POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Another year, another Covid surge

BY LISA KASHINSKY FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: AUCHINCLOSS'S HAUL — Rep. Jake Auchincloss raised more than $400,000 last quarter, with more than three-quarters of those contributions coming from Massachusetts donors, according to a spokesperson. Auchincloss raked in more than $2 million during his first year in Congress. And he heads into the election year with over $2.1 million in his war chest as he looks to fend off two Republican challengers — Emily Burns and Julie Hall, who he beat in 2020 — and a potential Democratic primary rematch from progressive Jesse Mermell. Year-end finance reports, which are due to the FEC by the end of the month, will paint a clearer picture of what Auchincloss faces in the money race. Auchincloss also picked up an endorsement over the holidays from the Progressive Turnout Project. The PAC, which works to boost Democratic voter turnout, is also backing Reps. Jim McGovern, Lori Trahan, Seth Moulton, Bill Keating and Assistant House Speaker Katherine Clark this cycle. GOOD MONDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. From Omicron to the governor’s race, here’s what else you need to know to start the year: COVID CRUSH — Covid case counts are shattering records by the day, the Boston-area coronavirus wastewater tracker is spiking and people are still waiting hours for tests . Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Ayanna Pressley both got mild breakthrough infections (Warren no longer has symptoms and Pressley is isolating, per spokespeople). The Baker administration dispatched the National Guard to help hospitals, signed contracts to help municipalities bulk-purchase rapid antigen test kits and distributed millions of KN95 masks to schools. But Democratic state lawmakers continue to call for a statewide mask mandate, more rapid and PCR testing, clear vaccination goals and more proactive planning from the administration for what state Rep. Bill Driscoll Jr., who co-chairs the Legislature’s Covid-19 oversight committee, fears will be an “incredibly difficult month.” SURGE PROTECTION — Gov. Charlie Baker is heading to Salem this morning to tout the post-holiday return to school while other districts delay or cancel classes to give students and staff more time to get tested — or because they don't have enough staff. Supply chain woes delayed the delivery of 227,000 rapid tests for districts until the weekend and made it so staff would only get one test each, instead of two as initially planned. But education officials still rejected a call from the state's largest teachers union to keep schools closed Monday for testing. It's not just schools that are bracing for Covid's impact. Many Boston employees will work remotely through at least Jan. 18, Mayor Michelle Wu said over the weekend. And Omicron has upended municipal inaugurations from Boston to Northampton. HEALEY WATCH — State Attorney General Maura Healey still hasn’t said whether she’s running for governor, but she is message testing, per a December poll reported by the Boston Herald, and is telling supporters “this is a moment to bring fundamental change to our state” in a donation-soliciting tweet. Former state Sen. Ben Downing dropped out of the race last week, citing fundraising woes and warning his fellow Democrats that the Republican-incumbent-free election isn’t necessarily a “slam dunk.” Did you miss me? Let's reconnect. Send your tips and scoops to lkashinsky@politico.com. TODAY — Baker attends inaugurations in Haverhill at 10 a.m., Leominster at 6 p.m. and Lawrence at 7:15 p.m. Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito attends inaugurations in Fall River at 4 p.m. and Taunton at 6 p.m. Wu swears in Boston city councilors at 10 a.m. outside City Hall.   BECOME A GLOBAL INSIDER: The world is more connected than ever. It has never been more essential to identify, unpack and analyze important news, trends and decisions shaping our future — and we’ve got you covered! Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Global Insider author Ryan Heath navigates the global news maze and connects you to power players and events changing our world. Don’t miss out on this influential global community. Subscribe now.     DATELINE BEACON HILL – “Massachusetts’ minimum wage will go up again. The fate of other laws is less certain in 2022,” by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “For the fourth time in as many years, the minimum wage in Massachusetts will increase, this time from $13.50 per hour to $14.25 per hour. It’s the second-to-last in a series of hikes that will push the state’s wage floor to $15 per hour by 2023. … After Baker ended Massachusetts’ COVID-19 state of emergency, the Legislature struck a deal to keep many of the rules in place temporarily. Now those laws are starting to, or will, dissolve from the books.” – “Scramble to stave off egg, meat shortage over after Charlie Baker signs changes to animal welfare law,” by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: “The scramble to stave off a predicted egg and meat shortage spurred by a new hen and farm animal welfare law is over after Gov. Charlie Baker signed changes that will make adoption of new standards easier for farmers. … But animal-rights advocates say the changes ‘gutting’ the law means animals will continue to suffer.” – “4 statewide ballot question initiatives advance for consideration for 2022 Massachusetts statewide election,” by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: “Proposals to update alcohol licensing limits, redefine worker status and benefits for app-based drivers on platforms like Uber [and Lyft]; and impose spending caps on dental insurers are on track to make the Nov. 8, 2022 ballot." – “Report indicates UI trust fund warnings overstated,” by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: “The Baker administration released a long-awaited report on New Year’s Eve indicating the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund is in much better shape than expected. After issuing warnings earlier this year about huge deficits that needed to be offset with an infusion of billions of dollars, the report said the actual deficit as of November 30 was $115 million.” – “Commission on police body camera rules to meet after missed deadline,” by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: “A legislative commission studying widespread use of police body cameras meets Tuesday — months after it missed a deadline to file a report called for in the one-year-old reform law that created the study group.” – “Mass. Senate President Reveals She Had a Stroke, Says She's Running for Reelection,” by Alison King, NBC10 Boston. – “Coming to a city or town near you: Projects funded by the state’s $4 billion COVID-19 relief bill,” by John Hilliard, Boston Globe. – “‘Snowbird bill’ aims to keep Massachusetts seniors from leaving state for lower estate taxes,” by Amy Sokolow, Boston Herald. VAX-ACHUSETTS – “Schools, businesses brace for chaotic return from winter break amid Omicron spike,” by Gal Tziperman Lotan and Taylor Dolven, Boston Globe: “At least a dozen Massachusetts schools or districts have modified their return plans in recent days. Many businesses are short-staffed as they try to stay afloat while people retreat from in-person shopping.” – “988 Massachusetts State Employees Have Left Jobs Over Vaccine Mandate,” by CBS Boston: “There were 656 involuntary resignations and 332 voluntary resignations. The involuntary resignation numbers include 160 part time contractors from the Municipal Police Training Committee.” – “Massachusetts State Police trooper speaks out about losing job over vaccine mandate: ‘It was humiliating’,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “Timothy Barry, 29, said he’s still ‘in disbelief’ after he was yanked out of a State Police training class in late October and stripped of his police gear in front of about 40 fellow troopers.” – “Hospitals: Please don't come to ER for COVID tests,” by Martha Bebinger, WBUR: “Hospitals say many patients with only minor illnesses — or no symptoms at all — are coming in for COVID tests because they can't get tested elsewhere.” – “Gov. Charlie Baker won’t mandate masks statewide — but can he? Here’s what legal experts say,” by Alison Kuznitz, MassLive: “While Gov. Charlie Baker may be resolute in his resistance to implementing an indoor mask mandate, he unequivocally has the emergency power to do so, public health legal experts told MassLive.” FROM THE HUB – “Firefighters, police unions sue to block Boston’s vaccination mandate for city workers,” by Jeremy C. Fox, Boston Globe: “Boston public safety workers are amplifying their opposition to Mayor Michelle Wu’s planned vaccination mandate for city employees, with unions trying to block the policy in Superior Court. At the same time, a workers’ rights group is advocating for its members to overwhelm the city with last-minute exemption requests.” – “Racist, misogynist vitriol continues against Wu after vaccination policy announcement,” by Danny McDonald, Boston Globe: “Mayor Michelle Wu showed up at the B-3 police station in Mattapan shortly before the 7:30 a.m. roll call Thursday with the aim of greeting officers and wishing them happy holidays. Awaiting her outside the station was a protest against her recent COVID-19 vaccination mandate.” – “City faces racial and age discrimination lawsuits from former gang intervention workers,” by Laura Crimaldi, Boston Globe: “Since November, three former employees, and a fourth on unpaid medical leave, have filed retaliation lawsuits against the city and managers of SOAR Boston, the city’s gang intervention program, alleging unfair and dangerous working conditions.” – “What’s coming up in Boston politics in 2022,” by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: “Boston has elected a mayor who has vowed large-scale progressive action on a range of issues, from climate to transportation to housing. Now the rubber hits the increasingly bus-lane-covered road in Boston, and we’ll see what [Michelle] Wu can get done — and if it works.” THE RACE FOR CITY HALL – “With Edwards’ exit, a possible scramble for a Boston council seat,” by Danny McDonald, Boston Globe: “The District 1 council post will be vacated by Lydia Edwards, who is poised to become a state senator in the coming weeks … At least two people have announced they are running for the council seat, and several are considering it, while other names are being floated in political circles.” HEALEY WATCH – “Maura Healey has prosecuted dozens for public wrongdoing. The results have been mixed,” by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “During her seven years as Massachusetts’ chief law enforcement officer, she has won more than 20 convictions in public malfeasance or corruption cases. Nearly just as often, cases quietly end without guilty verdicts, or are dropped or dismissed, according to court records.” FEELING '22 – “ACLU's Rahsaan Hall eyes run for Plymouth Co. district attorney,” by Saraya Wintersmith, GBH News: “Rahsaan Hall, director of ACLU Massachusetts' racial justice program, is weighing a run for Plymouth County district attorney, according to paperwork filed with the state's campaign finance oversight agency.” – “It was once called a ‘useless job.’ Now, lieutenant governor may be the hottest race in Massachusetts politics,” by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “Massachusetts’ lieutenant governor has very little formal responsibility beyond leading an obscure eight-person council. A gubernatorial candidate once dismissed it as a ‘useless job.’ The title doesn’t exist in some states. It also may be the most sought-after seat in Massachusetts politics right now.” – More: “Driscoll listening as others pitch state bid,” by Dustin Luca, Salem News: “Kim Driscoll is taking a ‘serious look’ at a bid for Massachusetts lieutenant governor, the Salem mayor said." PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES – "Boston, MBTA, FTA to meet on fare-free test," by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: "Boston, MBTA and federal transportation officials plan to meet later this month to see if they can resolve regulatory roadblocks preventing the city and the T from moving ahead with a two-year test of fare-free buses on three routes." – “Still no improved Mattapan trolleys nearly five years after $7.9m MBTA investment announced,” by Taylor Dolven, Boston Globe: “Citing a long list of unanticipated obstacles, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the MBTA now estimates the first refurbished Mattapan trolley car will be in service by the end of this winter. The first one was originally supposed to start operating in August 2019.” DAY IN COURT – “Supreme Judicial Court pauses jury trials across Mass. amid winter surge in COVID-19 cases,” by Nick Stoico, Boston Globe: “The court’s order pauses all jury trials until Jan. 31, but courthouses will remain open for other in-person business ‘with a continued emphasis on conducting matters remotely whenever possible,’ the SJC said in a statement.” – “CleanSlate to pay $4.5 million to settle allegations it charged MassHealth for unnecessary drug tests,” by Nick Stoico, Boston Globe: “A substance abuse treatment company has agreed to pay $4.5 million to settle allegations in federal court that it wrongly charged MassHealth, the state’s Medicaid program, millions of dollars for unnecessary urine tests, officials said.” MARIJUANA IN MASSACHUSETTS – “Legal and scientific experts sharply question proposed crackdown on drugged driving,” by Dan Adams, Boston Globe: “Governor Charlie Baker is putting new pressure on the Massachusetts Legislature to finally pass his proposed crackdown on drugged driving. … But as state legislators chew on their testimony, prominent experts are stepping forward to warn the plan is fundamentally flawed.” – “Cannabis companies seek records after Springfield rejects their applications,” by Peter Goonan, Springfield Republican: “[Boston Bud Factory Inc.’s] request, filed under the state public records law, comes after an internal audit of the city’s selection process found some scoring errors and said key documents were missing.” FROM THE 413 – “Judge orders Springfield to enforce employee residency requirement,” by Peter Goonan, Springfield Republican: “After decades of failing to do so, the city must enforce an employee residency requirement, a judge has ruled.” – “Civil rights group criticizes Holyoke rule barring city employees from serving in elected office,” by Dusty Christensen, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “A prominent legal organization that works to combat discrimination has issued an opinion that calls into question a Holyoke ordinance barring city employees from serving simultaneously as city councilors.” – “'Get me out of here.' Inside the staffing crisis at Berkshire nursing homes,” by Heather Bellow, Berkshire Eagle: “Every time Melissa Gigliotti visits her father at a Pittsfield nursing home, she hears people down the hall screaming for help.” THE LOCAL ANGLE – “Striking nurses at St. Vincent Hospital to vote on new contract Monday,” by Worcester Telegram & Gazette staff: “Nurses at St. Vincent Hospital are set to vote on a new contract Monday, potentially ending a labor strike that began March 8.” – “‘Let’s get to work together;’ New mayors take office in Gloucester, Framingham, and North Adams,” by Caroline Enos and Sofia Saric, Boston Globe: “Amid a surge in cases statewide, communities have had to adjust plans by limiting attendance and requiring masks, moving ceremonies outdoors, or holding them remotely.” – More: “Jennifer Macksey outlines her goals as North Adams' first woman mayor,” by Amanda Burke, Berkshire Eagle. “Verga seeks tone reset in [Gloucester] City Hall,” and "Romeo Theken looks back at 7 years as Gloucester's outspoken mayor," by Ethan Forman, Gloucester Daily Times. – “Experts see 'bright spots' for the Massachusetts economy in 2022, despite uncertainty,” by Yasmin Amer, WBUR: “Employers are continuing to hire, investments in the commonwealth's high-tech and biotech sectors are breaking records, and the state has billions of dollars in federal money.” IN MEMORIAM – “‘She tried to uplift people always’: Springfield mourns death of longtime community activist Sophia Jeffery,” by Patrick Johnson, Springfield Republican. – “Mary Richardson, legendary Boston broadcaster and longtime Chronicle co-anchor on WCVB Channel 5, dies at 76,” by WCVB. – “Chuck Hunt, state’s first ‘first husband,’ dies at 67,” by Bryan Marquard, Boston Globe. – "Longtime columnist Barbara McDonough has died at age 86," by Dorchester Reporter staff. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT – “Labor Secretary Marty Walsh talks about new vaccine rule, labor activism and threat of omicron,” by Eli Rosenberg, Washington Post. – “Federal marshals won’t provide a security detail for confirmed US Attorney Rachael Rollins despite recent threats against her life,” by Andrea Estes, Boston Globe. – "Hundreds of children go missing from Massachusetts DCF custody each year, records show," by Marie Szaniszlo, Boston Herald. – “Guild & Gazette Ink a Contract Three Tumultuous Years after Union Formed,” by Matt Szafranski, Western Mass Politics & Insight. – "Political Harmony: Singing Mass. Politicians Share Their Naughty and Nice Lists," by Alison King, NBC10 Boston. TRANSITIONS – State House Majority Leader Claire Cronin has been confirmed as U.S. ambassador to Ireland. Sam Mintz is joining RTO Insider after stints at Boston Business Journal and POLITICO. Chris McLaughlin joins MassLive as a social media producer. MassLive alum Melissa Hanson heads to Clark University as a content specialist. Jessicah Pierre is now communications chief for Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. Former Wu interim comms chief Sarah Anders has joined the Streets Cabinet as director of strategic initiatives. Alex Ponte-Capellan, My’Kel McMillen, Nora McManus Vincent, Stephanie Serrata and Dillon Tedesco join incoming Boston City Councilor Kendra Hicks' office. WELCOME TO THE WORLD — Amy Derjue and the Dorchester Reporter’s Gintautas Dumcius welcomed Emily Derjue Dumcius at 1:11 a.m. Dec. 19, 2021, at South Shore Hospital. “Mom and Emily are doing well. Dad is a nervous wreck who, while trying to send a baby photo to his mother, dropped his phone and accidentally called an elected official just hours into parenthood,” Dumcius writes in. Pic… another pic… ENGAGED — Mike Bloomberg, founder of Groundwork Data, recently proposed to Tamar Katz, a second-year law student at Columbia. The couple met on the Alex Morse campaign. Pic ... Another pic 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 and Jamie Klufts. 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.   STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president’s ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today.       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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POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Baker decision reorders state politics

 

BY LISA KASHINSKY IN AND OUT — Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito blew the 2022 governor’s race wide open yesterday when they announced they wouldn’t seek reelection next year. And Polito, considered Baker’s heir apparent, won’t run for governor in his place. The second-term Republicans said campaigning — and dealing with the political “grudge matches” with Democratic rivals, and those within their own party — would be a “distraction” from managing the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The ripple effects were immediate. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh joined state Attorney General Maura Healey atop the list of possible Democratic contenders in a field that already includes three candidates. MassDems Chair Gus Bickford told me that "not having to run against an incumbent makes it a really strong likelihood that a Democrat will win.” Some Republicans are “scrambling” to find another moderate standard-bearer, former MassGOP Chair Jennifer Nassour, a Baker ally, told me. Former Republican Lt. Gov. Jane Swift said the party “has had significant success drawing on nontraditional candidates who represent the moderate, and dominant, majority of both the party and center-right independents. … I believe someone will emerge.” Here’s where the field stands: WHO’S IN — Former state Rep. Geoff Diehl is the sole major candidate on the Republican side. The major Democratic contenders are state Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz, former state Sen. Ben Downing and Harvard professor Danielle Allen , who leads the trio in fundraising. UNDER CONSIDERATION — Healey told Bloomberg TV that her decision is coming “soon.” The Democratic Governors Association has spoken to Healey, the three Democrats already in the race and other potential candidates. Healey’s also spoken to potential staff and has $3.3 million in the bank to start. Walsh has even more, $5.1 million, and is weighing whether to return home to run, per two sources with knowledge of his deliberations. His chief of staff, former congressional hopeful Dan Koh, is “seriously considering” a bid for lieutenant governor, per a source familiar with his thinking, setting up the possibility of a Walsh-Koh ticket. Boston City Councilor Annissa Essaibi George is also considering a run for governor, the Dorchester Reporter first reported. Her former rival, Mayor Michelle Wu, is not. Republican Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell, a former state representative, is also looking at the seat, a spokesperson said. NOTABLE FLOATABLES — Republican Andrew Lelling, a former U.S. attorney for Massachusetts, for governor. Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan for attorney general if there’s an open seat. State Sen. Eric Lesser for either attorney general or lieutenant governor. And Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll is getting calls about a potential gubernatorial bid, per a source close to her. Ryan, Lesser and Driscoll are all Democrats. WHO’S OUT — A source close to former Rep. Joe Kennedy III says he’s not running for either governor or attorney general. Former Sen. Mo Cowan isn’t running for governor; neither is outgoing Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone. Former ambassador and Sen. Scott Brown is also out, per my colleague Stephanie Murray. GOOD THURSDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Send your tips, scoops and #mapoli campaign announcements to lkashinsky@politico.com. TODAY — Baker and Polito participate in the 37th and 38th annual Trooper George L. Hanna Memorial Awards for Bravery at 11 a.m., Mechanics Hall in Worcester. Polito makes a MassWorks grant announcement at 9:30 a.m. in Milbury and 3 p.m. in Walpole. Rep. Richard Neal participates in a virtual Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Forum at 2 p.m. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu speaks at a series of menorah and Christmas tree lightings including the Boston Common tree lighting at 7 p.m. Suffolk DA Rachael Rollins is the featured speaker at the 7 p.m. Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus 50-year celebration.   BECOME A GLOBAL INSIDER: The world is more connected than ever. It has never been more essential to identify, unpack and analyze important news, trends and decisions shaping our future — and we’ve got you covered! Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Global Insider author Ryan Heath navigates the global news maze and connects you to power players and events changing our world. Don’t miss out on this influential global community. Subscribe now.     NOT FEELING '22 Gov. Charlie Baker tells reporters he won't seek reelection in 2022. | Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via AP – “Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker won't seek reelection,” by Lisa Kashinsky, POLITICO: “Those close to Baker, who turned 65 last month, had recently described a two-term governor torn over whether to seek what in Massachusetts would be an unprecedented third consecutive term. He kept operatives, donors and observers guessing late into the year even as he ramped up fundraising throughout the fall after pausing those activities for most of the pandemic, holding an event at a Boston restaurant just last week. The governor was actively debating his next move heading into Thanksgiving and huddled with family over the holiday before communicating his decision to allies shortly after, according to a person familiar with his conversations.” – “Charlie Baker dismisses notion that he was ‘shaken’ by Trump-endorsed primary challenger,” by Nik DeCosta-Klipa, Boston.com: “MassDems Chair Gus Bickford said Baker was effectively ‘pushed out of office by his own party.’ Meanwhile, MassGOP Chair Jim Lyons — a conservative Trump supporter who has frequently clashed with Baker — said it was ‘clear’ that the governor was ‘shaken’ by Trump’s endorsement of former state representative Geoff Diehl. Trump himself even weighed in Wednesday afternoon, asserting that Baker’s decision was because he didn’t get the former president’s endorsement and was thus ‘incapable of getting the Republican nomination.’ Baker says that couldn’t be further from the truth.” – WCVB’s Sharman Sacchetti on Baker’s future plans: “Baker laughed out loud when asked if he ruled out running for higher office or even president. ‘Yeah,’ he said, reaffirming he was not running for president.” – The Boston Globe’s Emma Platoff and Matt Stout on Baker’s gubernatorial legacy: “Baker allies frame his tenure as a success that would have earned him another term. They praise him for his responsiveness to local needs and willingness to compromise with Democrats, who dominate the Legislature. … Critics cast Baker as an incrementalist who has lacked a vision equal to the gnawing problems in the state, a plodding bureaucrat unwilling to harness Massachusetts’ vast resources — and, worst of all, a leader whose administration’s management failures have led to tragedy. They cite the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home…” – “Karyn Polito: From Shrewsbury town meeting member to lieutenant governor,” by Marco Cartolano, Worcester Telegram & Gazette: “Polito's commitment and attentiveness to the area as well as her cooperative nature was praised by area state legislators and local officials Wednesday.” – “As Baker and Polito exit, Western Mass. supporters praise ‘pragmatism’,” by Jim Kinney, Springfield Republican: “Businessman Peter A. Picknelly, a supporter Gov. Charlie Baker, sounded a bit surprised Wednesday after the governor and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito announced neither would run for the corner office in 2022. ‘I think this is a very last minute decision. I think he really wrestled with it,’ said Picknelly, chairman and CEO of Peter Pan Bus Lines and co-owner of the Student Prince restaurant [where he had been co-organizing a fundraiser for Baker later this month].” FEELING '22 – “Marty Walsh is weighing a run for Massachusetts governor,” by Alex Thompson, Eleanor Mueller, Lisa Kashinsky and Stephanie Murray, POLITICO: “Labor Secretary Marty Walsh is weighing whether to return home to Massachusetts and run for governor next year, according to two sources with knowledge of his deliberations. A number of Democrats have called Walsh about the race after Massachusetts’ Republican Gov. Charlie Baker announced on Wednesday that he was declining to run for a third term. Allies of the former Boston mayor are also telling fellow Massachusetts Democrats that he is considering running, according to two additional sources. … The governor told reporters Wednesday that he spoke with Walsh ahead of his announcement. ‘It was basically just a conversation to give him a heads up if he hadn’t heard about it [already],’ he said. … ‘There was no conversation about any of that.’" – “Maura Healey? Martin Walsh? With Baker out, who might run for governor of Massachusetts?” by Matt Stout and Emma Platoff, Boston Globe: “Another name that surfaced was Joshua Kraft, son of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and the president of Kraft Family Philanthropies. Kraft said Wednesday that he is not considering a bid for governor. Bob Rivers, the chairman and CEO of Eastern Bank, said with a laugh, ‘Oh God no. My course is set for a while,’ when asked Wednesday if he’s looking at the race.” – “After Baker's exit, Democrats running for governor see an easier path,” by Mike Deehan, GBH News: “With Baker and Polito out of the race, Democrats stand a much better chance of controlling each branch of Massachusetts government after 2022 with no incumbent moderate Republicans in their way.” – “A hole in the middle: With Baker out, where do moderates go?” by Michael Jonas and Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: “For Democrats, Baker’s exit could create a big opportunity among moderate voters who would otherwise have supported the Republican incumbent’s reelection. … It was hard to not see the first effort at that in a statement Healey issued on Wednesday after news of Baker’s decision. She called him a ‘valued partner’ who has sought to find ‘common ground’ with others in a politically divisive period.” THE LATEST NUMBERS – “Massachusetts coronavirus cases surge 4,838, the highest daily count since January,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “The Department of Public Health’s report of 4,838 infections is the most in one day since Jan. 22’s count of 4,935 cases — when the general population had not been vaccinated.” DATELINE BEACON HILL – “Deadline Whittles Ballot Question Field to Three Campaigns,” by Chris Lisinski, State House News Service (paywall): “A Republican-backed proposal to implement voter identification requirements will not appear on the ballot in 2022 after the effort's supporters and campaigns behind 11 other initiative petitions failed to gather enough signatures by a Wednesday deadline. Collecting the required 80,239 voter signatures proved an insurmountable hurdle for all but three campaigns, eliminating from contention potential ballot questions that would have legalized the sale of consumer fireworks, reversed the state's decades-long ban on happy hour, and imposed new restrictions on hospital CEO compensation. Proposals to update alcohol licensing limits, rewrite worker status and benefits for app-based drivers, and impose spending limits on dental insurers remain on track to make next year's ballot…” – “Votes to Finalize ARPA and Surplus Spending Planned This Week,” by Katie Lannan, State House News Service (paywall): “In a joint statement, Speaker Ronald Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka said the House will take up the bill Thursday, with the Senate planning to follow suit Friday. … In keeping with a House-Senate agreement announced before either branch voted on the legislation, the final bill (H 4269) allocates $500 million toward payments, in an amount ranging from $500 to $2,000, for lower-income essential workers who stayed on the job in-person during the COVID-19 state of emergency, and another $500 million to shore up the unemployment insurance trust fund. The 163-page bill, packed with local earmarks, also features major health-related investments..." – “COVID-19 Remembrance Day effort picking up steam on Beacon Hill,” by Sarah Betancourt, GBH News: “The proposed day, on the first Monday of March, aims to memorialize those who lost their lives, to heed the suffering of COVID-19 survivors and to recognize the efforts of volunteers and essential workers. The bill is backed in Massachusetts by Reps. Natalie M. Blais (D-Sunderland) and Mindy Domb (D-Amherst), who filed the legislation on Beacon Hill in September.” VAX-ACHUSETTS – “COVID infections in Mass. reach highest level in months, while first Omicron case in US is identified,” by Kay Lazar and Felice J. Freyer, Boston Globe: “Massachusetts on Wednesday reported striking increases in COVID infections and hospitalizations, with the state reporting that 957 people were hospitalized with the virus, the highest number since mid-February. … As the Delta variant continued to sicken thousands, the United States on Wednesday recorded its first confirmed case of the Omicron strain, as scientists around the world raced to understand whether the mutated version of the coronavirus is more dangerous and spreads more quickly.” – "The demand for COVID-19 vaccine exceeds supply — again," by Cynthia McCormick, Cape Cod Times: "Once again, demand for the COVID-19 vaccine is outstripping the local supply. Barnstable County officials announced Wednesday that the weekly adult and pediatric vaccine clinics the county is hosting Thursday and Dec. 9 are completely full." FROM THE HUB – “Boston appeals judge’s decision overturning citywide eviction moratorium,” by Danny McDonald, Boston Globe: “The City of Boston on Wednesday appealed a judge’s decision knocking down a local eviction moratorium, saying that opening the floodgates to evictions amid the still ongoing COVID-19 pandemic ‘would be disastrous.’” – “Ed Flynn claims votes for Boston City Council presidency,” by Saraya Wintersmith, GBH News: “Ed Flynn, U.S. Navy vet, three-term district councilor from South Boston and son of former Mayor Ray Flynn, announced Wednesday he has enough support from colleagues to claim the City Council presidency when the new term begins in January. … Multiple sources told GBH News that Flynn clinched the necessary votes after the two other councilors vying for the spot — Ricardo Arroyo and Kenzie Bok — each unsuccessfully tried to form coalitions with the optics of the council’s racial and ethnic makeup driving their bids for the spot.” – “Michelle Wu revives Mass and Cass Roundhouse homeless hotel plans, frustrated advocates say,” by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: “The Methadone Mile Roundhouse controversy has come back around, as vexed advocates say Mayor Michelle Wu has told them that the vacant Mass and Cass hotel is once again on the table for housing the nearby homeless.” PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES – “City Council signs off on Wu's $8M fare-free bus proposal,” by Gintautas Dumcius, Dorchester Reporter: “Mayor Michelle Wu’s $8 million fare-free bus proposal, which targets three bus lines as part of a two-year pilot, on Wednesday cleared the City Council on a 12-1 vote. Dorchester Councillor Frank Baker was the lone ‘no’ vote. … The $8 million price tag, paid for through one-time federal money, came about through ridership estimates.” TODAY'S SPECIAL (ELECTION) – ENDORSEMENT ALERT: Sen. Elizabeth Warren endorsed Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards in her state Senate bid. “Lydia Edwards has been a powerhouse for change throughout her career fighting for affordable housing, generational opportunity, and environmental justice,” Warren said in a statement. DATELINE D.C. – “Justices signal willingness to pare back abortion rights,” by Alice Miranda Ollstein and Josh Gerstein, POLITICO: “The Supreme Court’s liberal and conservative justices clashed Wednesday during arguments over Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban, with each member of the six-justice conservative supermajority expressing openness to significantly paring back or completely overturning abortion rights protections guaranteed under Roe vs. Wade.” – WATCH: Sen. Elizabeth Warren calls to abolish the filibuster to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act in the Senate on MSNBC’s “The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell” following the U.S. Supreme Court’s oral arguments over the Mississippi abortion law. Rep. Ayanna Pressley on “The Reidout” and Assistant House Speaker Katherine Clark on the House floor also called to codify Roe v. Wade. FROM THE 413 – “UMass Amherst to require COVID booster shots for students this spring,” by Will Katcher, MassLive: “Students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst will be required to receive a COVID-19 booster shot ahead of the spring semester, or obtain a medical or religious exemption, the school said Wednesday.” – “‘We stand united’: Springfield joins global accord to end HIV epidemic by 2030,” by Peter Goonan, Springfield Republican: “Springfield formally joined a global effort to end the HIV epidemic by 2030 through expanded outreach and advocacy, treatment, social transformation and expanded resources.” THE LOCAL ANGLE – “Fired Massachusetts teacher sues district after she was axed over TikTok videos,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “A fired Massachusetts teacher is suing the district officials who sent her packing for her TikTok videos that slammed critical race theory and other contentious issues. Kari MacRae, who earlier this school year was hired to teach math and business at Hanover High School, was canned after her social media videos surfaced.” MacRae, a Bourne School Committee member, is also running for state Senate, per the Bourne Enterprise’s Sam Drysdale. – “Middlesex DA’s office reports 39% spike in hate-related incidents in one month,” by Sarah Betancourt, GBH News: “In the past month, reports of hate-related incidents in Middlesex County increased 39% over the total received in the six months prior, according to the county district attorney's office.” – “MetroWest Medical Center inks contract with union as St. Vincent strike continues,” by Abby Patkin, MetroWest Daily News: “Tenet Healthcare announced Wednesday that it has reached a collective bargaining agreement at MetroWest Medical Center Leonard Morse Hospital, Tenet's third since nurses at the affiliated St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester went on strike in March.” – “Harvard poll: 52% of young Americans think democracy is ‘in trouble’ or ‘failing’,” by Amy Sokolow, Boston Herald: “In the eyes of young Americans, President Biden’s approval rating is taking a nosedive. That’s according to a new Harvard poll, that adds young would-be voters also have a sinking opinion of American democracy.” SPOTTED – at state Rep. Tim Whelan’s Barnstable County sheriff campaign kickoff fundraiser Tuesday: Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis and retiring Barnstable County Sheriff Jim Cummings (h/t Judy Crocker). HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to retired Associate Justice Barbara A. Lenk and Morgan Hughes. REWIND – I joined Shannon Jenkins of UMass Dartmouth and GBH's Adam Reilly on GBH's "Greater Boston" to discuss the governor's race. NEW HORSE RACE ALERT: BAKER'S OUT, ON TO 2022 — Hosts Jennifer Smith, Steve Koczela and Lisa Kashinsky break down Gov. Charlie Baker's decision not to seek reelection. ER doctor and state Rep. Jon Santiago discusses the omicron variant. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and Sound Cloud. Want to make an impact? 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Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president’s ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today.       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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