| | |  | BY LISA KASHINSKY | BOSTON MAYOR’S RACE FALLOUT — Something felt off about Acting Mayor Kim Janey’s sparsely attended election-night gathering, which took place in the near-darkness of a poorly illuminated parking lot outside a hulking former power station. It felt like another parking-lot party that wasn’t — the one where former Rep. Joe Kennedy III conceded his primary challenge to Sen. Ed Markey outside his campaign headquarters just over a year ago, with just a few dozen supporters and members of the press on hand. It was an unceremonious end to Janey’s mayoral campaign — a loss dragged out by lagging returns that evening. Now comes the next task — deciphering why and how the acting mayor, who had the advantages of incumbency, finished fourth in Boston’s preliminary mayoral election. There’s no single explanation. Janey may have been the acting mayor, but she was arguably the least experienced politician of the bunch. She’d spent the fewest number of years on the City Council compared to her competitors. And unlike City Councilors Michelle Wu and Annissa Essaibi George, the victors on Tuesday, and former city economic development chief John Barros, who ran for mayor in 2013, Janey had never run citywide before. She faced a learning curve in the campaign and on the job as acting mayor, a situation not helped by a press office decimated by the transition from former Mayor Marty Walsh. “She didn’t know how to communicate her wins and how to defend herself against fake losses,” said a source close to the campaign. Janey’s comments comparing proof-of-vaccination requirements to slavery and birtherism were a turning point that opened her up to criticism that never abated. While the remarks themselves may not have been the death knell, the drumbeat of criticism that followed, and the negative press surrounding it all, contributed to a “death by a thousand cuts,” the source said. There was talk around town of an insufficient field operation, from hiring people to collect signatures to get on the ballot to a get-out-the-vote effort that appeared to rely heavily on unions rather than campaign staff and volunteers. Janey supporters and some outsiders, however, dismiss that notion, contending that no candidate had a true GOTV machine, given that voter turnout failed to reach the level of the last open-seat mayoral preliminary in 2013. There were the candidate forums Janey skipped — about half of them — and the layups she passed on, like not attending a recent “Mayor’s Welcome Reception” for medal of honor recipients. There are also thornier conversations to be had about how no Black candidate advanced to the final, ones that go far deeper than the notion of vote-splitting. Janey hasn’t really weighed in on any of it yet. She didn’t address her supporters in person on election night, but plans to Friday evening at campaign-headquarters “celebration of all that we achieved together.” She told reporters last night that she hopes to continue to “love and lead my city in whatever capacity I can.” She isn’t sure whether she’ll endorse in the general election. GOOD THURSDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: lkashinsky@politico.com. TODAY — Boston City Councilor Julia Mejia moderates “The Powerful Link Between Activism & Mentoring ,” hosted by Big Sister Association of Greater Boston at 5:30 p.m. | |
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| – About those delayed results: “Crush of mail-in ballots caught officials flat-footed, leading to Election Night frustration in Boston,” by Andrew Ryan, Elizabeth Koh and Andrea Estes, Boston Globe: “Election officials blame a surge of 7,000 last minute mail-in and early vote ballots from drop boxes, alternatives that have gained popularity in the pandemic. That flood of ballots — double what officials expected — must be checked by hand by election workers at City Hall to ensure no one votes more than once.” – “Boston City Council Sends Acting Mayor A Request For Pre-Paid Mail-In Ballots After Tabulation Delay,” by Saraya Wintersmith, GBH News: “At their Wednesday meeting, City Councilors were reluctant to criticize the election department. … The Council also passed an ordinance that, if signed by acting Mayor Kim Janey, would provide pre-paid envelopes to voters who request to vote by mail, since postage payment was an impediment for some. Councilor Lydia Edwards estimated that it would cost at most $150,000.” – Turnout underwhelms: “Voters shrug at Boston’s ‘historic’ mayor’s race,” by Michael Jonas, CommonWealth Magazine: “Just 108,000 voters cast ballots in the preliminary election that narrowed the field to two finalists — Michelle Wu and Annissa Essaibi George. That’s about 5,000 fewer than the number who voted in the last open race for mayor eight years ago. What’s more, the city has added more than 40,000 voters since then, with more than 430,000 voters now registered in Boston.” – The takeaways: “How did Boston miss its moment to elect a Black leader?” by Stephanie Ebbert, Boston Globe: “Despite the hype and hopes for a post-racial Boston or a post-racial America, white voters did not enthusiastically embrace the Black candidates for mayor. Worse, the two Black women in the race landed only 275 votes apart, placing third and fourth, giving credence to concerns that they hurt one another’s chances.” – “The Hidden Winners And Losers Of Boston’s Preliminary Mayoral Election,” by Jon Keller, WBZ: “They take a lot of heat when they miss one, but local pollsters should take a bow for their work on this race. They were right on the money about Michelle Wu’s frontrunner status, Anissa Essaibi George’s late surge into second place, and both Andrea Campbell’s momentum and Kim Janey’s lack of it.” – From the opinion pages: “New Balance chairman Jim Davis bet $495,000 on Annissa Essaibi George. Tuesday, it paid off,” by Shirley Leung, Boston Globe. – Downballot: “Old School And New Talent Advance In Boston's At-Large Councilor Race,” by Mike Deehan, GBH News: “The eight candidates working to capture four at-large seats on Boston's City Council in November's general election present a cross-section of the city that reflects the racial and gender diversity of Boston's politics in 2021. The two incumbents vying to return to the Council will be joined on the Nov. 2 ballot by one former Councilor and five newcomers, including Mattapan attorney Ruthzee Louijeune, who placed third overall.” – Joining Louijeune and incumbent Councilors Michael Flaherty and Julia Mejia on the ballot in November are Erin Murphy, Carla Monteiro, David Halbert, former councilor Althea Garrison and Bridget Nee-Walsh. – In the district races, Brian Worrell and former state Rep. Evandro Carvalho will face off in District 4 for Campbell’s seat, and Kendra Hicks and Mary Tamer will compete to replace retiring City Council President Pro Tempore Matt O’Malley in District 6. Tania Anderson and Roy Owens appear to be heading for a matchup in District 7, Janey’s seat, but Angelina “Angie” Camacho told the Boston Herald’s Sean Philip Cotter she’s eyeing a recount. | | ON THE STUMP |
| – “Michelle Wu, Annissa Essaibi-George ready for general election battle,” by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: “Despite the smiles and big hug that Michelle Wu and Annissa Essaibi-George shared Wednesday in the city council chambers after their success in the mayoral preliminary, both have wasted no time in staking out their theses for why they’re the better choice to become Boston’s next mayor.” – Boston.com’s Nik DeCosta-Klipa takes a look at four policy differences that “could drive the race” between Wu and Essaibi George: police reform, housing and development, back to school, and climate and transportation. – “After prelim, Essaibi George super PAC quickly targets Wu,” by Gintautas Dumcius, Dorchester Reporter: “Twenty-four hours after polls closed and City Councillors Michelle Wu and Annissa Essaibi George emerged as the mayoral preliminary’s winners, [Bostonians for Real Progress] PAC is lacing into Wu.” | | FROM THE HUB |
| – “Boston will likely get to vote this November on whether the School Committee should be elected,” by Felicia Gans, Boston Globe: “Boston residents likely will have an opportunity to vote in November on whether the members of the School Committee should be elected by the public and no longer be appointed by the mayor — the current system. … the City Council voted to add the nonbinding public opinion advisory question to the Nov. 2 ballot.” – “Lack of action at Mass and Cass has cost Greater Boston Food Bank $1M and counting, says CEO,” by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: “A lack of action to clean up the city’s ‘Methadone Mile’ is causing ‘thousands and thousands of hungry people’ meals as nonprofits are forced to spend money on security.” | | THE LATEST NUMBERS |
| – “Massachusetts coronavirus cases spike 2,716 — the highest daily count since February,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “The 2,716 COVID cases is the most infections reported in one day since Feb. 7’s count of 3,004 cases.” – “Mass. reports 194 total breakthrough COVID-19 deaths, or 0.004 percent of all fully vaccinated people,” by Maria Elena Little Endara and Martin Finucane, Boston Globe: “In Massachusetts, 194 people who had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 have died from the virus, the Department of Public Health reported Tuesday.” | | DATELINE BEACON HILL |
| – “Bill allowing political candidates to use campaign funds for child care would align Mass. with 17 states,” by Amy Sokolow, Boston Herald: “If Massachusetts residents are seeking political office, they’re on their own to find funds for child care while they’re out knocking on doors or attending debates. Some legislators hope to change that — bringing the state’s campaign finance laws in line with those in 17 other states.” – “More Than 90 Percent of State’s ARPA Money Not Allocated,” by Colin A. Young, State House News Service (paywall): “As of July 31, when Beacon Hill broke for the summer recess from which it is now emerging, Massachusetts had allocated a little more than $194 million of the $5.3 billion in federal money the state received in May with another $186 million planned to be implemented by January, according to a state report.” – “Hill leaves Beacon Hill after two-decade tenure,” by Christian M. Wade, CNHI/Salem News: “As a Republican, Brad Hill didn’t come to Beacon Hill to make friends but ended up making plenty during more than two decades as a state lawmaker. Hill officially stepped down on Wednesday after 23 years representing the 4th Essex District in the state House of Representatives. The second-in-command of the House’s GOP minority was tapped to fill a seat on the state Gaming Commission by Gov. Charlie Baker and other leaders — a job he begins immediately.” – “Livestream Goes Dark On Council That Vets Judges,” by Sam Doran, State House News Service (paywall): “For nearly a year and a half, the Governor's Council has broadcast its nomination hearings and formal assemblies live on YouTube. That practice ended Wednesday with a bizarre pointing of fingers.” | | VAX-ACHUSETTS |
| – “Boston-area coronavirus wastewater tracker: Descent could be ‘earliest sign’ of region heading in right direction,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “The south of Boston virus samples have plummeted by more than 50% in the last couple of weeks, while the north of Boston COVID sewage samples have dropped by close to 40%.” – “Massachusetts teachers unions blast Charlie Baker over refusal on statewide teacher vaccine mandate,” by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: “The two largest teachers unions are blasting Gov. Charlie Baker over the state’s lack of a uniform vaccine policy at schools, saying he is ‘abdicating his responsibility’ by leaving students and teachers unprotected against coronavirus variants.” – “Urgent care meeting the need for COVID testing, keeping hospitals from getting overwhelmed,” by Alexi Cohan, Boston Herald: “On a typical day at PhysicianOne Urgent Care in Chestnut Hill, one might mistake the facility for a coronavirus testing site. That’s how it’s been since late August at least. Coronavirus-related issues have made up the majority of patient visits, from symptomatic cases to those needing a test to be able to travel or go to school.” – “Baystate reporting most COVID hospitalizations in Massachusetts by more than double, caused by low vaccination rate in Hampden County,” by Cassie McGrath, MassLive.com. | | DAY IN COURT |
| – “Ex-Rep. David Nangle sentenced to 15 months in federal prison on corruption charges,” by Alana Melanson, Lowell Sun: “From 2014 to 2018, former Lowell state Rep. David Nangle received $27,000 and other benefits from a Billerica business owner in exchange for shepherding legislation that provided millions of dollars in tax credits for developers seeking to develop property in Boston’s Seaport district. On Wednesday afternoon, the former House Ethics Committee chairman was in that same Seaport district at The John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse, where he was sentenced to 15 months in prison on federal corruption charges related to these and numerous other fraudulent activities he undertook while in office. ” – “Maura Healey challenges Texas abortion law, joined by 23 attorneys general,” by Amy Sokolow, Boston Herald: “[State Attorney General Maura] Healey led an effort among 23 other attorneys general from many of the U.S.’s blue states to sign an amicus brief in support of the U.S. Department of Justice’s challenge to the Texas abortion law. The brief specifically calls for a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction of the law.” – “Jan. 6 Capitol defendant from North Adams strikes plea deal with federal prosecutors,” by Amanda Burke, Berkshire Eagle: “A North Adams man arrested for entering the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6 has struck a deal with prosecutors that will have him plead guilty to a misdemeanor offense, according to his attorney and court documents.” – “Court officials, legislators leave closed-door meeting with state officials with mixed feelings over ‘sick courthouse’ crisis,” by Stephanie Barry, Springfield Republican: “The visit was meant to mitigate tension over the recent mold crisis and long-standing environmental concerns at the building. … the Hampden County Bar Association staged a rally outside. Protesters held signs reading ‘Mold Kills’ and ‘Bring in the wrecking ball.’” – "‘I’ll make them a sailor or something’: Recorded phone call takes spotlight at Varsity Blues college admissions trial," by Shelley Murphy, Boston Globe.
| | PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES |
| – “‘Fiscal calamity’: Top watchdog warns T faces existential threat in financial shortfall,” by Taylor Dolven, Boston Globe: “The business-backed Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation found that the MBTA is on track to face a shortfall as large as $400 million in its yearly budget that begins in 2023 and a $13 billion shortfall for core infrastructure improvements it plans to make over the next decade.” | | FROM THE DELEGATION |
| – Another political group is targeting Rep. Richard Neal, this time for not backing President Joe Biden’s proposed tax code changes that would force the wealthy and corporations to pay more in taxes. Patriotic Millionaires, a group of millionaires that lobbies state and federal lawmakers to raise their taxes, has a new ad — with a $25,000 buy to start — that will air on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” CNN’s “American Morning,” “Wheel of Fortune,” “Jeopardy” and network morning shows in Neal’s district calling on him to “tax the rich.” The group also has mobile billboards outside the U.S. Capitol and Neal’s Springfield office. – “Ed Markey, Lori Trahan condemn ‘Instagram for Kids’ after report reveals Facebook knew about negative mental health impacts on youth,” by Cassie McGrath, MassLive.com: “U.S. Senator Ed Markey and U.S. Representative Lori Trahan sent a letter to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Wednesday calling for the big tech company to abandon its plans to develop an ‘Instagram for Kids’ platform. This comes after a Wall Street Journal report suggested that Facebook knew of the connection between young users and mental health issues.” – “Warren introduces bill to honor 13 service members killed in Kabul with Congressional Gold Medals,” by Mia McCarthy, Boston.com: “‘These individuals demonstrated incredible courage throughout their careers, and we owe it to them to pass legislation to recognize their heroic service with the Congressional Gold Medal,’ [Sen. Elizabeth] Warren said in a statement.” | | THE LOCAL ANGLE |
| – “What to know about Barnstable County Commissioners' opposition to the proposed gun range,” by Jeannette Hinkle, Cape Cod Times: “The Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners voted unanimously Wednesday to send a pair of letters to state regulators expressing forceful opposition to the Massachusetts Army National Guard's Joint Base Cape Cod machine gun range proposal. And threatening legal action if the controversial project goes forward.” NEW POD ALERT – Hold your horses, I’m joining The Horse Race! The politics, policy and elections pod rides again after a summer break producing Mass Reboot. This week, hosts Steve Koczela, Jennifer Smith , and I unpack Boston’s preliminary mayoral election, from the painstaking wait for vote tallies to what the results say about the city. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and Sound Cloud. HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to Segun Idowu, president and CEO of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts. Want to make an impact? POLITICO Massachusetts has a variety of solutions available for partners looking to reach and activate the most influential people in the Bay State. Have a petition you want signed? A cause you’re promoting? Seeking to increase brand awareness among this key audience? Share your message with our influential readers to foster engagement and drive action. Contact Jesse Shapiro to find out how: jshapiro@politico.com. | |
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