POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: What N.H. losing FITN means for Mass.

 

View in browser   BY LISA KASHINSKY AT FIRST SLIGHT — The 2024 Republican presidential primary is ramping up in New Hampshire just as Democrats are preparing to strip away the state's plum perch in their lineup. Former President Donald Trump kicked things off on the Republican side when he returned to the Granite State on Saturday for the first time since 2020 to pitch party activists and, as POLITICO scooped , announce former state GOP chair Stephen Stepanek as a senior adviser for his third White House bid. Former President Donald Trump speaks during the New Hampshire Republican State Committee 2023 annual meeting, Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, in Salem, N.H. (AP Photo/Reba Saldanha) | AP He also slammed Democrats for “cruelly and disgracefully trashing” the state’s “beloved” first-in-the-nation primary, just days before Democratic National Committee members are expected to approve President Joe Biden’s plan to make South Carolina the first primary next year. Nevada and New Hampshire would share the second date. Here’s where things get complicated. In order to share the No. 2 spot in the lineup, New Hampshire would have to change its law requiring that its primary be held at least seven days before any other state's. The DNC granted New Hampshire Democrats an extension to get that done and to expand access to early voting, another requirement to stay in the early window. But even if Democrats wanted to acquiesce to the DNC’s requests, Republicans who control the governor’s office and the Legislature aren’t biting. New Hampshire could go rogue and hold the first Democratic primary anyway — a move that could bring consequences for the state party and, perhaps more importantly, for candidates who buck the DNC’s chosen calendar. That doesn’t appear to be deterring Marianne Williamson , the author, activist and 2020 Democratic presidential contender who’s already planning her return to New Hampshire. But it’s an open question whether Democrats with a clearer shot at the nomination would take the risk. And that brings us back to Massachusetts. New Hampshire’s demise on the Democratic side would cost candidates and operatives here a key springboard in their own backyard. “Presidential campaigns have always recruited talent from Massachusetts," Joe Caiazzo, who’s worked on Sen. Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaigns and statewide campaigns in Massachusetts, told Playbook. "This tradition has developed a pipeline of Democratic operatives that have played significant roles in national and state politics for generations." And while Massachusetts candidates are by no means guaranteed an advantage in New Hampshire — we all remember how poorly they fared north of the border in 2020 — losing that local launchpad would still be a huge blow. Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., waves at her supporters as she arrives on stage during the McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, in Manchester, N.H. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) | AP GOOD MONDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Abortion-rights advocates are launching a new hotline that will offer free and confidential legal advice and resources to Massachusetts health providers and patients seeking the procedure here. The Abortion Legal Hotline is a joint effort between Attorney General Andrea Campbell, Reproductive Equity Now, the Women’s Bar Foundation, ACLU of Massachusetts and five major law firms. They’ll formally unveil the hotline at 9:30 a.m. at the attorney general’s office alongside Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, Rep. Ayanna Pressley and former AG Martha Coakley. The hotline also marks Campbell’s first big step toward fulfilling her campaign pledge to protect and expand access to reproductive care. TODAY — Gov. Maura Healey , Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll , top lawmakers and budget writers meet at 2 p.m. at the Senate president’s office with a press conference to follow. It’s the governor’s second leadership meeting and the first that will include Republican minority leaders state Sen. Bruce Tarr and state Rep. Brad Jones . Boston Mayor Michelle Wu participates in the city’s homeless census beginning at 11:30 p.m. at City Hall. Tips? Scoops? Settled on which team you're rooting for in the Super Bowl? Meh. Email me: lkashinsky@politico.com .   JOIN POLITICO ON 2/9 TO HEAR FROM AMERICA’S GOVERNORS: In a divided Congress, more legislative and policy enforcement will shift to the states, meaning governors will take a leading role in setting the agenda for the nation. Join POLITICO on Thursday, Feb. 9 at World Wide Technology's D.C. Innovation Center for The Fifty: America's Governors, where we will examine where innovations are taking shape and new regulatory red lines, the future of reproductive health, and how climate change is being addressed across a series of one-on-one interviews. REGISTER HERE .     PARTY POLITICS — REPUBLICAN ROW: MassGOP Chair Jim Lyons was dealt a significant blow in his battle to retain control of the state party late last week, but he’s still swinging. A superior court judge has ordered Lindsay Valanzola to be put back on the MassGOP state committee after Lyons vacated her seat by claiming she no longer lived in her district. The judge also ordered Lyons to not interfere with Valanzola voting in Tuesday’s leadership election — in which she told Playbook she’ll cast her ballot for anyone but Lyons. Lyons sort-of responded with an email to state committee members accusing his main competition for chair, Amy Carnevale , of being involved in a “smear” campaign to undermine his leadership. Carnevale dismissed the “eleventh hour attempt to malign my character” in a statement. She called it “a blatant effort to distract from the fact that under Jim Lyons, the party has failed on every measurable metric. Anyone who knows me and my record of service to the party, knows that I have always served with integrity.” — NOT ON MY BINGO CARD: Lyons has one new supporter in his corner — Harmeet Dhillon , the California Republican who just lost her bid to lead the Republican National Committee in resounding fashion to Chair Ronna McDaniel . Dhillon tweeted Sunday that MassGOP members should give Lyons another term, calling him “a friend who listens to the grassroots voters in your state, not just what party bosses & elites think.” Lyons tweeted his thanks. — WATCH: Former GOP auditor hopeful Anthony Amore discuss his party’s future with WBZ’s Jon Keller . DATELINE BEACON HILL — “Gov. Maura Healey calls workforce challenges ‘devastating’ in Mass. health care,” by Alison Kuznitz, MassLive: “In an increasingly familiar refrain, Gov. Maura Healey sounded the alarm about acute workforce shortages to hundreds of health care leaders and medical professionals Friday. … Healey stopped short of disclosing new potential state funding or legislative initiatives for the health care workforce at the meeting, though the new governor told reporters there’s ‘an array of things we need to do.’ She spoke broadly about expanding telehealth options and sending more mobile health units into communities.” — “Healey says she's open to changes on implementing ‘millionaires tax’,” by Benjamin Kail, Boston Business Journal: “Gov. Maura Healey says she’s open to proposals on how to implement the so-called ‘millionaires tax,’ in light of suggested changes to the recently-approved 4% surtax on all earnings topping $1 million. But the governor won't budge on ensuring that the new revenue source goes toward education and transportation as approved by voters.” — “‘5% or less’: Massachusetts rent control advocates rally at the State House,” by Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald: “A group of state legislators last week filed a legislative package that introduces a clearer framework for municipal rent control than other local option bills filed in recent years, with stronger tenant protections and stronger limits on rent increases, advocates say. Saturday’s rally focused on the new package, with many ‘5% or less’ chants. The 5% refers to how the bill would give municipalities the option to adopt a rent control policy that would tie rent increases to the inflation rate, with a maximum annual increase of 5%.” — “Gas stove bans weighed amid health, climate concerns,” by Christian M. Wade, Eagle-Tribune: “Massachusetts could become the latest front in the culture war clash over gas stoves, with legislative proposals being considered that would restrict or ban the fossil-fuel powered appliances in new homes. On Beacon Hill, a group of progressive Democratic lawmakers have filed proposals that would require the state to draft regulations restricting gas ranges and other appliances in new construction.” — WATCH: UMass President Marty Meehan voice support on WCVB’s “On the Record” for Gov. Maura Healey ’s plan to make community college free for those over age 25 without college degrees, as opposed to Senate President Karen Spilka ’s proposal to eliminate tuition and fees for all. “It’s not so much that it’s an age limit,” Meehan said. “It’s that there’s a real need because folks are in the workforce who don’t have a degree” and could be earning more money if they had one. FROM THE HUB — “After Wu's speech, Walsh defends his time in City Hall,” by Gintautas Dumcius, Dorchester Reporter: “Days after Mayor Michelle Wu used part of her ‘State of the City’ speech to critique the past decade of development in the city, her predecessor appeared to offer a defense of his administration’s time inside City Hall. Appearing before the business-backed New England Council on Friday, US Labor Secretary Marty Walsh devoted a significant portion of his remarks to laying out some of his administration’s successes.” — "Advocates call for re-commitment to Boston police reform after fatal beating of Tyre Nichols," by Walter Wuthmann, WBUR: " 'It shows how much work we have to do as a country, and as a society,' said Mayor Michelle Wu. But Wu said she’s confident in the police reform process underway in the city."   DOWNLOAD THE POLITICO MOBILE APP: Stay up to speed with the newly updated POLITICO mobile app, featuring timely political news, insights and analysis from the best journalists in the business. The sleek and navigable design offers a convenient way to access POLITICO's scoops and groundbreaking reporting. Don’t miss out on the app you can rely on for the news you need, reimagined. DOWNLOAD FOR iOS – DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID .     WARREN REPORT — EYES EMOJI: Sen. Elizabeth Warren has repeatedly said President Joe Biden “should” run for a second term. But she stopped short of saying Vice President Kamala Harris should again be his running mate when asked on GBH’s “Boston Public Radio” Friday. “I really want to defer to what makes Biden comfortable on his team,” Warren said. “I’ve known Kamala for a long time. I like Kamala. I knew her back when she was an attorney general and I was still teaching and we worked on the housing crisis together, so we go way back. But they need — they have to be a team, and my sense is they are — I don’t mean that by suggesting I think there are any problems. I think they are.” PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES — “MBTA can’t afford bus network overhaul, oversight board says,” by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: “Brian Kane, executive director of the MBTA Advisory Board, said communities that rely on the region’s public transit system are concerned that the T won’t be able to afford to implement bus network redesign, or that doing so ‘may require defunding or cutting service elsewhere.’” — “WRTA meets targets on ridership, costs in new state report,” by Cyrus Moulton, Telegram & Gazette: “The word around City Hall is that the Worcester Regional Transit Authority is a disaster. … But a recent state report evaluating the 15 regional transit authorities on nine performance metrics tells a different story.” TODAY'S SPECIAL (ELECTION) — “Attleboro mayoral candidate John Davis says he'll forgo salary if elected,” by Jim Hand, The Sun Chronicle: “Mayoral candidate John Davis announced Sunday he would decline to take a city salary for the rest of 2023 if he wins the Feb. 28 special election in Attleboro. … The starting salary for mayor is about $110,000 and has regularly scheduled raises. [Former Mayor Paul] Heroux was making $134,000 when he left.” THE LOCAL ANGLE — “Woburn teachers to strike Monday after contract talks fail to reach deal Sunday,” by John Hilliard, Boston Globe: “More than 500 Woburn educators are expected to walk the picket line Monday morning after a last-ditch effort by union and School Committee negotiators failed to broker a deal for a long-sought contract Sunday. The strike means no classes Monday for Woburn’s roughly 4,300 public school students.” — “Two people in crisis shot dead by police, two years apart. Will Massachusetts rethink armed response to mental health emergencies?” by Sonel Cutler and Ivy Scott, Boston Globe: “In July, Amherst swore in the state’s first team of unarmed responders. Meanwhile, similar efforts by Cambridge and Lynn have inched along over the past year, amid fierce debate over who should oversee crisis workers and how closely they should work with police. While joint responses by police and crisis workers to certain emergencies are used across the state, including in Boston, Lowell, and Framingham, a fully unarmed alternative has been slower to gain traction.” — “Heroux Pitches Second Option for New Bedford’s Ash Street Jail Closure,” by Marcus Ferro, WBSM. — MARIJUANA IN MASSACHUSETTS: “Cannabis gross sales in Massachusetts top $4-billion,” by Amy Phillips, WWLP. — IN MEMORIAM: “Former Cambridge mayor Alice Wolf, an advocate for refugees and LGBTQ equality, dies at 89,” by Bryan Marquard, Boston Globe. MEANWHILE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE — "New Hampshire GOP governor says he’s considering 2024 White House bid," by Paul LeBlanc and Kit Maher, CNN: "GOP Gov. Chris Sununu of New Hampshire said Sunday he is considering a White House bid in 2024, citing the Granite State’s 'live free or die' spirit as a model for the Republican Party." — CHANGING OF THE GUARD: Chris Ager is the new chair of the New Hampshire GOP. Ager, a Republican National Committee member, was elected at the state party's annual meeting Saturday. He defeated Lou Gargiulo , one of former President Donald Trump 's 2020 campaign co-chairs in the state, for the post. HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH TRANSITIONS — Northeastern University professor Alan Mislove has accepted a temporary position as assistant director for data and democracy in the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy. — Brendan Christopher is now a legislative aide for state Rep. Dawne Shand. Christopher previously interned for state Rep. Michael Day and was deputy campaign manager for state Sen. Susan Moran. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Ed 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? 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POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook:

View in browser   BY LISA KASHINSKY Presented by THE LONG GOODBYE — “Do you want me to just start crying first?” Gov. Charlie Baker, fresh off Thanksgiving break, was at a recovery center in Quincy discussing his administration’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis. The speaker, a man in recovery, was growing emotional. The governor, who's known to cry in public, interjected with the show of support. It was one of the first stops on Baker’s goodbye tour — a series of events highlighting his administration’s work on everything from South Coast commuter rail service to broadband expansion in western Massachusetts. It concludes with a farewell address at 2 p.m. , which will be followed tomorrow by his “lone walk” out of the State House. Baker leaves office consistently ranked as one of the nation’s most popular governors, lauded for his commitment to a seemingly bygone era of bipartisanship and undented by deadly failures at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, the Registry of Motor Vehicles and the MBTA. Over two terms he shepherded the state budget from a structural deficit to a surplus — “the financial situation in the commonwealth has probably never been better,” Baker told Playbook in an interview in his ceremonial office last week. He reshaped the state’s judiciary, championed the offshore wind industry and, with Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, strengthened the relationship between state and local government. But opioids remain a problem . The T has fallen under federal review. And Baker lamented his inability to sell clean tech innovation and permanent tax relief for seniors and low-income families to the Legislature — but sees hope for both under Gov.-elect Maura Healey. Baker also leaves a power vacuum atop the state GOP, which will have no statewide officers and fewer seats in the Legislature. Baker said it’s “unwise” to write off the shrinking party: “In the 1980s, no joke, people wrote similar kinds of stories that the GOP was dead … and then Bill Weld got elected governor.” But he wouldn’t say whether he feels a responsibility to help heal its deep divisions. “Parties are supposed to win elections, thereby making it possible to govern and to hold the other party accountable,” Baker said. This month’s GOP leadership election will “certainly send a message about whether they want to win races or not.” Baker, who’s called for MassGOP Chair Jim Lyons’ ouster, said he would “probably not” endorse someone else for chair. Here are more excerpts from Playbook’s interview with Baker, edited for length and clarity: Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker speaks during an interview at the Massachusetts State House Tuesday Dec. 27, 2022, in Boston, Mass. (AP Photo/Reba Saldanha) | AP — On why he’s leaving one grueling job for another — NCAA president: "College athletics is one of the most significant human potential development operations we have for young people … and it's going to go through a very transformational period here. … I think I have the kind of work and life experience that can help work through some of that." — On what else he hopes Healey will carry forward from his tenure: "She and [Lt. Gov.-elect] Kim Driscoll have talked a lot about housing, and Kim has done a lot of work on housing [as mayor of] Salem, which I consider to be sort of the single biggest existential threat we’ve got. … I hope they can get back into some kind of a rhythm with the Legislature on those Monday [weekly leadership] meetings. The pandemic blew them up." — On whether he’ll informally advise Healey after she takes office: "No. If the governor-elect and the lieutenant governor-elect want to talk to me about anything, I am going to be available. But it’s their show." — On whether he’d ever run for Congress or president: "I have a new job I’m very excited about … [but] nobody ever should say never when it comes to public life." GOOD TUESDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Happy new year! I hope you had a great holiday. TODAY — Healey and Driscoll continue their pre-inauguration community service tour with events at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South in Taunton at 12:30 p.m. and Family Table Collaborative in South Yarmouth at 3 p.m. Did you miss me? Let's reconnect. Send your tips and scoops to lkashinsky@politico.com .   A message from Delta Dental of Massachusetts: When it comes to overall health, Delta Dental is here to help you embrace a new “flossophy.” Oral health is a key predictor of overall health and can have a big impact on your later years. Protecting you from things like heart disease, diabetes, and depression. That’s why we’re reminding communities all over the state that a healthy smile is a powerful thing. Discover the connection between oral and overall health at ExpressYourHealthMA.org.   TRANSITION TIME — NO DAYS OFF: Gov.-elect Maura Healey filled several key Cabinet positions over the holidays. Rebecca Tepper, the chief of the attorney general’s energy and environment bureau, is the next secretary of energy and environmental affairs, POLITICO first reported . Tepper joins Melissa Hoffer as the state’s first Cabinet-level climate chief. Healey also named transit veterans Gina Fiandaca, a Walsh mayoral administration alum, and Monica Tibbits-Nutt as transportation secretary and undersecretary , respectively. Patrick Tutwiler, a former Lynn Public Schools superintendent, will be the next education secretary. Matt Gorzkowicz is the incoming administration and finance secretary. Paige Scott Reed will serve as chief legal counsel. And, new this morning, Grammy award-winner Brandi Carlile will headline Healey and Lt. Gov.-elect Kim Driscoll’s inaugural celebration Thursday at the TD Garden. Healey's a fan of Carlile's music, which she said "explores themes of women’s empowerment, LGBTQ+ history, and the joy of community." Carlile married her wife, Catherine, in Massachusetts. — “Maura Healey begins inaugural tour with stops in Springfield, Worcester,” by Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald. — “‘An extension of Maura’: Meet Tara Healey, sister, confidante, adviser to Massachusetts’ next governor,” by Samantha J. Gross, Boston Globe. — “From the first female governor to the next: Jane Swift has some advice for Maura Healey,” by Jesse Remedios, Boston Globe. — “The lieutenant governor isn’t usually a powerful post. Kim Driscoll may change that,” by Samantha J. Gross, Boston Globe: “Every morning, Kim Driscoll starts her day in Salem, where her time as the five-term mayor is quickly winding down before she is sworn in as lieutenant governor on Thursday. She meets with staff to prepare her transition out of city hall, and then switches gears, logging onto Zoom or heading into Boston, where she is heading up her new boss’s transition team. She interviews candidates for jobs and Cabinet positions in the incoming administration, and connects with members of her transition committees, who have been working for weeks on drafting policy proposals for the new governor and her lieutenant to consider.” — More: “Kim Driscoll could be the housing leader Massachusetts needs,” by Andrew Brinker, Boston Globe. — “Despite close relationship with Healey, Campbell must chart her own course as AG,” by Ivy Scott, Boston Globe. DATELINE BEACON HILL — BAKER MAKES THE ROUNDS: The Boston Globe’s Emma Platoff and Matt Stout unpack Gov. Charlie Baker’s legacy as a well-liked governor with “a rare ability to earn constituents’ trust and maintain it even when he faltered.” GBH’s Katie Lannan parses Baker’s legislative wins and losses . And MassLive’s Alison Kuznitz dives into Baker’s handling of the deadly Covid-19 outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers' Home, which the governor called the “biggest and worst” moment of the pandemic . — “Once Baker’s heir apparent, Karyn Polito will leave office with him. Some in the GOP hope it’s not for good,” by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “For now, Polito, 56, said she wants to build a post-State House ‘portfolio’ that includes helping steward her family’s real estate development company, where she is part owner, and serving on ‘some boards’ and in advisory roles. … Polito [who has more than $2 million in her campaign bank account] didn’t close the door to running for higher or different office, echoing comments she has made for years in obliquely addressing her future.” — “The state’s ‘front door’ to behavioral health care set to open as demand for services soars,” by Felice J. Freyer, Boston Globe: “Whether in crisis or just not sure where to turn, people will now be able to call or text the Behavioral Health Help Line – 833-773-BHHL – or walk into one of 25 designated centers. If all goes as planned, immediately a clinician will assess the situation and connect the person with help, regardless of the type of insurance they have. The opening of the Help Line is the first big step in the outgoing Baker administration’s ambitious plan to overhaul the state’s fragmented, understaffed system for people with mental illness or addiction.” — “Top state officials, including governor, set to receive a 20 percent pay hike, the largest in years,” by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “The pay of Massachusetts’ top elected officials, including Governor-elect Maura Healey, is set to swell by 20 percent in the new year, and the salaries of the Legislature’s top leaders could surge past $200,000, their fourth pay raise in as many legislative sessions.” — “In 2023, expect a renewed fight over Massachusetts’ minimum wage,” by Adam Reilly, GBH News: “Raise Up Massachusetts, a progressive coalition of labor, community and faith-based organizations, released a statement that celebrated the minimum wage finally reaching $15 as of Jan. 1, 2023 — but simultaneously described that new rate as inadequate.” — “In-person Mass. sports betting ‘soft launch’ plan timed for Super Bowl,” by Chris Van Buskirk, MassLive. VAX-ACHUSETTS — “More Massachusetts communities encourage students to mask upon return from winter break,” by Sera Congi, WCVB: “At least two more communities in Massachusetts are joining the city of Boston by asking their students, teachers and staff to wear masks during school after they return from winter break.” FROM THE HUB — 2023 AT A GLANCE: The Boston Herald’s Sean Philip Cotter lays out the coming year in Boston politics , from the City Council election, to Mayor Michelle Wu’s relationship with the incoming Democratic governor, to ongoing contract negotiations after the city’s largest police union filed for arbitration late last month. DAY IN COURT — “Judge dismisses GOP incumbent’s challenge to one-vote loss in Mass. House race,” by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “Judge Thomas Drechsler wrote that he ‘no longer has jurisdiction’ to review the results of the election between Republican state Representative Lenny Mirra and Hamilton Democrat Kristin Kassner because state officials have already certified Kassner as the winner." A judge hadn't ruled on Republican Andrew Shepherd's challenge of his seven-vote loss to Democrat Margaret Scarsdale in their 1st Middlesex state representatve race as of Friday. — “Boston COVID-19 vaccine mandate heading to Supreme Judicial Court this week,” by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: “In an echo of the headlines of a year ago, the battle between the city and its public-safety unions over coronavirus vaccine mandates will come before the state’s highest court this week. The Supreme Judicial Court will hear oral arguments Friday in the suit filed around this time in 2022 by unions representing all of Boston’s firefighters and some of its police officers.” The SJC is also expected on Wednesday to hear an appeal from the attorney general’s office after a lower court judge dismissed charges against former Holyoke Soldiers’ Home superintendent Bennett Walsh and medical director David Clinton in connection with the deadly Covid-19 outbreak there.   A message from Delta Dental of Massachusetts:     FROM THE DELEGATION — “Jim McGovern brings fight to end hunger to the halls of Congress,” by Tal Kopan, Boston Globe: “The $1.7 trillion [federal government spending package passed in late December] includes a provision McGovern championed to allow the government to replace benefits to recipients of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, that are stolen by card skimmers and fraudsters. In another major victory, McGovern and others succeeded in getting permanent meal coverage during the summers for children who rely on free and reduced school lunches.” — “Auchincloss reflects on first term, what lies ahead in US Congress,” by Tom Reilly, The Sun Chronicle. ROLLINS REPORT — “Rachael Rollins on first year, her own investigations and priorities,” by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: “U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins said she wants to keep a focus on beefing up anti-human-trafficking efforts — and hopes the investigations into her political actions don’t slow the office down. … ‘We’ve had more than 10 human trafficking cases in the first 11 months including sex trafficking, labor trafficking and human smuggling,’ Rollins said, touting the office’s efforts and pushing back on the idea that it’s less active.” Rollins said she’s “not at liberty” to talk about the DOJ investigation into her, which the Associated Press reported is partly over her attendance at a DNC fundraiser in Andover last July. But she expressed hope it doesn’t distract from her office’s “tremendous work.” IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN — “Tax breaks won’t do much for used electric-car shoppers, because of supply shortage,” by Hiawatha Bray, Boston Globe: “Starting (this) year, consumers will be eligible for thousands of dollars in federal and state incentives when they purchase used electric cars. Auto dealer Guy Bedau is eager to cash in on the bounty. All he needs is some used EVs to sell. But right now, he’s only got two.” THE LOCAL ELECTIONS ROUNDUP — THEY’RE RUNNING: Worcester Mayor Joe Petty says he’ll seek a historic seventh term after losing his state Senate bid, per the Telegram & Gazette’s Marco Cartolano. — “Former Fall River mayor Sam Sutter announces campaign to take on incumbent Paul Coogan,” by Jo C. Goode, Herald News. FROM THE 413 — “Incoming Berkshire district attorney Timothy Shugrue claims he didn’t get the transition help he needed. Email records show repeated outreach by Andrea Harrington’s office,” by Meg Britton-Mehlisch and Larry Parnass, Berkshire Eagle. THE LOCAL ANGLE — ICYMI FROM THE KENNEDY COMPOUND: Former Rep. Joe Kennedy III was named U.S. envoy to Northern Ireland , per POLITICO’s Shawn Pogatchnik. — CHANGING OF THE GUARD: Attleboro Mayor Paul Heroux will be sworn in as Bristol County sheriff at 5:30 p.m. at Durfee High School. Heroux defeated longtime GOP incumbent Tom Hodgson in November. — GUILTY: Vincent Gillespie, 61, of Athol was convicted on four counts , including assaulting, resisting or impeding officers, for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. He’s scheduled to be sentenced on March 17, per the Associated Press’ Steve LeBlanc. — “Access to medical abortion will soon be available on Cape Cod,” by Zane Razzaq, Cape Cod Times: “Access to abortion services will soon return to Cape Cod for the first time since 2008. … Health Imperatives, a nonprofit organization with clinics in Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket, will provide medical abortion at all seven locations after receiving $700,000 in new state funding. Julia Kehoe, the CEO and president, said she expects the service will be offered in July. … On Wednesday, the Baker-Polito administration announced $4.1 million in grants to 11 community organizations and health care providers, including Health Imperatives, to expand abortion access in under-served regions, increase use of telehealth, train providers, and improve outreach.” MEANWHILE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE — SPEAKING OF PARTY LEADERSHIP FIGHTS: Lou Gargiulo, who co-chaired former President Donald Trump’s 2020 campaign in New Hampshire, said Sunday in a lengthy Facebook post that he’s running for New Hampshire state GOP chair against Chris Ager. Ager, the state’s national committeeman on the RNC, is backed by another former Trump co-chair, state Rep. Fred Doucette.   A message from Delta Dental of Massachusetts: When it comes to oral health, Delta Dental of Massachusetts can help you achieve lifelong optimal health. There’s a strong connection between your body and the health of your mouth. Maintaining it now can have a positive impact for years to come. That’s why you should get back to the dentist for cleanings and oral cancer screenings. And, don’t forget to keep practicing good oral hygiene habits at home. A healthy mouth now will set the stage for a healthy future. Discover the connection between oral and overall health at ExpressYourHealthMA.org.   HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH TRANSITIONS — Molly McGlynn has taken over as press secretary for the state attorney general’s office ahead of Andrea Campbell’s swearing-in. McGlynn was political and communications director for Campbell’s campaign. — State Sen. Lydia Edwards, MassEquality Executive Director Tanya Neslusan, former secretary of state candidate Tanisha Sullivan, former lieutenant governor candidate state Rep. Tami Gouveia, Rivera Consulting’s Wilnelia Rivera, Northwind Strategies’ Doug Rubin, Shaleen Title, Mark Martinez, state Sen. Marc Pacheco, former state Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry and regional HUD administrator Juana Matias are among the 50-plus people on Auditor-elect Diana DiZoglio’s transition team. — Devin Sheehan will become chief of staff to Jake Oliveira when the state representative is sworn in as a senator tomorrow. Soumia Aitelhaj will be legislative director, Jennifer Pickerin will be district director, Derrick Cruz will be communications director and Noah Green a legislative aide. — Gov. Charlie Baker appointed outgoing GOP state Rep. Tim Whelan to the MassDOT Board of Directors. — Former state Rep. Mark Falzone will serve on the federal Route 66 Centennial Commission. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to former MA3 candidate and former state Sen. Barbara L’Italien, Ralph R. Isberg, Taylor Bolton and Ana Victoria Morales. Happy belated to Dana Hanson of Rep. Jake Auchincloss’s office, who celebrated Monday, and to Jamie Klufts and Boston City Councilor Julia Mejia, who celebrated Sunday. Want to make an impact? POLITICO Massachusetts has a variety of solutions available for partners looking to reach and activate the most influential people in the Bay State. Have a petition you want signed? A cause you’re promoting? Seeking to increase brand awareness among this key audience? Share your message with our influential readers to foster engagement and drive action. Contact Jesse Shapiro to find out how: jshapiro@politico.com .   Follow us on Twitter Lisa Kashinsky @lisakashinsky   Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook  |  Playbook PM  |  California Playbook  |  Florida Playbook  |  Illinois Playbook  |  Massachusetts Playbook  |  New Jersey Playbook  |  New York Playbook  |  Ottawa Playbook  |  Brussels Playbook  |  London Playbook View all our politics and policy newsletters FOLLOW US

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