POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Ed Markey’s one-stop climate shop

By Kelly Garrity Presented by  CLIMATE CRUNCHTIME — The White House is scrambling to fully implement the Inflation Reduction Act ahead of a potential second Trump term. Sen. Ed Markey is lending a hand. The Massachusetts lawmaker is rolling out a new online “Climate Hub” this morning, on the second anniversary of President Joe Biden’s signing of the bill. It’s a tool Markey described to Playbook as a “one-stop shop” for guidance on how cities, towns, organizations and individuals can take advantage of the overlooked grant programs and tax incentives included in the IRA and in Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure act. “Massachusetts is already ahead of the curve in terms of the hundreds of millions of dollars that we've already applied for and received, but we just need everyone to know how much they can benefit from [the IRA],” Markey said in a phone interview earlier this week. The portal “makes it easier for communities to get the most up to date information about the various funding opportunities and upcoming deadlines.” The massive climate and clean energy law has already been a boon for the Bay State. Massachusetts has won $455 million for more than 90 projects across the state, Markey said — including $156 million under the “Solar for All” program and $11 million for Boston’s urban forestry program. THIS DEFINES tRUMP'S IGNORANCE! But dismantling the law (which Donald Trump wrote off as a “con job,” during a press conference at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, yesterday) is at the top of the former president’s to-do list if he wins the White House in November. Markey predicts that message could backfire. More than a dozen Republican lawmakers recently urged GOP leadership not to repeal the clean energy tax credits included in the landmark legislation if the party does try to pick it apart. “In Georgia, in Arizona, in state after state, in North Carolina — these benefits are already deeply embedded in the economy and the culture of those states,” Markey said. “Whether or not the IRA stays or goes is on the ballot this year.” Playbook talked to Markey about what a second Trump term would mean for the IRA, fallout from the Vineyard Wind project, and more. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.  Is there enough time to take full advantage of the IRA before January, and what happens to some of these programs if former President Donald Trump wins in November?  Donald Trump has said to the oil, gas and coal industry that if they give him $1 billion he will dismantle the IRA. And Republicans have voted more than 40 times to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act and its historic climate and clean energy provisions. They’ve voted to repeal my $27 billion climate bank over and over again in the House of Representatives. [Oil and gas magnate] Harold Hamm has said that this election is the most important election in history for the oil and gas industry, because he knows what the IRA fully implemented will do to the oil and gas industry. My own belief is that it's going to be difficult for [Trump] to repeal all of the IRA. Whether or not the IRA stays or goes is on the ballot this year. I think that's actually going to help us win in North Carolina and Georgia and Arizona. The broken blade on the Vineyard Wind project has halted energy production and galvanized those who were already opposed to new wind energy projects. Are you worried this could have broader implications for the industry?  We want to make sure that environmental safeguards are put in place because our future is in clean energy. We need to learn lessons from what has happened, and apply them so that it never happens again. Do you plan to run for reelection in 2026?  Absolutely. I’m the most energized I've ever been. Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans and Project 2025 – they energized me in a way that I've never been energized before. We have to fight hard against the right-wing extremism which now dominates the Republican Party. GOOD FRIDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS . TGIF! TODAY — Markey celebrates the second anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act at a noon event in Mattapan. Gov. Maura Healey meets with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell to talk climate resiliency at 11 a.m. at the State House. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper host a press conference on transportation improvements ahead of the upcoming school year at 10:45 a.m. in Roxbury. THIS WEEKEND — State Rep. Christopher Worrell and Boston City Councilor Brian Worrell host the annual Hewins Street Block Party in Dorchester starting at noon on Saturday. State Auditor Diana DiZoglio attends Methuen’s annual Back to School Project event at 9 a.m. and speaks at the Lowell Water Festival at noon on Saturday. SUNDAY SHOWS — Highlights from the GOP Senate primary debate between Bob Antonellis, Ian Cain and John Deaton air on WBZ at 8:30 a.m. Jon Keller is the moderator. Rep. Ayanna Pressley is on WCVB’s “On the Record” at 11 a.m. Sunday. Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus is on “At Issue,” airing at 5 a.m. on NBC10 Boston and noon, 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. on NECN. Tips? Scoops? Going to the DNC next week? Email me:  kgarrity@politico.com   A message from Uber: Massachusetts Uber and Lyft drivers will now earn at least $32.50 while working on the app, making them some of the highest paid drivers in the country. This new rate sets a high standard for driver pay across the nation. Go deeper.   DATELINE BEACON HILL — “Maternal Health Bill Headed To Healey's Desk,” by Alison Kuznitz, State House News Service (paywall): “The conference committee report (H 4999), which emerged from negotiations Wednesday, won House and Senate approval during sparsely attended informal sessions Thursday. … The agreement creates a pathway to licensure for certified professional midwives and lactation consultants, removes barriers to opening birth centers, develops resources for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, expands access to postpartum depression screenings, and improves oversight of ultrasound care. It also requires MassHealth to cover doula services for pregnant people, postpartum individuals up to 12 months after the end of their pregnancy, and adoptive parents until their infants turn one.” — “New Massachusetts firefighter gear law bans PFAS,” by Shaun Ganley, WCVB: “Gov. Maura Healey signed a new law at the State House Thursday that will ban the use of PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals,’ in firefighter protective gear by 2027. The bill, which secured House approval in the early hours of Aug. 1, requires manufacturers to provide written notice to local governments, state agencies and other buyers if their firefighting protective equipment contains PFAS chemicals.” — “Healey all in on offshore wind, but what about Trump?,” by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Beacon: “Donald Trump has vowed to shut down the offshore wind industry if he is elected in November, and a president wields considerable power since wind farms are located in federal waters. Healey said she is well aware of the former president’s stated position, but gave no indication that his stance is affecting her decision to make offshore wind the centerpiece of the state’s climate change efforts.” — “Maura Healey confronts Cape Cod residents on wind, housing, migrants: ‘There’s a lot of misinformation’,” by Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald. PAYWALL - BOSTON HERALD REPORTING IS SO POOR, NOT WORTH THE PRICE! — “The Inspector General Is in—and out in the Commonwealth,” by Matt Szafranski, Western Mass Politics & Insight. FROM THE HUB — “After stabbing, Ed Flynn calls for pause on Boston Common events,” by Saraya Wintersmith, GBH News: “Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn has called for a pause on permitted events around the Boston Common after a stabbing in the area left one man injured Wednesday. In an interview Thursday, Flynn, who has publicly indicated interest in running for mayor, said Boston needs to acknowledge ‘significant public safety challenges in Downtown Crossing and Boston Common and along Tremont Street.’”   DON’T MISS OUR AI & TECH SUMMIT: Join POLITICO’s AI & Tech Summit for exclusive interviews and conversations with senior tech leaders, lawmakers, officials and stakeholders about where the rising energy around global competition — and the sense of potential around AI and restoring American tech knowhow — is driving tech policy and investment. REGISTER HERE .     MIGRANTS IN MASSACHUSETTS — “Saugus Public Schools illegally bars migrant children from enrolling, lawyers allege,” by Deanna Pan, The Boston Globe: “As foreign migrants started fleeing to Massachusetts in record numbers in the summer of 2023, Saugus Public Schools adopted a students admissions policy that illegally blocks newly arrived children from enrolling in the district in violation of state and federal law, attorneys for the families allege. Lawyers for Civil Rights and Massachusetts Advocates for Children sent a warning letter to members of the Saugus School Committee Thursday demanding they immediately revise the policy, which states Saugus students must all be ‘legal residents,’ and bars families who have not completed the town census from registering their children.” — “Shelter restrictions in Mass. force migrant families into impossible decisions,” by Sarah Betancourt, GBH News. — “MassHire, Riverside Industries partner on job fair to connect Haitian refugees with employment,” by Ada Denenfeld Kelly, Greenfield Recorder.  CONVENTION ZONE DATELINE CHICAGO — “The DNC starts next week in Chicago. Here’s what to know,” by Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune.  LOCAL ANGLE — “Top Dems Ready To Decamp For Chicago Convention,” by Colin A. Young, State House News Service (paywall): “The state party will host a breakfast there each morning starting at 7 a.m. (8 a.m. eastern). Once delegates fill their plates, guest speakers will take the microphone starting at 7:30 a.m. Party officials said the breakfast lineups will include Gov. Maura Healey, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Attorney General Andrea Campbell, U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, U.S. Reps. Katherine Clark and Lori Trahan, and others from Massachusetts. Out-of-staters including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut and U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland are also expected to address Bay Staters. Details were still being finalized Thursday.” YAHD SIGNS AND BUMPAH STICKAHS FIRST IN PLAYBOOK — State Rep. Jay Livingstone is endorsing longtime lawyer Allison Cartwright for Suffolk County Supreme Judicial clerk, citing her “dedication to justice” and “deep legal expertise." — State Sen. Brendan Crighton has endorsed Tom Driscoll for Essex County clerk of courts, according to his campaign. GRAB YOUR CHECKBOOKS — In his first event following the DNC, Barack Obama will host a fundraiser for the National Democratic Redistricting Committee and affiliates in Martha's Vineyard on Aug. 26. The event will include a dinner and discussion between Obama and NRDC Chair Eric Holder, my colleagues reported yesterday.   A message from Uber:     PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES — “Red Line service will be partially suspended for a week, starting Monday,” by Jacqueline Munis, The Boston Globe: “Red Line service in parts of Cambridge and Boston will be suspended for a week, starting Monday, as the MBTA performs track work and station maintenance, officials said. Free shuttle buses will replace trains between JFK/UMass and Kendall/MIT stations from Aug. 19 to Aug. 25.” FROM THE 413 — “Appraisal: Northampton overpaid for Resilience Hub site,” by Alexander MacDougall, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “An appraisal by a leading real estate brokerage in Boston hired by a group of residents critical of the city’s financial and urban planning policies concludes that Northampton overpaid by as much as $1.5 million for the downtown building that will host its planned Community Resilience Hub. Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra, however, stands behind the city’s appraisal and purchase of the former First Baptist Church, noting that the city used a local brokerage who sent representatives to view the site as part of the process.” — “Defense lawyers believe their clients may have been racially profiled by Pittsfield Police,” by Amanda Burke, The Berkshire Eagle: “A review of gun and drug investigations by a Pittsfield Police investigator who was once suspended for racially disparaging comments found that nearly 40 percent of the warrants he applied for since 2017 targeted Black people, a defense lawyer said.” — “County Ambulance says its employees didn't know a salon owner hadn't given the Secret Service permission to use her bathroom,” by Greg Sukiennik, The Berkshire Eagle: “A city EMS provider has issued a public apology for one of its staff members using the bathroom at a hair salon behind the Colonial Theatre during Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit last month. In a Facebook post, County Ambulance President Brian Andrews said his staff had no idea that Four One Three Salon owner Alicia Powers had not given permission to the U.S. Secret Service for use of the business’ bathroom on July 27, when Harris visited Pittsfield for a fundraiser.” THE LOCAL ANGLE — “‘Families left panicking’: Why 150 Stoughton students won’t get transportation this fall,” by Amelia Stern, The Brockton Enterprise: “Stoughton Public Schools officials announced in an email to families that they could no longer provide 150 students with transportation for the upcoming school year after they were forced to cut one of their school buses.”   SUBSCRIBE TO GLOBAL PLAYBOOK: Don’t miss out on POLITICO’s Global Playbook, our newsletter taking you inside pivotal discussions at the most influential gatherings in the world. Suzanne Lynch delivers the world's elite and influential moments directly to you. Stay in the global loop. SUBSCRIBE NOW .     HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Kristen Elechko and Justin (JP) Griffin. HAPPY BIRTHWEEKEND — to Bob Massie, Ari Meyerowitz and Lisa Murray, who celebrate Saturday; and to Sunday birthday-ers Jason Furman, GBH’s Sarah Betancourt, and Oskar Hallig.   A message from Uber: Massachusetts Uber and Lyft drivers will soon receive comprehensive benefits alongside their new pay rate. Benefits include health insurance stipends for those working over 15 hours a week, paid sick leave, and occupational accident insurance. These enhancements provide vital support and security for drivers, ensuring they have access to essential healthcare and financial protection. These new benefits mark a significant improvement in the quality of life for rideshare drivers. Go deeper.   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 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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Great news! “Happy Retirement, Saugus toxic ash landfill!”

After 50 years, the toxic ash landfill in Saugus is (finally) about to retire, and we’re throwing a party!

 What’s 50 years old, toxic, and lives in a marsh bordering environmental justice neighborhoods? The Saugus ash landfill! But after 50 years of organizing by grassroots groups and neighborhood leaders, the landfill is set to retire when it reaches capacity.  

That’s no small feat! The state has given this blast from the past multiple extensions and exemptions before. But this time is different. We’re working with our friends and allies in Saugus, Lynn, and Revere to make sure this toxic phoenix doesn’t rise from the ashes again. Today, we threw a retirement party. (And yes, there was cake!) 

So where should our trash go if we don’t burn it in someone else’s neighborhood? Trick question! We’ve got solutions to reduce the amount of trash we create in the first place. Learn more in our latest blog! 

Stay involved! We’re working on expanding food scrap composting and helping businesses phase out single-use disposable food ware, so we don’t build any more toxic monuments to throwaway culture.  

Thanks for standing up for a Zero Waste future! 
Amber Schmidt

NE Zero Waste Organizer 

https://cleanwater.org/2024/01/22/happy-retirement-saugus-incinerator-ash-landfill?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=b1f4a1cc-ac80-4e83-82fb-9b2ce7ea3f23

Clean Water Action PO Box 240083 554 Washington St, Dorchester Center, MA 02124

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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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