POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Massachusetts runs on DunQueens

 

BY KELLY GARRITY AND LISA KASHINSKY Presented by The 'DunQueens' | Joshua Qualls/Courtesy photo, Massachusetts Governor's Office FAMILY FEUDS — With Republicans holding high-level offices becoming a distant memory in Massachusetts, the state’s top Democrats had only one place left to plant their punches during state Sen. Nick Collins’ annual smackdown St. Patrick’s Day breakfast: On each other.  Sure, there were some swipes at John Deaton , the crypto advocate and attorney who recently relocated from Rhode Island to mount a Republican challenge against Sen. Elizabeth Warren. And Warren took some shots at former Gov. Charlie Baker and Republican U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson. But for the most part, the jabs were Democrat-on-Democrat. And no one, not even those who couldn’t make the event, was safe. The supposedly good-natured ribbing laid bare not only the real points of tension between certain Democrats, but the higher-office ambitions a few of them are harboring — and weren’t doing a great job hiding, anyway. And because not every politician has a great poker face, we saw some tells about who’s spooked by the idea of a little intraparty competition. Collins opened with a song encouraging Rep. Stephen Lynch to run for Sen. Ed Markey’s seat when the state’s junior senator eventually steps aside. Why would he want Lynch to try again for a seat he’s already lost? Norfolk County Treasurer Michael Bellotti hit the nail on the head when he took the mic about an hour later: “Nick, we know you’re running for Congress. But ‘Yes, Madam President’ isn’t a platform.” Some actual boxing gloves came out — and several pols onstage squirmed — when Rep. Ayanna Pressley stepped up to the podium to announce a (faux) campaign for Senate. State Senate, that is — and specifically for Collins’ Southie seat. (She even asked Lisa to moderate a debate between the two of them, and, while we know you’re joking, she totally would.) Collins was quick to point out Pressley lives in a different district. A little too quick. And Warren’s pursed lips were a picture worth a thousand words. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu took the brunt of the barbs — over prohibiting most outdoor dining in the North End (some of the neighborhood's restaurateurs protested her from outside the breakfast ), over the annual electeds of color party and for promoting bike and bus lanes. Attorney General Andrea Campbell, who didn’t attend the breakfast, was the butt of multiple jokes about Milton, the town she recently sued for non-compliance with the MBTA Communities law. Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll dragged themselves over the Milton zoning mess and got knocked over the migrant crisis: “If a mayor sees the governor and lieutenant governor at an event in your town, that means six more days until your community gets a new migrant shelter,” Wu quipped. But it was Senate President Karen Spilka who took the biggest swings — roasting Wu, Healey, Driscoll and Deaton, as well as Auditor Diana DiZoglio. Spilka suggested that “instead of wasting taxpayer money” on attempting to audit the Legislature, DiZoglio should investigate what’s up with Kate Middleton. “All of us here chipped in to buy you a plane ticket to London to find out what’s happened,” Spilka said. “However, there [weren't] enough donations, so it’s a one-way ticket.” DiZoglio took it in stride: “That was good,” she mouthed from a few seats down the dais. Political skirmishes aside, one act stole the show: Healey and Driscoll’s grand entrance as the “DunQueens.” The governing duo were decked out in full Dunkin’ tracksuits, complete with pink fuzzy bucket hats, iced coffees with munchkin skewers and fake Boston accents. The spoof of the Ben Affleck/Matt Damon Super Bowl commercial wasn’t complete without their version of Tom Brady — played by the first woman to serve as the state's governor, Jane Swift, who “flew” in from out west to the sounds of a chopper. What a good sport. Will they whip out the tracksuits for other official events? “Absolutely,” Healey said. “This may be our new routine every place we go,” Driscoll added. The 'DunQueens': Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll (left), former Acting Gov. Jane Swift (center) and Gov. Maura Healey. | Joshua Qualls/Courtesy photo, Massachusetts Governor's Office GOOD MONDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS . Dunkin’, if you’re reading this, please ship our tracksuits. TODAY — Healey joins a “Strategies for Children” call at 9:30 a.m., attends the Juan Pablo Duarte bust unveiling at 10:10 a.m. and announces her administration’s new state workforce agenda at 11 a.m. at the State House. Driscoll, Wu, Pressley and Warren attend the JJ Carroll 2Life ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. in Brighton. Warren participates in a student debt roundtable with AFT President Randi Weingarten at 2:30 p.m. at the AFT Massachusetts office. Tips? Scoops?  Jokes that didn't make it out of the drafts?  Email us:  kgarrity@politico.com  and  lkashinsky@politico.com .   A message from the Service Employees International Union: Uber and Lyft are planning to spend big on a ballot initiative to buy their way around respecting the rights of Massachusetts’ rideshare drivers. But rideshare drivers in our state have a different vision: one that works better for consumers and gives drivers a voice on the job. Drivers can’t get there alone — we're calling on the Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions to convene drivers and rideshare companies and steer us down a better road.   PARTY POLITICS FIRST IN PLAYBOOK — One thing Gov. Maura Healey ’s not joking around about: the $1 billion in tax breaks she shepherded into law last year. Her campaign is out this morning with a new digital ad and email blast promoting the cuts, credits and cap changes for residents and businesses ahead of April’s tax-filing deadline. “This tax season, everybody’s gonna benefit from the Healey tax cuts, saving money for seniors, families and businesses,” a male narrator intones in the 30-second spot airing across Hulu, YouTube and on social media platforms. Healey’s campaign declined to disclose the cost. Healey says much the same in an email that also touts free school meals and community college, and reducing housing costs. “I know that we have a lot more to do,” the governor writes. “We’re going to keep working to lower costs, build more housing, and make sure that Massachusetts is a place you can always call home.”   Easily connect with the right N.Y. State influencers and foster the right relationships to champion your policy priorities. POLITICO Pro. Inside New York. Learn more .     DATELINE BEACON HILL — “Massachusetts launches program to help turn office buildings into housing,” by Katie Lannan, GBH News: “The initiative will help cities and towns identify good candidate properties for commercial-to-housing conversions, conduct floor plan and feasibility analyses for those buildings, and reduce regulatory barriers along the way. MassHousing is seeding the program with $1 million that will be available for technical assistance funding.” — “Healey left Massachusetts for four days last month. Aides refuse to say where the governor went,” by Matt Stout, The Boston Globe: “Governor Maura Healey‘s aides on Friday refused to say where the Democrat traveled last month when she spent four days out of state on a ‘personal trip,’ a stretch in which Healey’s powers constitutionally shifted to the Massachusetts secretary of state. Healey’s office months ago stopped publicly divulging her out-of-state travel plans ahead of time. But this is the first instance in which her office has shielded her whereabouts even after the fact, despite promising to include travel records in documents it releases upon request.” — “Senate to take up revenge porn bill,” by Christian M. Wade, The Eagle-Tribune: “The state Senate plans to take up a bill that would make it a crime to post sexually explicit images on the internet to harass or embarrass another person. The legislation, teed up for a vote in the Senate on Thursday, would create a new felony offense for people charged with distributing a sexually explicit image ‘for purposes of revenge or embarrassment,’ and give judges the authority to ensure explicit images are destroyed. Violators could face up to five years in prison and fines of $10,000.” — “‘Drinks-to-go’ could become permanent, but liquor stores are pushing back,” by Jon Chesto, The Boston Globe. FROM THE HUB — “Boston Mayor Wu says migrant crisis will impact city budget,” by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: “Mayor Michelle Wu, who may propose her budget to the City Council next month, did not get into specifics about how the crisis would impact spending in fiscal year 2025, which begins July 1. She did note, however, the extensive impact it is having on city services, and said staffing levels may need to increase to meet the unyielding need. … ‘On schools, we are registering and making sure that young people who are even in a temporary overflow shelter have access to education right away. So, we are providing our city services that way.’” — “‘They are assets, they are not liabilities’: Haitian-American pastor’s leadership shines amid migrant crisis,” by Niki Griswold , The Boston Globe.   A message from the Service Employees International Union:     YAHD SIGNS AND BUMPAH STICKAHS WARREN REPORTS FOR DUTY — President Joe Biden ’s campaign marshaled Sen. Elizabeth Warren to respond to former President Donald Trump ’s remarks on Fox that he’ll decide “pretty soon” whether to support a national abortion ban. “Donald Trump is proud that he overturned Roe v. Wade … and if he regains power, he will go even further and try to ban abortion nationwide,” Warren, a member of the Biden campaign’s national advisory board, warned in a statement released by his campaign. NO GO — Rob McLaughlin , the senior director of government affairs for the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans, told Playbook he’s decided against running for the seat that state Sen. Walter Timilty III is leaving open to run for Norfolk Superior Court clerk. State Rep. Bill Driscoll Jr. filed paperwork last week to run for the seat, joining Randolph Democrat Kathleen Crogan-Camara . CHARLIE ON THE NCAA GRADING YEAR ONE — Former Gov. Charlie Baker would give himself an “incomplete” grade for his first year running the NCAA. “More often than not, especially if you’re involved in big organizations, there’s an arc to the work,” Baker said in an interview with Athletic Director U . He cited as an example the six-million-plus NCAA fan database that he wants to grow to 25 million in the next couple of years.   JOIN US ON 3/21 FOR A TALK ON FINANCIAL LITERACY: Americans from all communities should be able to save, build wealth, and escape generational poverty, but doing so requires financial literacy. How can government and industry ensure access to digital financial tools to help all Americans achieve this? Join POLITICO on March 21 as we explore how Congress, regulators, financial institutions and nonprofits are working to improve financial literacy education for all. REGISTER HERE .     FROM THE DELEGATION — “Lawmaker overseeing nation’s defense dumps Boeing investments amid aircraft safety crisis,” by Dave Levinthal, Raw Story: “Rep. Bill Keating (D-MA), a member of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, dumped up to $65,000 worth of investments in defense contractor Boeing at a time when the company faces federal scrutiny over its aircraft safety protocols and manufacturing quality. … A spokesperson for Keating told Raw Story that Keating uses a ‘third-party manager’ to execute his financial trades and 'first learned of the February sale as he was preparing his disclosure filing.’” AUCHINCLOSS ON SCHUMER — Staunch Israel supporter Rep. Jake Auchincloss was asked on WCVB’s “On the Record” about comments from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer , the highest-ranking Jewish official in the U.S., calling for elections in Israel. “If I were a member of the Knesset in Israel, I would be breaking from the Netanyahu coalition and trying to force elections,” Auchincloss said. “I’m not. I’m a member of Congress. And the United States and the Israeli people share a bond of democracy and the core of democracy is that people decide for themselves when elections are necessary.” — “Pressley calls for US to end deportations to Haiti,” by Adam Reilly, GBH News.   A message from the Service Employees International Union: Massachusetts is facing a choice between two paths for the future of the gig economy: Allow billion-dollar rideshare companies to pursue a deceptive, anti-worker ballot initiative that locks drivers into independent contractor status, depriving them of their basic rights and a meaningful voice on the job. Empower our state’s 55,000 rideshare drivers with a voice through a union and give them the ability to bargain with rideshare companies to improve pay, safety, and working conditions. Rideshare drivers have a roadmap for a better gig economy for Massachusetts, and it starts with legislative leadership convening all stakeholders to eliminate confusion on the ballot and reach a resolution. The Massachusetts legislature is at a critical crossroads. We urge them to choose a better path for drivers and consumers. Learn more here.   KENNEDY COMPOUND MESSAGE RECEIVED — In case it wasn’t already clear that the bulk of the Kennedy clan isn’t supporting Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ’s independent presidential bid, a St. Patrick’s Day visit to the White House with President Joe Biden showed where many of the family members’ loyalties lie. “President Biden, you make the world better. Happy St. Patrick’s Day,” Kerry Kennedy , RFK Jr.’s sister, posted on X Sunday evening, along with a photo of roughly 50 members of the Kennedy clan including former representative and Biden administration Special Envoy for Northern Ireland Joe Kennedy III . THANKS, BUT NO THANKS — Former ambassador and past Sen. Scott Brown told NH Journal that he turned down RFK Jr.'s offer to be his running mate. THE LOCAL ANGLE — “A major cyberattack has caused a Pittsfield medical practice to run out of money. Staff are continuing to treat patients,” by Heather Bellow, The Berkshire Eagle: “A cyberattack last month that crippled a clearinghouse for electronic health care insurance billing has left one city medical practice spending its last dime this week for lack of payments.” Related — “Worcester health care industry feeling pain from cyberattack that paralyzed payment system,” by Henry Schwan, Telegram & Gazette. — “Milton special counsel steps down; MBTA alleged conflict,” by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Beacon: “A high-powered attorney representing Milton in its legal fight against Attorney General Andrea Campbell over zoning withdrew from the case after just two days on the job when two state agencies alleged his involvement represented a conflict of interest.” 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: Campbell blocks DiZoglio from suing Legislature

 

BY LISA KASHINSKY Presented by WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES — Attorney General Andrea Campbell rejected Diana DiZoglio’s bid to force the Legislature to comply with her audit of its practices and procedures, dealing a setback to the auditor who is now regrouping behind a ballot question that would grant her the authority for such a probe. DiZoglio was trying to sue the Legislature after its Democratic leaders, under whom she once served, refused to crack open their books for her team. They argued the auditor didn’t have the constitutional authority to conduct the review that would have spanned everything from their hiring and spending to their committee-appointment process. But DiZoglio needed Campbell’s permission to take another state agency to court. And on Thursday, Campbell’s office rejected her request in a 17-page report . “I believe transparency is a cornerstone of good government, but that transparency must be achieved through methods that are consistent with the law,” Campbell said in a statement. “[C]urrent law does not allow an audit of the Legislature over its objection.” DiZoglio, unsurprisingly, “strongly” disagrees with the decision. “I respect [Campbell’s] right to her opinion, and to defend the position of legislative leaders,” DiZoglio said in a statement. “However, a question of statutory interpretation on a matter of such importance to taxpayers, is best answered by the courts.” Diana DiZoglio found dozens of old audits of the Legislature to back up her attempted probe. | Lisa Kashinsky/POLITICO Campbell's decision builds on a 1994 opinion from the attorney general's office that “expressed considerable doubt” that the auditor could examine the Legislature without its consent — which is effectively what DiZoglio is trying to do since House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka won’t play ball. DiZoglio had argued, in part, that the more than 100 audits of the Legislature the office had conducted as far back as the 1800s set the precedent for what she’s trying to do now. But the attorney general’s office said those audits were not comparable in scope to the expansive review DiZoglio is seeking. And Campbell argued that many of the audits were financial reviews done before such responsibilities shifted to the comptroller’s office in the 1920s. Campbell also said auditing the Legislature without its consent would raise separation of powers issues under the state constitution — echoing arguments from Democratic legislative leaders and from House counsel in a letter sent to Campbell on Wednesday. Spilka and Mariano said in a statement that they’re “grateful” to see the attorney general's review conclude, and that Campbell’s decision “has reinforced our long-held position.” The auditor has some options, but they’re uphill battles. DiZoglio could potentially try to challenge Campbell’s decision. But she appears to instead be turning to the court of public opinion — pushing her ballot question “so voters have the opportunity to make it crystal clear that they expect transparency and accountability from the Legislature they pay for.” The ballot campaign will need to clear several more hurdles, including a major upcoming signature deadline, to even appear before voters. The auditor and volunteers from across the political spectrum have collected at least half of the 74,574 signatures they need to turn in to local officials by Nov. 22 to keep advancing toward the 2024 ballot, a spokesperson for the ballot committee previously told Playbook . DiZoglio put Campbell in the politically awkward position of having to pick between other top Democrats in a battle over government transparency. Campbell chose Spilka and Mariano this round. But she maintains some both-sides cover by having also — as part of an entirely separate process — green-lit DiZoglio’s ballot question. GOOD FRIDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. It’s almost the weekend. TODAY — Gov. Maura Healey takes her tax-relief tour to Fall River at 3:45 p.m. President Joe Biden visits Lewiston, Maine. THIS WEEKEND — Israeli Consul-General to New England Meron Reuben is on WBZ’s “Keller @ Large” at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Healey is on WCVB’s “On the Record” at 11 a.m. Sunday. House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz is on NBC10’s “At Issue” at 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Tips? Scoops? Email us: lkashinsky@politico.com and kgarrity@politico.com .   A message from Conservation Law Foundation: Conservation Law Foundation is separating fact from fiction when it comes to the role of bioenergy in cutting climate-damaging pollution and transforming our economy to one built on clean energy. The economic, environmental, and public health of our communities and businesses demand that we invest in energy efficiency and clean energy sources while moving with caution and care on bioenergy resources.   MIGRANTS IN MASSACHUSETTS GETTING CLOSER — There were 7,404 families in the emergency shelter system on Thursday, as the state continues to march headlong toward the 7,500-family threshold that will trigger a waitlist for migrant and homeless families seeking assistance. It’s still not clear where families who get waitlisted are supposed to go. The state has a resource flier that lists three options, including returning to the “last safe place” they stayed. A spokesperson for Gov. Maura Healey said officials “are in conversation with partners about potential overflow options.” Danielle Ferrier , CEO of homeless-services provider Heading Home, told Playbook that “nobody’s given up” trying to find extra space. But until they do, are families “going to go to the [emergency room]?” she said. “Are they going to go to the police station?" Healey said state officials are also considering limiting how long migrant and homeless families can stay in the shelter system. The administration built the option, with 30-days notice to families, into emergency regulations it filed this week. Mayor Eric Adams has already made a similar move in New York City . More from the Boston Globe’s Matt Stout . — “Mass. Sens. Warren, Markey call on feds to improve work authorization access for migrants,” by John L. Micek, MassLive. DATELINE BEACON HILL — “Healey said abortion and LGBTQ-friendly policies make the state more competitive. Residents agree,” by Jennifer Smith, CommonWealth Beacon: “When asked by the MassINC Polling Group if they agreed or disagreed with [Gov. Maura] Healey’s statements that the state’s abortion laws are a competitive advantage in attracting people to Massachusetts, 58 percent of poll respondents said they agreed, while 25 percent disagreed.” — “New York Rideshare Settlements Have Massachusetts Angle,” by Colin A. Young, State House News Service (paywall): “A trio of settlements struck Thursday between rideshare companies and state officials in New York could provide a template for action by the Massachusetts Legislature to keep a potential industry-backed ballot question from going to voters next year, a top Uber executive said.” NEW NAME, WHO THIS? — Healey has filed legislation to rename the 67-year-old Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to MassAbility.   GO INSIDE THE CAPITOL DOME: From the outset, POLITICO has been your eyes and ears on Capitol Hill, providing the most thorough Congress coverage — from political characters and emerging leaders to leadership squabbles and policy nuggets during committee markups and hearings. We're stepping up our game to ensure you’re fully informed on every key detail inside the Capitol Dome, all day, every day. Start your day with Playbook AM, refuel at midday with our Playbook PM halftime report and enrich your evening discussions with Huddle. Plus, stay updated with real-time buzz all day through our brand new Inside Congress Live feature. Learn more and subscribe here.     FROM THE HUB CASH DASH — Vice President Kamala Harris is participating in a fundraiser next Thursday in Boston, POLITICO's Daniel Lippman reports. Donation amounts range from $1,000 to be a "supporter" to $25,000 to be a host. — “Boston starting to see ‘real signs of stability' after Mass. and Cass tent removal,” by Anthony Vega, NBC10 Boston: “A day after tents were removed from an area in Boston known as Mass. and Cass, Mayor Michelle Wu said Thursday the city is starting to see ‘real signs of stability’ and a ‘different way forward.’ … Moving forward, mobile response teams will be watching for other encampments while also offering help to those on the streets.” — "Frank Baker is leaving office. His style of politics may go with him," by Simón Rios, WBUR. THE RACE FOR CITY HALL — “Springfield mayoral candidate Justin Hurst accuses opponent of trying to ‘steal election’ by accusing him of paying for votes,” by Jeanette DeForge, Springfield Republican: “Mayoral candidate Justin J. Hurst vehemently denied accusations his campaign paid people $10 to vote for him, calling the allegations a coordinated effort by his opponent to steal the election. … Hurst is in a head-to-head race with long-time Mayor Domenic J. Sarno.”   A message from Conservation Law Foundation:     THE LOCAL ANGLE HOMEWARD BOUND — A Medway family has finally made it out of Gaza after nearly a month trapped in the war zone. But a Plymouth couple remains after being told they could leave — but their three children would have to stay behind, per the Boston Globe . — “Saugus fires superintendent of schools,” by Charlie McKenna, ItemLive: “The School Committee on Thursday voted unanimously to dismiss Superintendent of Schools Erin McMahon, nearly ten months after McMahon took paid administrative leave while an investigation into her conduct played out.” — “Brockton has cash to 'extinguish' $14.4 million school deficit. Where's it coming from?” by Chris Helms, Brockton Enterprise: “‘The reserves we've accumulated on the city side will address and extinguish the school deficit,’ Brockton CFO Troy Clarkson told city leaders on Monday.” — “Fall River is appealing its public records lawsuit loss. It faces thousands [of dollars] in legal bills,” by Jo C. Goode, Herald News. MEANWHILE IN MAINE — “Should Maine’s yellow flag law have been used to prevent Lewiston shootings? Its sponsor thinks so,” by Randy Billings, Portland Press Herald: “The legislator who sponsored Maine’s yellow flag law said Thursday that based on news reports it appears that it should have been used to keep guns away from Robert Card in the months leading up to last week’s mass shootings in Lewiston.”   PLAYBOOK IS GOING GLOBAL! We’re excited to introduce Global Playbook, POLITICO’s premier newsletter that brings you inside the most important conversations at the most influential events in the world. From the buzzy echoes emanating from the snowy peaks at the WEF in Davos to the discussions and personalities at Milken Global in Beverly Hills, to the heart of diplomacy at UNGA in New York City – author Suzanne Lynch brings it all to your fingertips. Experience the elite. Witness the influential. And never miss a global beat. BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION. SUBSCRIBE NOW .     MEANWHILE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE ALTERNATE REALITY — Sideshow debates are taking center stage in a flat 2024 presidential primary as Republicans look to draw attention away from Donald Trump and Democrats look ahead to 2028, I report from Vivek Ramaswamy ’s mostly civil bout with Rep. Ro Khanna in New Hampshire. SUNU-NOT YET — Nikki Haley isn’t shy about wanting New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu ’s support in the GOP presidential primary. “Are you ready to endorse me yet?” she asked the governor as they campaigned together at a Londonderry diner yesterday. “I’m getting closer everyday,” Sununu replied. She tried again at a town hall in Nashua. “Chris, do you want to do an endorsement right now?” He laughed. “That’s the second time I’ve put him on the spot,” Haley said as the room burst into applause. “I better stop or he’s not going to do anything.” Meanwhile, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said he'd "love to have the governor’s endorsement. I’m gonna work hard to get it.” But he also said endorsements “don’t guarantee you a victory in any race.” Democratic presidential candidate and U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) during a campaign stop Tuesday in Manchester, N.H. | AP CEASEFIRE CLASH — A tense exchange between Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) and a voter over Israel ended with the young Black woman in tears and being escorted from his Manchester town hall by security. The woman, 23-year-old Atong Chan of Manchester, challenged Phillips to call for a “ceasefire in Gaza” given the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the enclave and rising Palestinian death toll. "You didn't mention how you feel about the Israeli babies," Phillips started to respond. "The moms and dads and grandmas and hostages in Gaza that were brutally murdered. I just want to hear, before I answer your question, I just want to understand if that empathy is across humanity or only for Palestinians right now.” The back-and-forth quickly escalated. Phillips at one point described Michigan Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib , who is Palestinian American, as his “Palestinian sister” and called himself her “Jewish brother.” As he called for the “elimination of a terrorist organization” — Hamas — Chan began to yell “at the expense of human lives.” An emotional Chan lamented to reporters after being led out of the Rex Theatre that Phillips didn’t answer her question. Later, pressed by POLITICO to say whether he would call for a ceasefire, Phillips responded: “Of course I support a ceasefire — when Hamas is no longer in a position to murder Israelis. Period.” In a sign of how politically challenging the Israel-Hamas conflict could become for Democrats, while Phillips was being challenged in New Hampshire, Joe Biden was also being pressed to call for a ceasefire by a rabbi at a campaign fundraiser for the president in Phillips’ home state.   A message from Conservation Law Foundation: Conservation Law Foundation is working to fight climate change and secure a livable and healthy future for all New Englanders. We know New England needs to end its reliance on fossil fuels, and that presents a pressing question: What role will bioenergy play in the region’s energy system as we move toward 2050? The fossil fuel industry is leaning hard on selling biofuels such as renewable natural gas as viable options to meet state mandates for cutting climate-damaging emissions. On the face of it, alternative fuels sound good. But what’s beneath the surface is more of the same climate-damaging fuels. We don’t have time or resources to waste on costly and ineffective solutions. Conservation Law Foundation is sorting fact from fiction. Bioenergy’s role in New England’s clean energy future is a limited and targeted one.   HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH SPOTTED — in the audience at Phillips’ town hall: former Methuen Mayor Jim Jajuga . ALSO SPOTTED — Presidential hopeful and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson dining at Kowloon last night. TRANSITIONS — Beth Pearson is now chief of staff to Sen. Elizabeth Warren; Laura Gerrard is now deputy chief of staff; Gabrielle Elul is now legislative director and Janice Rottenberg has been hired as state director in Massachusetts. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to former Gov. Mike Dukakis , former gubernatorial hopeful and Harvard professor Danielle Allen, Martine David, Medford City Councilor Zac Bears , The Daily Beast’s Jake Lahut, Barbara Zheutlin, David Case and Rowan Morris , managing director at Guggenheim Partners. HAPPY BIRTHWEEKEND — to state Rep. Ken Gordon, Michael Fontneau, NYT’s Kit Seelye, Julie Siegel, Morgan Mohr, Jean Roseme and Avi Berkowitz , who celebrate Saturday; and to Sunday birthday-ers Jeremy Ravinsky, Richard Parker, Alyssa Stone and Meryl Holt Silverman. NEW HORSE RACE ALERT: LIGHT THE BEACON — Hosts Jennifer Smith and Steve Koczela mark the launch of Commonwealth Beacon by discussing new polling and bringing on Commonwealth Beacon reporter Gin Dumcius for the latest on the migrant shelter crisis. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and SoundCloud . 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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