POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Warren's one-woman show

 

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BY MIA MCCARTHY , SOPHIE GARDNER AND KELLY GARRITY

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., stands during a town hall meeting, Wednesday, April 12, 2023, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) | AP

THE CHALLENGE WITH NO CHALLENGERS — Elizabeth Warren’s reelection campaign is nearly a month old, and right now it feels like it’s missing a key ingredient: an opponent.

While risky if you draw a savvy one, a solid competitor also draws a crowd and gets people invested. There’s nothing to wager when someone’s in the ring shadowboxing.

In 2012, Warren faced Republican incumbent Scott Brown. 

In 2018, her foil was Donald Trump, as Democrats rallied to oppose the sitting president.

But now — with the state’s Republican Party tied up with its own conflicts and the bench of GOP candidates looking slim — Warren’s running on big national issues, like abortion and banking reform, without a foil to channel the energy into just yet.

“In 2012, Warren laid out her agenda,” a Warren adviser told Playbook. “This 2024 campaign is about what Warren has delivered and what she is still fighting for.”

The conservative Supreme Court also makes for a natural foe: On Monday, she’s helping to kick off a 20-stop national bus tour calling for new transparency at the Court in the wake of ethics questions surrounding Justice Clarence Thomas.

It’s still early, of course, and right now, Warren’s campaign has more than $2.8 million on hand, which is significantly below other blue-state Democrats also up next year. New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has more than $6.2 million on hand (though she announced earlier than Warren), and Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, who announced his reelection bid around the same time as Warren, has $5.8 million in the bank (he pulled in more than $2.4 million in the first quarter of 2023).

Warren benefits from high name recognition, which probably dampens the need to run as many ads as other candidates, but it never hurts a campaign to close a fundraising gap, real or perceived. And with an average campaign contribution of $22 coming in, she’ll have to convince voters that there’s a reason to spend money on her.

Luckily for her, she doesn’t mind life on the trail: “Oh, it's fun,” Warren told Playbook.

GOOD FRIDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Gov. Maura Healey ’s MBTA board of directors appointments are in — and they include Thomas Glynn , Thomas McGee and Eric Goodwine . Glynn, the former MBTA general manager and Massport CEO, will be chair.

Thanks for reading this week, folks! Stay in touch: kgarrity@politico.com , sgardner@politico.com , mmccarthy@politico.com and follow us on Twitter: @Reporter_Mia , @sophie_gardnerJ , @KellyGarrity3.

TODAY — Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll delivers remarks at Salem Pantry’s “The Market” storefront opening at 5:30 p.m. Secretary of Veterans’ Services Jon Santiago and executive director for homes and housing and acting superintendent Robert Engell will tour the newly constructed Community Living Center at the Veterans’ Home in Chelsea at 1 p.m.

THIS WEEKEND — Rep. Jim McGovern is on WBZ’s “Keller @ Large” at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. State House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz is on WCVB’s “On the Record” at 11 a.m. Sunday.

 

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THE LATEST NUMBERS

— “Boston COVID wastewater, cases and hospitalizations drop, Massachusetts virus cases down 21%,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “On Thursday, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported 1,242 virus cases over the last week. The daily average of 177 COVID cases from the last week was a 21% decrease from the daily rate of 224 virus infections during the previous week.”

DATELINE BEACON HILL

— “Beacon Hill‘s online lottery push meets resistance from package, convenience stores,” by Chris Van Buskirk, MassLive: “As state lawmakers line up behind the idea of legalizing online lottery sales, convenience and package store owners asked them on Thursday to slow down and consider the impact digital offerings may have on retail locations.”

— ENDORSEMENT ALERT: 10th Suffolk state representative candidate Robert Orthman was endorsed by UAW Region 9A, his campaign said.

FROM THE HUB

People cheer in front of Wellesley College, in Wellesley, Mass., as runners pass during the 127th Boston Marathon, Monday, April 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) | AP

— “BAA says it ‘did not deliver’ on promise of inclusive Marathon after police interaction with racially diverse run clubs,” by Sahar Fatima, Boston Globe: “The Boston Athletic Association said Thursday that it did not deliver on its promise to make the Boston Marathon a great day for everyone, three days after videos surfaced of a police interaction with racially diverse spectators.”

— “ Boston pitches libraries, affordable housing as perfect match,” by Jennifer Smith, CommonWealth Magazine: “The city is set to join a handful of other places that combine public libraries with affordable housing, a popular pairing that addresses increasingly pricey housing markets and limited land for new development.”

PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES

— “‘You people are evil’: Voicemails aired at MBTA board meeting show riders’ rage against slow subway service,” by Daniel Kool, Boston Globe: “As many T riders know, complaining about the latest MBTA struggles can feel like shouting into the abyss. No matter how angry or frustrated commuters feel, nothing seems to improve. With the T’s service levels seemingly plumbing new depths, riders have only gotten angrier — especially during the agency’s board of directors monthly meetings, when public commenters get to vent to the top brass.”

— “Worcester area buses to remain free for at least another year,” by Sam Turken, GBH News: “The WRTA will use about $3.6 million in federal pandemic relief money to cover lost fare revenue from the free buses. The vote ensures the WRTA remains one of the few transit systems nationwide with a no-fare policy.”

— “MBTA Preparing To Tap Reserve $$$ Amid Plateaued Subway Ridership,” by Chris Lisinski, State House News Service (paywall): “MBTA overseers want to press ahead with a budget that uses hundreds of millions of dollars in one-time funding to boost the agency's spending by nearly 7 percent next fiscal year, much of it on new safety and training initiatives. The T's Board of Directors on Wednesday unanimously approved a $2.72 billion preliminary budget for fiscal 2024, sending it to an outside organization for review ahead of a final vote expected in the summer.”

 

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ON THE STUMP

— “Three candidates seek two seats on Wilmington Select Board,” by Peter Currier, The Lowell Sun: “ A new elementary school and 40B housing rank among the main concerns shared by all three candidates in the race for two Select Board seats in Saturday’s town election.”

IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN

— “New Commissions Will Tackle Energy Siting, Offshore Wind Pressure Points,” by Sam Drysdale, State House News Service (pay wall): “As the state creeps closer to deadlines on its climate targets, the Healey administration will launch two commissions aimed at easing the transition to clean energy infrastructure in Massachusetts.”

FROM THE 413

— “After ‘ladies’ controversy in Easthampton, second superintendent finalist withdraws amid students reporting ‘conservative transphobic’ Facebook posts,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “ After the top pick for Easthampton’s superintendent lost his job offer when he used the term “ladies” in an email, the second choice for the district has withdrawn herself from running the school system amid students reporting her past Facebook posts.”

THE LOCAL ANGLE

— “North Brookfield Select Board rescinds permit for drag show, with chair calling it inappropriate,” Kiernan Dunlop, MassLive: “After initially granting a community group permission to have a pride event, the North Brookfield Board of Selectmen rescinded the permit on the grounds that a planned drag show during the event constituted adult entertainment.”

— “Stockbridge residents will see only a modest increase in their tax bills, pending approval of the budget at the annual town meeting,” by Clarence Fanto, Berkshire Eagle: “The town’s property owners will see only a modest increase in the tax bite for 2023-24. At a recent meeting, members of the Select Board approved a streamlined warrant for next month's annual town meeting. And it won’t include a highly controversial bylaw proposal for Accessible Dwelling Units, deemed not ready for prime time pending further work on it.”

MEANWHILE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu speaks during at the National Rifle Association Convention, Friday, April 14, 2023, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) | AP

— “Who will run for New Hampshire governor if Chris Sununu runs for president?,” by Steven Porter, Boston Globe: “Governor Chris Sununu seems to have grown less subtle about his aspirations for the White House … That leaves an obvious question: If he runs for president, then who will run for governor? … The potential Republican candidates whose names come up most often among political insiders include former New Hampshire Senate president Chuck Morse, current education commissioner Frank Edelblut, and former US senator Kelly Ayotte.”

— WHO IS SUNUNU? The New Hampshire governor was an answer on “Jeopardy!” last night. Tweet .

HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Ronia Stewart, Henry Brechter and Chuck Colbert.

HAPPY BIRTHWEEKEND — to Yasmina Vinci and Evan Dobelle who celebrate Saturday; and to Sunday birthday-ers state Rep. Brian Ashe , 90 West founder and CEO Alex Goldstein , Taylor Pederson, Terrence Clark, Kerry Talbot, Geoff Diehl and former Massport Police Chief Joe Lawless.

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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Lisa Kashinsky @lisakashinsky

 

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POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Republican donors come home

 

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BY LISA KASHINSKY

Presented by Save Our Benefits Massachusetts

CARNEVALE CASHES IN — The MassGOP’s financial fortunes are starting to look up.

Allies and donors of former Gov. Charlie Baker are banding together to bail out the nearly bankrupt state GOP and its new leader, Amy Carnevale, as the party stares down potentially more than $600,000 in debt left over from Jim Lyons’ tenure.

Their first big move: a $10,000-per-head fundraiser Thursday evening at the University Club in Boston hosted by Carruth Capital President Chris Egan, former MassGOP Chair Jennifer Nassour and Baker administration alums Brian Shortsleeve and Mike Kennealy, according to an invitation obtained by Playbook.

Baker-world donors are making good on their pledges to pump money back into the party under its new leadership. Egan was behind two donor letters, one in 2021 and another this past January , offering to float the struggling party financially — but only if state committee members ousted Lyons as chair. Nassour has already donated $5,000 since Carnevale was elected at the end of January, according to state campaign finance reports.

But Carnevale will need more than just a few big checks. The party is facing hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid invoices and several probes into its finances. That includes state campaign finance regulators’ investigation into whether Lyons coordinated with a political action committee last year to dig up dirt about now-Gov. Maura Healey.

And money can’t solve all of Carnevale’s problems. Tensions are still running high on the deeply divided state committee. Carnevale extended an olive branch to the Baker wing by replacing Lyons’ finance chair, Rick Green, with Kennealy. And she’s attempting to win over other members by prioritizing "election integrity." But her pick for “election integrity liaison" — Caroline Colarusso, a former congressional candidate and one-time Lyons ally who backed Carnevale for chair — is unlikely to move Lyons' most ardent allies to her column.

Carnevale is already clashing with some Lyons supporters over whether to remove Pat Crowley as treasurer. Lyons sued Crowley last year over access to the party's bank accounts. Now 16 state committee members, including former gubernatorial nominee Geoff Diehl, are asking Carnevale to call a vote of no confidence in Crowley at the party's June meeting. They’re also asking her to put a resolution calling for Crowley’s resignation on the agenda for a vote.

Carnevale told Playbook it’s “premature” to make any moves regarding Crowley. Brian Kelly, the former Whitey Bulger prosecutor who Carnevale hired to review the lawsuit, is set to issue a report “in coming days" that's expected to spell out whether the party should proceed with the litigation, she said.

GOOD TUESDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. The GOP is wrapping up the other three lawsuits on its docket in the meantime, including Nicaela Chinnaswamy's long-running battle to be seated on the state committee.

Chinnaswamy no longer lives in the district she had been fighting since 2020 to represent on the board, Carnevale said, bringing one of the party's most notable legal and political fights in recent years to a quiet end.

TODAY — Healey testifies on her budget at 11 a.m. at the State House’s Gardner Auditorium, the first of eight hearings lawmakers have planned across the state about her fiscal year 2024 spending plan. Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox is on GBH’s “Boston Public Radio” at 11:30 a.m.

Tips? Scoops? Birthdays? Email me: lkashinsky@politico.com .

 

A message from Save Our Benefits Massachusetts:

In a time when there is so much that is driving up the price of health care - Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) create competition to bring prescription drug costs down. 
Find out how PBMs are advocating to lower drug costs on behalf of employers and unions.

 

DATELINE BEACON HILL

— “State auditor launches probe of convention center authority as Black leaders call for investigation of racial discrimination claims,” by Andrea Estes, Boston Globe: “State Auditor Diana DiZoglio said Monday that she is launching an audit of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority to look into allegations of racism in hiring, promotions, and procurement practices as Black leaders from around the state called for independent investigations. In response, convention center authority officials said they would launch an investigation of their own, hiring a private law firm to review ‘our policies and procedures, including the experience of employees of color within the organization or those of event attendees of color.’”

— “Smuggled smokes: Seizure of illegal tobacco jumps in Massachusetts, according to report,” by Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald: “In June of 2020 Massachusetts became the first state to implement a full ban on the sale of menthol and flavored tobacco products and vaping devices. ... The result has been a jump in tobacco product seizures, up from 5,377 in 2021 to 18,483 in 2022, according to the annual report .”

— “Taxes Running $1 Billion Over Benchmark,” by Michael P. Norton, State House News Service (paywall): “Through the first eight months of fiscal 2023, tax collections of $23.6 billion are running 0.2 percent behind the record fiscal 2022 haul but are outpacing the state's benchmarks by about $1 billion, or 4.4 percent.”

VAX-ACHUSETTS

— CLOSING TIME: With Covid-19 cases falling and rapid tests readily available, the state is winding down operations at the last of its “Stop the Spread” testing sites. The last 11 sites will close by the end of the month , WBUR’s Priyanka Dayal McCluskey and Nik DeCosta-Klipa report.

 

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FROM THE HUB

— “Suffolk Sheriff Steve Tompkins fined for giving niece job, having employees run errands,” by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: “Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Tompkins has paid a $12,300 fine for breaking state ethics law by creating a paid position for his niece and ‘repeatedly’ asking his staff to do his personal errands. Tompkins, who’s served as sheriff since 2013, signed an agreement admitting to the violations, and he’s paid the fine, according to the state ethics commission.”

— “Police Commissioner Cox brings back former BPD lawyer as chief of staff,” by Danny McDonald and Ivy Scott, Boston Globe: “Boston’s police commissioner has appointed a new chief of staff, and the choice is being met with opposition from one law enforcement organization that represents officers of color. Nicole Taub, a former BPD lawyer who most recently worked for the town of Braintree as chief of staff and town solicitor, will fill the post.”

— SUFFOLK SPECIAL: Something’s been missing from the growing list of 9th and 10th Suffolk state representative hopefuls until now — a woman. Amparo “Chary” Ortiz , a longtime BU School of Public Health administrator and BPS mom, is eyeing Veterans Secretary Jon Santiago ’s former 9th Suffolk seat and plans to file paperwork with state campaign finance regulators today, according to a person familiar with her plans. Another possible entrant, neighborhood activist Jonathan Alves , told Playbook he's "strongly considering" a bid and has already filed with the state.

PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES

— “Ridership on fare-free MBTA buses more than doubled in program's first year,” by Jeremy Siegel, GBH News: “The city of Boston is preparing to release a report on the fare-free programs in the coming weeks. But a GBH analysis of data from the T shows that ridership more than doubled between the week of Feb. 15, 2021, before the program started, and the same week this year. Ridership on these lines is also up about 16 percent from before the pandemic, unlike other MBTA bus lines, where ridership is about 21 percent lower systemwide compared to mid-February 2020.”

— “Greater Boston Chamber pushes Governor Healey to pay up to hire a new T boss,” by Jon Chesto, Boston Globe: “[S]tate records show that former MBTA general manager Steve Poftak earned an annual base salary of nearly $340,000 last year, although additional pay (primarily deferred bonuses from two previous years) brought his 2022 pay package up to $417,000. Chamber chief executive Jim Rooney said [Gov. Maura] Healey — who is on the hunt for Poftak’s replacement right now — should be prepared to offer a base range of $450,000 to $500,000 to attract the right candidate.”

— "Gov. Maura Healey wants East-West rail to move forward ‘as quickly as possible’," by Alison Kuznitz, MassLive: "Healey, forecasting from her nascent administration to the end of her four-year term, said she hopes construction for East-West rail is underway by then."

 

A message from Save Our Benefits Massachusetts:

 

 

MAHTY MONITOR

— LET THE EXIT INTERVIEWS BEGIN: Outgoing Labor Secretary Marty Walsh is “not going to rule” out a run for governor someday, he told The Washington Post . But for now he’s looking back on his legacy leading the Labor Department for two years. That includes defending the Biden administration for imposing a deal on rail workers to avert a strike after several unions rejected the initial agreement Walsh helped broker. Hindsight is 20/20, and Walsh thinks maybe things could've been different if he'd had more time to work on the initial deal.

FROM THE DELEGATION

— ENDING HUNGER: Rep. Jim McGovern has introduced a bill to increase federal reimbursements for free, reduced-price and paid-rate breakfasts and lunches at schools. The Healthy Meals Help Kids Learn Act comes as extra federal SNAP benefits have expired and Gov. Maura Healey ’s bill to extend that aid for three months works its way through the state Senate this week. “We’re lucky we have a governor in Maura Healey” as Republicans take aim at SNAP in Congress, McGovern said on MSNBC .

FROM THE 413

— “Local communities debate pros and cons of 4-year mayoral terms,” by Jeanette DeForge, Springfield Republican: “Currently, the length of mayoral terms statewide is evenly split with 23 communities having four-year terms for mayors while 24 have two-year terms. But in Western Massachusetts, four-year terms are more popular, with Easthampton, Greenfield, Holyoke, Northampton, Pittsfield and Springfield all having switched to longer terms over the past 12 years. Agawam, Chicopee, North Adams and Westfield continue to have two-year terms.”

 

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THE LOCAL ANGLE

— “Everett School Committee won’t renew contract of superintendent who accused mayor of racism,” by Christopher Huffaker, Boston Globe: “The Everett School Committee voted Monday night not to renew the contract of the district’s superintendent, the latest turn in a tumultuous few years for the district and the city’s government. Superintendent Priya Tahiliani received a strong show of support from town residents, but the School Committee voted 6 to 4 against renewing her contract, after years of tension between her and the mayor."

— “Natural gas bills to drop after winter spike,” by Christian M. Wade, Eagle-Tribune: “The state Department of Public Utilities said it has approved a reduction in the base rate for gas charged by National Grid and Eversource, as of March 1. On average, the rate adjustments will save residential natural gas customers an average of 10% on their monthly bills through May, when new seasonal rates will go into effect, the state agency said. Combined, both utilities serve nearly 1.3 million gas customers in Massachusetts, including the north of Boston region.”

— “City Councilor Oliver apologizes for offensive Facebook posts,” by Arthur Hirsch, New Bedford Light: “Newly elected New Bedford City Councilor Shawn Oliver, whose Facebook posts mocking transgender people and their advocates have prompted a high-school student protest and public officials’ criticism, on Monday said that while he meant no harm, ‘I do see that my actions caused harm and for that, I apologize.’”

MEANWHILE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

— “Biden reelection bid faces resistance from some Democrats,” by Steve Peoples, The Associated Press: “Democrats across New Hampshire are upset with the Democratic president for trying to end the state’s status as home to the first-in-the-nation presidential primary. But their concerns about [President Joe] Biden run much deeper, in line with a majority of Democratic voters nationwide, who question the 80-year-old president’s plans to soon launch his reelection campaign.”

— TRAIL MARKER: Democrat Marianne Williamson is heading to New Hampshire for a series of presidential campaign events from March 8-13. Team Biden doesn’t seem too perturbed about his potential 2024 primary challenger: White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre drew laughs from the press corps yesterday when she waved away a question about Williamson by saying she can’t feel the self-help guru’s “aura.”

 

A message from Save Our Benefits Massachusetts:

For nearly 50 years, federal law and legal precedent has prevented state legislators from preempting federal laws governing self-funded ERISA plans. Health plans are offered by employers, labor-management trusts as well as local, state and federal governments. With roughly 60 percent or more of the health plans offered by ERISA protected entities, these protected plans could expect consistency across state lines and a fair regulatory climate.

Now, lobbyists for Big Pharma and independent pharmacists are looking to increase their profits by ignoring federal law and undermining the cost-savings in self-funded plans. Save Our Benefits Massachusetts is ready to help you fight back against rising costs. Please, Join our coalition today and help us keep health benefits affordable and accessible for employers, employees and unions.

 

HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH

TRANSITIONS — Robert C. Ross , the former chief legal counsel to former Gov. Charlie Baker, has joined Boston law firm Greenberg Traurig LLP .

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Christina Gregg.

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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Lisa Kashinsky @lisakashinsky

 

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