republicans for proposing a loosening of travel restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic, calling the idea a ‘ Donald Trump-style assault’ on public health measures that have protected Mainers.”
| ABOVE THE FOLD |
— Herald: “KENNEDY ALL WET,” — Globe: “Moderna vaccine tests go nationwide," "Deal would let schools delay their openings," "THE MEAN STREETS.”
| FROM THE 413 |
– “Embattled North Adams City Councilor Resigns After BLM, COVID-19 Comments,” by Josh Landes, WAMC:”North Adams, Massachusetts City Councilor Robert Moulton has resigned. The two-time mayoral candidate faced outcry after claiming last week that Black Lives Matter is a terrorist organization and that the threat of COVID-19 has been exaggerated by politicians. Moulton made the remarks on his long-running Northern Berkshire Community Television show.”
– “Berkshire reps push for internet boost during pandemic,” by Danny Jin, The Berkshire Eagle: “With the legislative session winding down, House members have crammed 499 amendments into an economic development bill. The Berkshire delegation is pushing a range of amendments, but there's one recurring theme: better internet service.”
– “Baystate Medical Center reports outbreak of 36 coronavirus cases affecting employees, patients,” by Peter Goonan, Springfield Republican: “Baystate Health on Monday reported an outbreak of coronavirus infections at Baystate Medical Center affecting 23 employees and 13 patients. Dr. Mark Keroack, president and CEO of Baystate Health, said the outbreak last week appears to be related in part to an employee returning to work after visiting another state identified as a ‘hot spot’ for COVID-19.”
| THE LOCAL ANGLE |
– “Revere City Council rejects Human Rights Commission appointee,” by Stephanie Ebbert, Boston Globe: “An effort by Revere Mayor Brian M. Arrigo to reactivate a city Human Rights Commission by appointing city employee Dimple Rana to lead it was rejected Monday by the City Council, which asked the mayor to instead nominate a lawyer.”
– “Local police, fire departments grapple with use of black and blue flags,” by Mary Whitfill, The Patriot Ledger: “A recent citizen complaint over the display of “thin blue line” flags atop fire trucks in town has led to their removal, Fire Chief Steve Murphy and Police Chief Glenn Olsson told personnel last week. In a letter to employees, the pair explained that the blue and black flags, which are black-and-white versions of the American flag with a single blue line in the center, will have to be removed from where they’ve flown atop Hingham fire trucks for the last two years.”
– “Mayor makes 'retaliatory' cuts to budget,” by Bill Kirk, Eagle-Tribune: “Mayor Neil Perry is pushing back against the City Council after it slashed nearly $95,000 from his department and $75,000 from the city solicitor’s budget last week in what the mayor called ‘political blackmail.’ Perry wrote a letter to the council T hursday in advance of the final round of budget talks Monday.”
– “Lowell partnership aims to include communities of color in drawing new districts,” by Emma Murphy, The Lowell Sun: “As the city prepares to draw new districts, four local organizations have formed a partnership to engage communities of color in the process. The Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (CMAA), Latinx Community Center for Empowerment (LCCE), Lowell Alliance and Lawyers for Civil Rights have created a multi-part plan to include residents in the process of transitioning to a new electoral system for City Council and School Committee. “
TRANSITIONS – “Josh Kraft, the third of four sons of Robert Kraft, is set to take over his family’s philanthropic efforts, including a new foundation created last year to combat antisemitism.” Jewish Insider.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to retired Daily Hampshire Gazette editor Stanley Moulton.
NEW EPISODE: From Boom Time to Zoom Time – On this week’s Horse Race podcast, hosts Jennifer Smith and Steve Koczela discuss the toll the coronavirus pandemic has taken on small businesses, according to new polling. 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.
DON'T MISS - POLITICO'S NEW "FUTURE PULSE" NEWSLETTER: The coronavirus rapidly accelerated the onset of telemedicine, but after an initial boom, the wave of virtual visits is quickly fading. What does the future look like? From Congress and the White House, to state legislatures and Silicon Valley, Future Pulse spotlights the politics, policies, and technologies driving long-term change on the most personal issue for voters: Our health. SUBSCRIBE NOW.
Follow us on Twitter
 |
Stephanie Murray @StephMurr_Jour
|
Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family
Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook
FOLLOW US
|
