| | |  | BY STEPHANIE MURRAY | GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Happy Monday! MARKEY THROWS SHADE AT KENNEDY FAMILY — Sen. Ed Markey is going where few Massachusetts Democrats have dared to go before. He’s not only attacking Rep. Joe Kennedy III, he’s throwing shade at the Kennedy family, the state’s equivalent of political royalty. In an ever more contentious battle between the septuagenarian senator and the scion of one of the nation’s best-known dynasties, Markey is calling out specific Kennedy family members by name, needling the wealth and privilege that attaches to the family name, and even drawing from the Kennedy myth in his bid to fend off his youthful challenger. The most pointed hit came at the end of a campaign video unveiled last week, where he drew on a famous line from the inauguration speech of his challenger’s great uncle, President John F. Kennedy. And in their most recent debate, Markey took another tough shot, seeking to use Kennedy's powerful family against him. Kennedy's father, former Rep. Joe Kennedy II, may put his $2.8 million in leftover campaign funds into a pro-Kennedy super PAC as a last minute boost for his son's Senate bid, and Markey sought to shame him for it. What happened in the debate stuck with Kennedy , who is planning a press conference today to discuss the race and address "Markey's attack on the Kennedy family in the last debate," according to a press release. The congressman has shied away from talking about his family over the course of his campaign. And while many of Markey's allusions to the Kennedy family have been in jest — or been relatively measured — a darker side has surfaced online from some of Markey's supporters. Kennedy's campaign advisers have raised the alarm about tweets that threaten Kennedy's life and allude to the assassinations of President Kennedy and former Sen. Robert F. Kennedy. In the money race, Markey has edged ahead . The incumbent senator raised $1.55 million in the pre-primary FEC filing period, which began July 1 and ended Aug. 12, and he has $3.5 million on hand to spend in the final two weeks of the campaign. Kennedy raised close to $1 million in the pre-primary filing period, according to an aide, and has about $1.4 million in his war chest. From July 1 to today, Markey has pulled in $1.84 million from 38,697 individual contributions, according to his campaign. Plus, both candidates are announcing new endorsements this morning. Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards and Manikka Bowman, vice-chair of the Cambridge School Committee, are backing Markey. Braintree Mayor Charles Kokoros has endorsed Kennedy, along with West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt and former Mayor Ed Sullivan. Methuen Mayor Neil Perry has also endorsed the congressman, as have former Mayor Bill Manzi and former mayor and state Sen. Sharon Pollard. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: smurray@politico.com. TODAY — The Democratic National Convention begins. Rep. Richard Neal debates his primary challenger Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse for the first time. Rep. Joe Kennedy III holds a press conference in Boston. Congressional candidate Ihssane Leckey holds a town hall on issues facing Jewish Americans. | |
| | HAPPENING TOMORROW 1:30 p.m. EDT – A SPECIAL CONVENTION PLAYBOOK INTERVIEW WITH SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI SPONSORED BY AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS: A global pandemic. An economic crisis. Stalled negotiations on the latest Covid relief package. And a historic election amidst it all. Join POLITICO Playbook Co-authors Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman as the 2020 Democratic National Convention kicks off for a virtual interview with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to get a behind-the-scenes look at what is happening on and off the stage. REGISTER HERE. | | | | | |  | THE LATEST NUMBERS |
| – “Massachusetts reports 303 new COVID cases, 11 more coronavirus deaths on Sunday,” by Benjamin Kail, MassLive.com: “Massachusetts health officials on Sunday reported 303 new cases of COVID-19 and 11 more deaths from illness linked to the virus. Throughout the pandemic, at least 114,398 people have tested positive and 8,607 people have died in the commonwealth, according to data from the state Department of Public Health.” | | DATELINE BEACON HILL |
| – “Galvin mixes public service, promotion,” by Colman M. Herman, CommonWealth Magazine: “An elderly man speaks dispiritedly on a TV public service announcement about having been a victim of financial fraud. But his frown quickly morphs into a big smile as he talks about how Secretary of State William Galvin got him his money back. The public service announcement is another in a long line that Galvin has been running at taxpayer expense since he took office 25 years ago.” – “COVID-19 spreading fastest among those in 20s, 30s,” by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: “COVID-19 now appears to be spreading the fastest among people in their 20s and 30s, according to the Baker administration’s new weekly dashboard on the disease. Over a two-week period from July 26 through August 8, people ages 20 to 39 accounted for 41 percent of all COVID-19 cases.” – “At least 130 COVID-19 false positives turn up at lab,” by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: “State public health officials rolled back the COVID-19 risk status of Fall River and Taunton on Friday after it was discovered a commercial lab had reported a large number of false positive test results. Fall River went from the red, or high-risk, level (8.4 cases per 100,000 people) to yellow, or moderate risk (7.4 cases per 100,000). Taunton went from yellow (6.5 cases per 100,000) to green, or low risk (3.2 cases per 100,000).” | | FROM THE HUB |
| – “Your child’s a no-show at virtual school? You may get a call from the state’s foster care agency,” by Bianca Vázquez Toness, Boston Globe: “Massachusetts school officials have reported dozens of families to state social workers for possible neglect charges because of issues related to their children’s participation in remote learning classes during the pandemic shutdown in the spring, according to interviews with parents, advocates, and reviews of documents.” – “Progressive challenger puts Boston state rep to the test,” by Michael Jonas, CommonWealth Magazine: “Damali Vidot said she hadn’t given any thought to running for state representative until a day in late April when she was sitting home in Chelsea during the peak of pandemic in the state’s hardest-hit community. … It was four days before the deadline to file nomination papers to get on the primary ballot, but Vidot, a three-term Chelsea city councilor, decided to scramble to gather the required signatures and challenge state Rep. Dan Ryan in the Democratic primary.” – “BU Has A Quiet First Move-In Day,” by Quincy Walters, WBUR: “There was a periodic trickle of eager students and concerned parents moving into Boston University's dorms today — the first of several move-in days between now and the end of the month. The 15-day move-in window with assigned designated arrival times is meant to limit people coming into contact with each other.” – “Boston aims to provide child care and remote learning space for thousands of students,” by Naomi Martin, Boston Globe: “Boston Public Schools and after-school providers stepped up planning last week to create emergency learning centers where students will be able to gather in person during the fall to study. It’s an effort that several city leaders say is long overdue — cities including New York and San Francisco operated remote learning centers throughout the spring.” – “Insurers report millions in gains as pandemic sidelined health care spending,” by Jessica Bartlett, Boston Business Journal: “All three of Massachusetts largest insurers reported substantial gains in the second quarter as patients kept paying health insurance premiums but largely didn’t seek out services.” – “In pandemic recovery, New York has had more success than Mass. What explains the gap?” by Dasia Moore and Kay Lazar, Boston Globe: “Before the coronavirus pandemic had even reached some states, it was ripping through New York and Massachusetts. Both weathered a devastating spring, reaching peaks in April. New York was especially hard-hit; more than 32,000 residents have died of COVID-19 thus far, the vast majority in March and April.” | | THE SENATE SHOWDOWN |
| – “On the Trail: Kennedy says the reality of the moment is people are asking ‘how do I get through the day, the week, the month,’” by Zane Razzaq, MetroWest Daily News: “After he delivered a brief speech from the steps of the Memorial Building in sweltering heat, Joseph Patrick Kennedy III was engulfed in elbow bumps and selfie requests. Staffers quickly stepped in, shouting ‘Masks on! Masks on!’ This is campaigning for Kennedy, 39, now just a few short weeks away from the Sept. 1 primary.” – “On the Trail: Markey, focused on the future, draws attention to his work with AOC on Green New Deal,” by Zane Razzaq MetroWest Daily News: “As Eitan, 6, and Micah Barnoon, 4, shot baskets in their driveway on Friday, Sen. Edward Markey was on hand to offer encouragement. In rolled-up sleeves and old Nike high-tops, Markey gave pointers as the boys swapped turns. ‘Keep your eye. You got to focus, focus,’ said Markey, as Micah trained his eye on the hoop and aimed.” | | PRIMARY SOURCES |
| – FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: “The Latino Victory Fund, Endorses Ben Sigel For U.S. House,” from the Sigel campaign: “Today, The Latino Victory Fund announced that the national progressive political action committee is endorsing Ben Sigel’s Congressional bid for the Massachusetts 4th District. The Latino Victory Fund is dedicated to growing Latino political power by increasing Latino representation at every level of government.” – FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: “Leon Panetta, Former Obama Secretary Of Defense, Clinton White House Chief Of Staff And U.S. Representative, Endorses Alan Khazei, City Year Co-founder, For Congress In The 4th District Of Massachusetts,” from the Khazei campaign: “Leon Panetta, former Secretary of Defense, Director of the CIA, White House Chief of Staff, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, U.S. Representative from California (1977 to 1993), and Co-Founder of the Panetta Institute for Public Policy, endorsed Alan Khazei for Congress. Panetta, who as CIA director oversaw the successful pursuit of Osama bin Laden, is the latest national leader and national security expert to back Khazei’s campaign.” – FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: “International Longshoremen’s Association Locals 799 & 805 Endorse Jake Auchincloss for Congress,” from the Auchincloss campaign: “International Longshoremen’s Association Locals 799 and 805 have endorsed Jake Auchincloss for Massachusetts’ 4th Congressional seat. The two local chapters are affiliated with the larger international association, which is the largest union of maritime workers in North America. The organization represents upwards of 65,000 longshoremen across the country.” – FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: “Former Lieutenant Governor Nominee Quentin Palfrey, Ten Other Local Leaders Endorse Jesse Mermell for Congress,” from the Mermell campaign: “Jesse Mermell was endorsed by former candidate for Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Quentin Palfrey, ten other local leaders and two progressive advocacy organizations, building last week’s monumental endorsements from Attorney General Maura Healey, Planned Parenthood, and former MA-04 candidate Dave Cavell.” – Jake Auchincloss says he’s an ‘Obama-Baker’ voter. Does that fly in a Democratic primary?” by Nik DeCosta-Klipa, Boston.com: “By his own description, Jake Auchincloss is an unapologetic ‘Obama-Baker’ voter. Auchincloss, a Newton city councilor and Democratic primary candidate to succeed Rep. Joe Kennedy III in the 4th District, says he is committed to a progressive agenda — particularly when it comes to critical local issues like housing and transportation — and fighting President Donald Trump’s brand of Republicanism .” – “Meet The Candidates In The Race To Replace Joe Kennedy,” Under The Radar, WGBH News: “Eight candidates are vying to win the Democratic primary for Massachusetts’ Fourth Congressional District. The seat, currently held by Rep. Joe Kennedy III, opened up in November when Kennedy announced his run for U.S. Senate. COVID-19 has made in-person campaigning difficult for these candidates, and for their would-be constituents looking to make an informed choice.” – “Progressive Boston Doctor Seeks to Unseat “Do-nothing Moderate Democrat” in Congress,” by Rachel M. Cohen, The Intercept: “With just over two weeks left until the Massachusetts Democratic primary, progressives across the country are focused on the high-profile primaries of Sen. Ed Markey, who is fending off a challenge from Rep. Joe Kennedy, and Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse, who is running against House Ways and Means Chair Richard Neal. Elsewhere in the state, other progressive challengers are struggling to attract similar attention.” – “In the Eighth Congressional race, a stark contrast between Lynch and Goldstein,” by Danny McDonald, Boston Globe: “US Representative Stephen Lynch and his Democratic primary challenger, Dr. Robbie Goldstein, are both runners who enjoy taking in slices of the city’s waterfront on their jogs. Lynch likes to run around South Boston’s Castle Island whenever he is home. Goldstein, meanwhile, has a five-mile route that brings him to the Southie shoreline from his Fort Point residence. And that’s just about where the similarities between the two men end.” | | THE WILD WEST |
| – “Party Leaders Investigating Origin Of Anti-Morse Campaign Helped Orchestrate It, Documents Reveal,” by Eoin Higgins, Daniel Boguslaw and Ryan Grim, The Intercept: “As the primary in Massachusetts’ 1st Congressional District turned into a national story following allegations of misconduct against Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse, the state Democratic Party declined to weigh in, citing its policy to remain neutral in contested primaries. But behind the scenes, the state party had been coordinating with the College Democrats of Massachusetts to launch those very allegations.” – “Neal, in bid to keep seat, holds up track record for scrutiny,” by Jack Lyons, The Berkshire Eagle: “As he navigates his 16th bid for reelection, ahead of the Sept. 1 Massachusetts Democratic primary, Neal consistently has pointed to his expert knowledge of Washington as a reason that constituents should keep him in office. His progressive challenger, 31-year-old Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse, takes the opposite position, arguing that Neal is the vestige of an antiquated Washington elite who needs replacement.” – “As Alex Morse defends conduct, UMass policy ‘strongly discourages’ faculty-student relationships,” by Patrick Johnson, Springfield Republican: “For more than a quarter century — and likely longer — there has been ongoing debate at the University of Massachusetts and on college campuses across the country about the propriety of romantic relationships between faculty and students. Congressional candidate and Holyoke Mayor Alex B. Morse isn’t the first to be caught up in the debate. | | BALLOT WARS |
| – “After centuries of picking one candidate per office, should voters rank their preferences instead?” by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “Beyond picking winners this fall, Massachusetts voters will be asked to consider something very meta: Should they change how they choose them? After centuries of residents picking one candidate per office, a question on November’s ballot proposes they instead rank their preferred choices in both primary and general elections for an array of elected seats.” | | DAY IN COURT |
| – “Activists Call For Attorney General To Launch Probe Of 2011 Police Killing Of Eurie Stamps,” by Phillip Martin, WGBH News: “The Middlesex County District Attorney has said her office is looking again at the tragic case of Eurie Stamps — a 68-year-old Black man killed in his Framingham home in 2011 by a SWAT team — but activists say they want Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey to get involved.” | | YOU'VE GOT MAIL |
| – “4th District Dem Becky Grossman will sue over Mass. mail ballot rules,” by Ted Nesi, WPRI: “Democratic congressional candidate Becky Grossman says her campaign plans to sue the state of Massachusetts over its policies surrounding mail ballots, amid rising alarm about whether problems at the U.S. Postal Service could hamper the Sept. 1 primary election. – “Lynch Discusses The Budget Crisis At US Postal Service,” by Arjun Singh, WGBH News: “U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch on Friday expressed outrage at President Donald Trump's opposition to further funding the United States Postal Service, a move the congressman said is in order to benefit Trump's reelection campaign. Lynch also criticized Postmaster General Louis DeJoy for his handling of the USPS, which has recently been experiencing mail delays and staff shortages.” – “Mass. attorney general discusses possible lawsuit with other states to prevent cutbacks in US postal operations,” by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “Massachusetts’s top prosecutor is discussing a lawsuit with other state attorneys general to prevent the Trump administration from potentially further curtailing US Postal Service operations amid an expected rush of voting by mail in this fall’s general election.” – “Massachusetts postal workers union chief on mail delays: ‘It’s frustrating to watch,’” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “The U.S. Postal Service has stopped giving overtime, cut staff and won’t fill shifts as mail piles up in post offices, a leader of a Massachusetts postal workers union told the Herald on Sunday.” | | ABOVE THE FOLD |
| — Herald: “Post-Brady Pats open camp," "CHECKS ON THE MAIL,” — Globe: “In pandemic recovery, N.Y. stands apart," "Mass. may join efforts to prevent postal cuts.” | | THE LOCAL ANGLE |
| – “Baystate Health reporting nearly 50% decline in COVID-19 cases over the week,” by Jeanette DeForge, Springfield Republican: “The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 at Baystate Health facilities has dropped by nearly 50% over the week. Officials are reporting that 16 people who have tested positive for the disease are being treated at one of the four hospitals in Western Massachusetts. One of those patients has been admitted to a critical care unit.” – “Caution urged as residents asked to register surveillance cameras with police,” by Michael Connors, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “With police asking residents to register surveillance cameras on their property with town law enforcement, at least two experts are urging people to exercise caution before deciding to sign up.” – “Massachusetts primary election: State Senate candidates James Welch and Adam Gomez on the issues,” by Peter Goonan, Springfield Republican: “On Sept. 1, state Sen. James T. Welch faces off with Springfield City Councilor Adam Gomez in the Democratic primary for the Hampden District seat in the Massachusetts Senate. There are no Republican candidates this year.” – “Central Mass. high school football coaches angry after state sacks season,” by Rich Garven, Telegram & Gazette: “After a truncated winter season and a shuttered spring, high school sports being played in Massachusetts this fall remains a realistic possibility. For all but one sport, that is. The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs released an amended version of its guidelines for youth and adult amateur sports activities on Thursday that left football coaches, players and fans universally mystified and, in many cases, outright angered.” WEEKEND WEDDING – Suzanne Trainor and Scott McNeil were married at a micro-ceremony in Sherborn on Saturday. Trainor is communications specialist at DraftKings and an MPA student at Suffolk University, and McNeil is the executive director of the Vermont Democratic Party and a Suzanne Bump alum. Pic from Tiffany Chapman Photography, another pic. REMEMBERING WALTER C. CARRINGTON … via the Boston Globe: “As US ambassador to Senegal and Nigeria, and previously as a Peace Corps director, Walter C. Carrington was drawn again and again to Africa … A diplomat whose lifelong activism ranged from combating Boston’s bigotry to risking his life while advocating for human rights in Nigeria, Mr. Carrington was 90 when he died Tuesday. Link. HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to Ari Meyerowitz and Lisa Murray. Want to make an impact? POLITICO Massachusetts has a variety of solutions available for partners looking to reach and activate the most influential people in the Bay State. Have a petition you want signed? A cause you’re promoting? Seeking to increase brand awareness among this key audience? Share your message with our influential readers to foster engagement and drive action. Contact Jesse Shapiro to find out how: jshapiro@politico.com. | |
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