POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Mass. Dems dash for cash, but not for themselves

 

BY LISA KASHINSKY AND KELLY GARRITY Presented by McDonald's PASSING THE BUCKS — What do you do when you’re a Democrat in a deep-blue state sitting on a pile of cash without a race of your own to use it on? Spend it elsewhere, of course. That’s exactly what Rep. Seth Moulton did on Tuesday , when he gathered prominent Bay State Democrats and a half-dozen U.S. representatives and congressional candidates at a French restaurant in Boston’s Back Bay to launch a Victory Fund for Serve America, the political action committee he founded to help elect Democrats with service backgrounds (military or otherwise). Moulton and Serve America have raised or contributed over $1 million this cycle to Democrats in key congressional races through direct contributions, email solicitations and party dues. Tuesday night’s event alone raised more than $600,000, a Moulton aide told Playbook. Rep. Seth Moulton is fundraising for Democrats facing tougher races. | John Locher/AP Moulton is far from the only member of Massachusetts’ congressional delegation putting their dollars — from their individual campaign accounts and from their PACs — behind their colleagues in other states without much to spend it on here at home. Rep. Lori Trahan has given more than $315,000 this cycle, including dues, a spokesperson said, with $65,000 going specifically to “frontline” House Democrats, or those most at risk of losing reelection. Rep. Jake Auchincloss runs his own PAC and has given more than $200,000 to candidates, state parties and in dues, a spokesperson said. He held a fundraiser in Boston on Tuesday for Will Rollins, a California Democrat making another run at a U.S. House seat the party hopes to flip. Meanwhile, Rep. Ayanna Pressley is campaigning for Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) for California’s open U.S. Senate seat. Pressley’s PAC is also supporting at-risk House progressives such as Reps. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) and Cori Bush (D-Mo.). Elizabeth Warren has fundraised for her Democratic Senate colleagues and for one of Lee’s rivals in California, Rep. Katie Porter — though she’ll likely have to hold onto her resources now that she’s facing more competition in her reelection bid. Reps. Richard Neal, Jim McGovern and Stephen Lynch have also donated directly to their colleagues this cycle, per FEC reports. These aren’t selfless acts. Helping elect other Democrats — particularly those in more competitive races — helps safe-seat members build their credibility and branding beyond their districts and party dues. House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark climbed the ranks in no small part because of the work she did helping Democrats win the House majority in 2018. Moulton helped with that, too — more than half of the Democratic candidates who flipped House seats that year were backed by Serve America. Moulton is hoping for a similar success rate this year , starting with the slate of candidates he brought to Boston on Tuesday: Reps. Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.) and Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.), and Democratic challengers Sarah Klee Hood in New York, Lanon Baccam in Iowa and Mike O’Brien in Pennsylvania. “Every one of these seats is a seat that Republicans could win. And these candidates give people hope that they can [stop that from happening],” Moulton told Playbook. “If Donald Trump wins the presidency and if the Senate goes Republican … then the House will once again be the backstop of democracy, the only check against Donald Trump. So we have got to flip the House. It is the best investment in Democratic politics today.” GOOD WEDNESDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Speaking of fundraisers, Gov. Maura Healey also hosted one on Tuesday — for Tammy Murphy , the first lady of New Jersey, who’s running for U.S. Senate there. The high-dollar event was at the home of former U.S. Ambassador Alan Solomont. TODAY — Healey participates in Granite Telecommunications’ annual “Saving by Shaving” event at 9:30 a.m. in Quincy. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll chairs a Governor’s Council meeting and speaks at the Newburyport State of the City; Auditor Diana DiZoglio attends. Auchincloss is on WBUR’s “Radio Boston” at 11 a.m. Tips? Scoops? Fundraisers? Email us: lkashinsky@politico.com and kgarrity@politico.com.   A message from McDonald's: From 2021 to 2022, the McDonald’s System contributed over $700 million to Massachusetts’ economy, supporting over 14,350 jobs statewide. McDonald’s presence in local communities throughout Massachusetts generated nearly $125 million in federal, state and local tax revenue, providing funding for public schools, infrastructure, parks and more. Learn more about McDonald’s impact on local communities in Massachusetts and nationally by visiting https://www.mcdeconomicimpact.com/state-impacts/ma .   DATELINE BEACON HILL CLIMATE TECH, AI & LIFE SCI — Gov. Maura Healey keeps offering more glimpses into the economic development bill she plans to file this week. The legislation will call to reauthorize the state’s life sciences investment initiative, create a similar climate-tech program and spend $100 million on an “Applied AI Hub,” all to help generate new jobs. MassWorks, the state’s Rural Development Fund and the Seaport Economic Council would also see new infusions of cash, Healey announced during a Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce forum on Tuesday. There’s still no word on the total dollar figure for the borrowing bill. Despite months of less-than-stellar revenues, Healey pointed to the state’s “excellent” bond rating as cause for optimism. ON THE DOCKET — The Governor's Council could vote today on whether to approve Healey's former romantic partner and appellate court Judge Gabrielle Wolohojian to the state's top court. Wolohojian largely escaped questions during a hearing last week about potential conflicts of interest or recusals, and one councilmember now tells The Boston Globe it was because she felt "uncomfortable" to ask the judge about it so "blatantly." DEPARTURE LOUNGE — Longtime Newton state Rep. Kay Khan is the latest legislator to announce she won’t be seeking another term this fall, the Fig City News reports . It’s the second open House seat representing the city, after state Rep. Ruth Balser announced her plans to retire at the end of her term. STEPPING UP — Plymouth Republican Dee Wallace Spencer plans to launch her campaign on March 7 for the seat GOP state Rep. Mathew Muratore is giving up as he runs for state Senate. — “Healey's municipal reform plan criticized, praised,” by Christian M. Wade, The Eagle-Tribune: “Open government advocates are among critics pushing back against Gov. Maura Healey’s proposal to make permanent pandemic-related municipal policies, arguing that the plan falls short on government transparency. The legislation would make permanent COVID-19 pandemic-era policies like allowing communities to host hybrid public meetings and authorizing restaurants to offer outdoor dining and sell to-go cocktails with takeout food orders."   SUBSCRIBE TO GLOBAL PLAYBOOK: Don’t miss out on POLITICO’s Global Playbook, the newsletter taking you inside pivotal discussions at the most influential gatherings in the world, including WEF in Davos, Milken Global in Beverly Hills, to UNGA in NYC and many more. Suzanne Lynch delivers the world's elite and influential moments directly to you. Stay in the global loop. SUBSCRIBE NOW .     WHAT'S ON CAMPBELL'S DOCKET DON’T FOLLOW SUIT — State officials warned there would be consequences for cities and towns that fail to comply with the MBTA Communities law. Now Milton is facing them — both from the Healey administration (which revoked a grant from the town last week) and now from Attorney General Andrea Campbell , who filed a lawsuit on Tuesday asking the state’s top court to order Milton to pass a compliant zoning plan within three months . It’s a warning sign to other communities considering ignoring the law — including towns like Holden, which is already facing a lawsuit from housing advocacy groups for its noncompliance. Healey said she “strongly” supports the lawsuit in a GBH “Boston Public Radio” interview . But even as they push punishments, both Healey and Campbell insist they want to find solutions. "This is not about a fight or fighting each other," Campbell said at a press conference. "This is about working to address the housing crisis.” GO DEEPER — "Milton Select Board divided on next steps," by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Beacon.   A message from McDonald's:   PARTY POLITICS DIEHL is an extremist, discarded by the majority of Massachusetts voters and he can't SHUT UP.  DIEHL received 34.6% of the vote and defines all that is wrong with the MASS GOP. How many more elections will he loose?  MORE FIGHTS! MORE SKIRMISHES!   Massachusetts gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2022 https://ballotpedia.org/Massachusetts_gubernatorial_and_lieutenant_gubernatorial_election,_2022 DRUMROLL PLEASE — Geoff Diehl’s big announcement: He wants a debate against conservative radio host Howie Carr over the slates of candidates they’re backing for the Republican State Committee in next week’s elections. Diehl is backing the “Massachusetts Freedom Slate” of conservatives (including himself and his wife, KathyJo Boss ) who, if they win enough seats, could potentially knock out Amy Carnevale as MassGOP chair before her term is up . Carr is backing candidates who are generally more friendly to Carnevale and, in this iteration of the GOP, considered more “establishment.” Jeff Kuhner, who hosts “The Kuhner Report” radio show that this all went down on, sounded disappointed on air. He, like Carr and other Republican activists, thought Diehl was going on the show to say he was running for state GOP chair, or that he was going to go ahead with the state Senate bid he’s been mulling. Instead, Diehl pitched a debate that’s never going to happen. He said he’s not looking to lead the state Republican Party. And he said the former chair, Jim Lyons , isn’t either. One thing that’s clear from this kerfuffle: Diehl’s still salty about Carr backing his GOP primary rival, Chris Doughty , in the last governor’s race. In a post on X on Tuesday, Diehl accused the MassGOP of taking $10,000 from Carr’s wife only to turn around and pay Carr’s radio show in what he alleged was a “Pay-To-Play” scheme. But the MassGOP already said the $500-per-month payments are being made to cover outstanding invoices for advertisements authorized by Lyons in support of Diehl’s failed gubernatorial bid. MUST READ! LORI KAUFFMAN IS A REAL WHACK-A-DING!  excerpt: Also on the ballot for First Suffolk District MassGOP Committeewoman is Elizabeth Hinds-Ferrick, a doctorally educated assistant director at the state Department of Transitional Assistance. Running for Committeeman are Daniel Kelly and Timothy Smyth. Meanwhile, the MassGOP is denouncing a different candidate running for State Committee after she appeared to post anti-Semitic, anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ+ comments on X. It's not the first time the party has done so: The State Committee passed a resolution in December condemning her “repugnant views” and urging her not to run for a seat. FROM THE DELEGATION TIME OF TRANSITION — Rep. Jake Auchincloss ’ PAC is undergoing a rebrand to focus more specifically on electing a Democratic majority to pass “meaningful legislation to combat gun violence,” Auchincloss spokesperson Matt Corridoni first told Playbook. Auchincloss is planning to relaunch the MA 4 Dems PAC in mid-March under the name Beyond Thoughts and Prayers. He’ll hold a corresponding event in Newton featuring Rep. Lucy McBath (D-Ga.), a former spokesperson and faith and outreach leader for Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action, whose son was killed in a shooting in 2012. But he’ll be moving forward without Corridoni, a political communications veteran and Rep. Seth Moulton , Pete Buttigieg and DCCC alum. Auchincloss’ office is seeking a communications director, according to a job posting first reported by WPRI’s Ted Nesi . Corridoni won’t say where he’s going.   On the ground in Albany. Get critical policy news and analysis inside New York State. Track how power brokers are driving change across legislation and budget and impacting lobbying efforts. Learn more .     FROM THE HUB — “Boston Mayor Wu kills her plan to move O’Bryant school after community blowback, source says,” by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: “A controversial plan to move the highly rated O’Bryant School to West Roxbury has been killed following community blowback, marking a major setback for Mayor Michelle Wu, who proposed and touted it as a ‘transformative investment’ for the city.” FROM THE 413 — “Northampton council to take up cease-fire resolutions in online-only meeting Tuesday night,” by Alexander MacDougall, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “One of those resolutions calls for ‘an immediate, enduring and permanent cease-fire by both sides, suspension of unrestricted military aid from the United States, the provision of unrestricted, life-saving humanitarian aid in Gaza, and the release of all hostages taken by Hamas and Palestinian political detainees.’ The other resolution calls for support of Jewish, Arab and Muslim members of the Northampton community, and condemns antisemitism and Islamophobia. A third resolution … calls for a cease-fire, but adds to calling on the United States to halt all weapons sales to Israel.”   A message from McDonald's: McDonald’s is an economic engine for the state of Massachusetts, contributing over $700 million to our state’s economy, directly employing nearly 11,600 Massachusettsans and supporting an additional 2,750 jobs statewide. It’s also an engine of opportunity: 1 in 4 independent McDonald’s operators in Massachusetts began their careers as restaurant crew members, generating wealth for their families and local communities. We are proud to support Massachusetts through public schools, parks and more from the nearly $125 million in federal, state and local tax revenue generated by the McDonald’s System’s activities. And thanks to the generosity of McDonald’s customers and owner/operators, the $700,000 raised through Ronald McDonald House Charities in 2022 provided over 7,000 overnight stays for families with children receiving medical care in Massachusetts. Learn more about McDonald’s impact on local communities in Massachusetts and nationally by visiting https://www.mcdeconomicimpact.com/state-impacts/ma .   THE LOCAL ANGLE — “Brockton police chief says school security plan must be reviewed in light of disruption at high school,” by Lila Hempel-Edgers, The Boston Globe. HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH SPOTTED — mingling and snacking on charcuterie and fennel flatbreads at the Serve America Victory Fund launch at Boston’s Rochambeau restaurant: Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll , Auditor Diana DiZoglio , Veterans Secretary Jon Santiago , state Reps. Manny Cruz, Kristen Kassner, Thomas Walsh, Jerry Parisella and Shirley Arriaga ; Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn and Governor’s Councilor Eileen Duff . HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Sean Fitzgerald, former state environmental affairs secretary and current Fisheries and Wildlife Board Vice Chair Bob Durand, POLITICO’s Charlie Mahtesian, Ben Gundersheimer and Li-Dor David. Happy belated to Chaim Bloom, who celebrated Tuesday. 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 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: Healey's no good very bad day

BY LISA KASHINSKY AND KELLY GARRITY With help from Mia McCarthy PERFECT STORM — And we thought the toughest thing Maura Healey would have to deal with Wednesday was selling her budget to some skeptical lawmakers. Instead, the governor found herself under fire for nominating her former romantic partner to the state’s highest court and was later left hanging by two of her allies, Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, when they voted to block the federal border deal that could have funneled desperately needed dollars toward Massachusetts and other states overwhelmed by an influx of migrants. Gov. Maura Healey is navigating a difficult stretch. | Lisa Kashinsky/POLITICO Healey defended her decision to nominate Gabrielle Wolohojian , a longtime Appeals Court judge, as her second pick to the Supreme Judicial Court . Wolohojian was unanimously recommended to Healey by the committee that vets SJC selections on her behalf. The governor wouldn’t say if the panel gave her any other names to consider. “I don’t want the fact she had a personal relationship with me to deprive the commonwealth of the person who's most qualified for the position,” Healey said. The best the warped MASS GOP can do is speak out in the mindless Boston Herald? That defines their audience. MASS GOP has consistently promoted and supported unqualified, incompetent candidates, ignoring lack of QUALIFICATIONS. But it might. Healey, who typically avoids putting her private life in the spotlight, is now inviting scrutiny of her personal affairs. While leaders in the legal community contend the pair’s past relationship won’t be an issue, it quickly became a political talking point. The MassGOP slammed the nomination as “highly inappropriate.” And it was predictably torn apart in the opinion pages of the Boston Herald. Those concerns are reaching the Governor’s Council, which now faces the thorny task of deciding whether a seasoned judge who happens to be Healey’s former flame can ascend to the state’s top judicial bench. The Council is expected to take up the nomination on Feb. 21. Councilors Terry Kennedy and Eileen Duff — who said they first urged Wolohojian to apply for a seat on the SJC seven or eight years ago — both told Playbook the nomination was a “courageous” move by the governor. “She’s the most qualified person in the state,” Duff said. But another member, Tara Jacobs, questioned whether Wolohojian would have to recuse herself from cases involving the Executive Branch because of a conflict of interest. (Healey insisted Wolohojian wouldn’t, saying she doesn’t as an appellate judge.). Healey drew some attention away from the controversy by unleashing her sharpest criticism yet of Congress for abandoning the border bill. But while the governor was railing against Republicans for walking away from the bipartisan deal, the state’s two Democratic senators were among the band of five progressives voting against advancing it . Their dissension ultimately didn’t matter — Republicans had the numbers to tank the deal regardless of how the Democrats voted. “I can’t vote for a deal that’s dead and make those immigration provisions the starting basis for the next round of negotiations,” Warren told reporters at the Capitol. Markey expressed similar sentiments in a statement, raising concerns with policy changes that he said would have “eviscerat[ed] due process protections” for migrants. But the deal’s demise is still a major blow to Healey, who engaged in private conversations with the White House and the congressional delegation as she publicly lobbied for the bill’s passage . And it’s yet another setback as she scrounges for millions more dollars to support the state’s overburdened shelter system. GOOD THURSDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Healey also nominated four district court judges Wednesday, as the former attorney general continues to reshape the state’s judiciary. TODAY — is Healey’s birthday. Neither she nor Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll have any public events. Tips? Scoops? Hit us up: lkashinsky@politico.com and kgarrity@politico.com .   DON’T MISS POLITICO’S GOVERNORS SUMMIT: Join POLITICO on Feb. 22 to dive into how Governors are wielding immense power. While Washington remains gridlocked, governors are at the center of landmark decisions in AI and tech, economic development, infrastructure, housing, reproductive health and energy. How are they setting the stage for the future of American politics, policies and priorities? How are they confronting major challenges? Explore these questions and more at the 2024 Governors Summit. REGISTER HERE .     DATELINE BEACON HILL Gov. Maura Healey and Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew Gorzkowicz testified before the Legislature's Ways and Means Committee on her fiscal year 2025 budget. | Lisa Kashinsky/POLITICO FISCAL ‘WINTER’ IS HERE — The Legislature’s chief budget writers issued grim fiscal forecasts during a budget hearing in which they warned “additional adjustments” to the current state spending plan may be warranted and telegraphed continued belt-tightening for the next one. “Winter isn’t just coming, folks,” House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz said. “It’s already here.” Gov. Maura Healey and her finance secretary, Matthew Gorzkowicz , defended her roughly $58 billion spending plan in the face of slumping tax collections, saying it is based on “the best estimates available … through our consensus revenue process.” Healey is calling to increase state spending by about $2 billion in fiscal year 2025, and is asking lawmakers to balance that by trimming $450 million from various line items, avoiding spending increases in other areas and seeking new revenue sources. But if revenues keep falling short of benchmarks, Michlewitz told Playbook the House would consider crafting a spending plan that’s even less than what Healey put on the table. “That’s certainly an option based off of how the revenues have been tracking,” Michlewitz said. “We still have to see where the next couple of months go before making that declaration.” Catch up on the budget hearing with the Boston Herald . ONTO SUPER TUESDAY — Dudley Selectman John Marsi is all-but guaranteed to take over the 6th Worcester House seat state Sen. Peter Durant vacated for his new post. Southbridge Town Councilor David Adams conceded the GOP primary Wednesday, sending Marsi onto the March 5 special general election in which he faces no Democratic opponent. But there is a Democrat waiting to challenge him in November: Jeanne Costello , the vice chair of the Dudley-Charlton regional school committee, filed to run for the seat Wednesday after scrapping plans for a write-in campaign in the special election. POUR ONE OUT FOR THESE BILLS — Bringing back happy hour is off the legislative menu (again) (for now). But bills that would legalize medical aid in dying, update the state’s sex-education guidelines and give state employees health insurance on their first day of employment are among those moving forward after receiving favorable reports from their committees by Wednesday’s Joint Rule 10 deadline. Hanging in the balance: bills that would revive rent control and boost tenant protections (the Housing Committee asked for an extension until April 18) and the so-called CHERISH Act that would create a path toward debt-free college (the Higher Education Committee filed an extension until March 1). — “‘An urgent, urgent issue’: Bill advances to give state authority in choosing reading curriculum,” by Mandy McLaren, The Boston Globe. SMITTY’S NEXT STEPS — State Rep. Smitty Pignatelli chatted with WAMC Northeast Public Radio about the decision to end his 22-year run on Beacon Hill, what’s next for him (“Trying to keep West-East rail on the front burner”) and the nascent race to replace him (he’s talked two people interested so far). MIGRANTS IN MASSACHUSETTS IT’S GIVING SURROGATE — A day after President Joe Biden accused former President Donald Trump of pushing congressional Republicans to torch the border deal for political purposes, Healey did the same. The bipartisan agreement would have “ended the migrant crisis and the inflow of people into this country,” said Healey, who is serving as a surrogate for Biden’s reelection campaign. “It’s incredibly frustrating that we were that close to a deal that, by the way, was negotiated and developed by a Republican, a Democrat and an independent. And all that went away because Donald Trump said something.” Meanwhile, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said on “Java with Jimmy” that the overflow shelter site for migrant and homeless families at the Cass Recreational Complex in Roxbury is nearing its 400-person capacity a week after it opened. More from the Boston Herald . A Suffolk University poll showed voters are split over the governor’s decision to move migrants from Logan Airport to the recreation center at the expense of community programs that use the facility. A plurality, 49 percent, of respondents supported the move, while 40 percent opposed it. The statewide survey of 1,000 registered voters was conducted Feb. 2-5 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points. — “Next stop Seaport? Fort Point neighbors told brace for migrants,” by Gayla Cawley and Joe Dwinell, Boston Herald: “ The city has warned startled Fort Point neighbors to be ready for migrants to move into their Seaport district. The Healey administration is eyeing an office building on Farnsworth Street as the next spot to house homeless migrants, the Herald has learned. The location is amid the bustling Seaport not far from the Children’s Museum. … An email sharing the potential migrant move to the Seaport area obtained by the Herald goes on to say other groups ‘need to be communicated with’ about the possibility of migrants squeezing into the area.” — “Compassion vies with concern, confusion over migrant shelter at ‘the Cass’,” by Mandile Mpofu, The Bay State Banner.   YOUR GUIDE TO EMPIRE STATE POLITICS : From the newsroom that doesn’t sleep, POLITICO's New York Playbook is the ultimate guide for power players navigating the intricate landscape of Empire State politics. Stay ahead of the curve with the latest and most important stories from Albany, New York City and around the state, with in-depth, original reporting to stay ahead of policy trends and political developments. Subscribe now to keep up with the daily hustle and bustle of NY politics.      YAHD SIGNS AND BUMPAH STICKAHS CAMPAIGN SZN — Candidates running for office this year can begin pulling nomination papers, Secretary of State Bill Galvin announced Wednesday. Candidates running for district or county offices have until April 30 to collect signatures and submit them with their local clerks. Those eyeing federal office have until May 7 if they’re running in a party primary, or June 30 if they’re launching a non-party bid. Speaking of federal office, Rep. Richard Neal has a challenger: Nadia Milleron , Ralph Nader ’s niece and an attorney-turned-aviation-safety advocate whose daughter died several years ago in a Boeing plane crash in Ethiopia. Milleron, who lives in Sheffield, filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission earlier this month and confirmed to Playbook that she’s running. She’s holding a virtual meet-and-greet with the group of primarily Democratic activists who launched a website in 2022 critiquing Neal’s record, according to an email invitation obtained by Playbook. Milleron is running as an independent, according to her FEC filing. THAT'S ALL SHE WROTE — Self-help author Marianne Williamson ended her second presidential campaign last night , leaving Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) as the sole major primary challenger to Biden. The Suffolk poll showed Biden crushing them both among likely Democratic primary voters in the state, with 70 percent support compared to 6 percent for Phillips and 5 percent for Williamson. Biden also beat Trump and third-party candidates Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West in a hypothetical general-election matchup. Biden had 45 percent support, Trump had 26 percent, Kennedy won 9 percent and West had 2 percent. DAY IN COURT — “Former alderman gets two years in federal bribery case that rocked Somerville and Medford,” by Gintautas Dumcius, CommonWealth Beacon: “An attempt to bribe Medford’s police chief — part of a scheme to obtain approvals for a marijuana company that would earn him a six-figure yearly payout — earned former Somerville attorney and alderman Sean O’Donovan a two-year federal prison sentence.” — “3rd Mass. State trooper charged in driver’s license bribery scandal pleads not guilty,” by Will Katcher, MassLive. — “Ousted pot boss O’Brien’s appeal denied; hearing over job can go forward,” by Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald. FROM THE DELEGATION — “4 months after Hamas' attack on Israel, Mass. congressional delegation split on ceasefire,” by Adam Reilly, GBH News: “The most striking example is Rep. Stephen Lynch. Immediately after the Oct. 7 attacks, he focused on their brutality and the need for unequivocal U.S. support for Israel. But on Jan. 19, Lynch added his name to the list of congressional members calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.” HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH CASHING IN ON THE HYPE — Mass. Lottery is running a Super Bowl ad locally featuring “Taylor,” but not the Taylor (Swift, of course). TRANSITIONS — Healey named Andy Koziol as her East-West Rail director . — Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian is now vice chair of the Council of State Governments Justice Center Advisory Board. — Marc Aidinoff will be an assistant professor of the history and social studies of technology at Harvard. He was chief of staff for the Office of Science and Technology Policy at the White House. — MAB Community Services CEO Barbara Salisbury is retiring. She previously served as the state’s budget director under former Gov. Mike Dukakis. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Gov. Maura Healey, Ben Stevens of Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, Jacob Foose and Larry Ruttman . NEW HORSE RACE ALERT: BIVALVE PARTISANSHIP — Lisa Kashinsky checks in on the state of the state GOP a year into Chair Amy Carnevale ’s tenure. Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith talk polls and ballot measures. 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 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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