POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Boston mayor’s race sours

 

BY LISA KASHINSKY NEW: PATRICK’S GRASSROOTS PUSH — Former Gov. Deval Patrick is helping launch a new fund today that aims to pour millions of dollars into year-round progressive grassroots organizing efforts around the country. The BridgeTogether fund will be a 501 c(3) and c(4) arm of the American Bridge 21st Century Foundation, a super PAC Patrick co-chairs. The fund plans to invest in community groups working in Georgia, Arizona and Pennsylvania to start. Its first grantees, which will receive up to $250,000 apiece, include the Stacey Abrams-founded group Fair Count; VoteRiders; 1000 Women Strong, which supports the advancement of Black women; Philadelphia-based Unity in the Community and Arizona-based VetsForward. “This is about drawing attention — and most importantly, resources — to local, high-impact grassroots organizations on an ongoing basis instead of just in time for the elections, so they are building community ... and expanding relationships of civic engagement that are foundational, I think, to the long-term success of progressive politics,” Patrick told me. It's also about keeping the Democrats in power in Washington after the 2022 midterms, and is partly a response to Republican-led efforts pushing voting restrictions nationwide. "While we wait for Congress and the courts to fix these injustices, we have to overwhelm the barriers that are being put up," Patrick said. GOOD MONDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. The Boston mayor’s race is taking an acrimonious turn. City Councilor Annissa Essaibi George again tied her rival, City Councilor Michelle Wu, to calls to “defund the police," this time on WCVB’s “On the Record” Sunday. WCVB political reporter Janet Wu said she didn’t think Michelle Wu had “ever used the word defunding.” But Essaibi George said "we can probably go back and we'll see that that's not the case." I asked Michelle Wu at an unrelated event whether she’d used the word defund before. “This is not a time for scare tactics and sound bites,” she replied. “I have said in 80-plus Zoom forums that this is an issue where we need to be nuanced and make sure that residents are safe, that we are delivering justice, and that is not an either-or.” Bostonians for Real Progress, an independent expenditure PAC supporting Essaibi George, then launched an attack ad against Wu called “Defund ." The ad, part of a six-figure buy first reported by the Dorchester Reporter, claims Wu wants to defund the police and other services. Essaibi George said she hadn’t yet seen the ad when I asked at an afternoon event (candidates can’t coordinate with PACs). But she said “if it’s talking about defunding and walking away from our responsibility as a city, that there might be some accuracies in that ad.” Wu's campaign dismissed the "dishonest, desperate attack" from Essaibi George and her allies and vowed to fight their "Trumpian tactics." It didn't end there. Wu campaign manager Mary Lou Akai-Ferguson said in a statement last night that about 20 people showed up to the councilor’s South Boston canvass kickoff with Sen. Ed Markey that morning with campaign fliers saying they would get a $100 gift card for participating in the event. But the fliers were phony; no such giveaway existed. The people told the campaign the fliers “were being passed out at the housing development across the street and the tents" near Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard. It's unclear where the fliers came from and who handed them out. But Akai-Ferguson made a point of mentioning Essaibi George in her statement, calling on Wu's rival to "condemn this despicable tactic." “We had no knowledge of it and would never stoop to such low levels," Essaibi George communications director Nicole Caravella said in a statement. "Our most vulnerable residents need our help, not to be grossly misled for some disgusting political stunt." TODAY — Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and administration officials kick off STEM Week at 11 a.m. at the MIT Media Lab in Cambridge. Baker and Polito join House Speaker Ron Mariano, Senate President Karen Spilka and Republican leaders for their weekly leadership meeting at 2 p.m. Polito visits schools in Everett at 12:30 p.m. and West Medford at 4:30 p.m. State Auditor Suzanne Bump testifies on her “Accountability Agenda” at 10 a.m. State Sen. Eric Lesser and state Rep. Antonio Cabral host their fourth Gateway Cities Caucus tour starting in Salem at 10 a.m. Boston Acting Mayor Kim Janey gives remarks at the dedication of Lester Burton Hero Square in Fenway at 2 p.m. Rep. Jake Auchincloss and state Sen. Cindy Creem host a sustainability roundtable at 6 p.m. on Facebook Live. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: lkashinsky@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 West Wing Playbook, 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.     DATELINE BEACON HILL – A group of lawmakers of color and community advocates will release a “Racial Equity Scorecard” today outlining their spending goals for the state’s roughly $4.8 billion in untouched ARPA money. The group is calling for 90 percent of the money to be committed in legislation by the end of the year and to use the funds to address the racial wealth divide, public health infrastructure and other issues affecting communities most disproportionately affected by the pandemic. “There are many ways to get racial equity right in how we spend our ARPA dollars in Massachusetts. There [are] also a few ways to get it wrong. This rubric offers core principles to make sure we do the former,” state Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz said in a statement. Among those involved: state Sens. Adam Gomez; state Reps. Russell Holmes, Orlando Ramos and Dan Sena; and advocacy and community groups including the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, La Colaborativa and the Massachusetts Public Health Association. – “Baker signs school meals bill,” by Katie Lannan, State House News Service (paywall): “The bill [Gov. Charlie] Baker signed (H 3999) requires schools where a majority of students come from low-income families to enroll in federal programs allowing them to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students, with language allowing schools or districts to opt out in certain circumstances. It also takes aim at a practice known as ‘lunch shaming,’ prohibiting schools from publicly identifying or taking punitive action against students who have unresolved debt for school meals.” - NEW THIS AM: State Rep. Paul Mark will launch his campaign today for the state Senate seat being vacated by Adam Hinds, who's running for lieutenant governor. Mark will announce his candidacy at 1 p.m. in Pittsfield. MAPMAKER, MAPMAKER – “Advocates press lawmakers on redistricting, call for changes to proposed maps,” by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “Advocates and residents on Friday pressed legislative map makers to consider redrawing newly unveiled state Senate districts encompassing Brockton and Haverhill, arguing that the lines, as proposed, could dilute the political power of each of the cities’ growing minority populations.” – “Race for 4th Essex on despite redistricting plans,” by Christian M. Wade, CNHI/Eagle-Tribune: “Four candidates continue to compete for the 4th Essex House seat to fill a vacancy left by former Rep. Brad Hill, despite proposed redistricting changes that would do away with the legislative district after next year.” VAX-ACHUSETTS – “Up to 5,000 unvaccinated Massachusetts state workers could be at risk of suspension, termination,” by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: “Up to 5,000 state workers could be at risk of suspension or termination as the deadline for workers to submit proof of their vaccine status hits this week, according to state officials. That amounts to about 11% of the 45,000 executive-branch workers required to be fully vaccinated as of Oct. 17.” – “Threats of termination convince many hesitant hospital workers to get COVID vaccine, but thousands of holdouts remain,” by Kay Lazar, Boston Globe: “Looming deadlines and threats of termination have convinced hundreds of hesitant health care workers to get their COVID-19 shots in recent days, but thousands of holdouts remain, Massachusetts hospital leaders reported Friday. Already, one major hospital system, Springfield-based Baystate Health, said it terminated 90 workers who remained unvaccinated on Friday after an extensive effort to change their minds.” – “COVID vaccine mandates: Massachusetts hospitals see upwards of 90% of caregivers immunized as threats of job loss loom,” by Melissa Hanson, MassLive: “At some of the state’s largest hospital systems, upwards of 90% of employees have already been vaccinated against the coronavirus." – “'No job is worth the jab': Protesters rally against mandated vaccinations,” by Christine Peterson, Worcester Telegram & Gazette: “Many of the protesters were UMass health care workers who are protesting the hospital's Nov. 1 mandate to get vaccinated or be fired by Dec. 1.” – “Judge Denies Prison Guard Union Attempt to Block Governor’s Vaccine Mandate,” by Sarah Betancourt, GBH News: “A federal judge rejected a bid by the state prison guard union to temporarily block Governor Charlie Baker’s vaccine mandate from going into effect on Sunday.” – “Multiple schools reached 80% vaccination rate ahead of Oct. 18,” by Lillian Eden, MetroWest Daily News: “...despite several communities meeting the threshold to unmask, local school officials are remaining cautious, at least for now.” FROM THE HUB – “Boston police plan arrests of people with ‘multiple warrants’ on Methadone Mile, document says,” by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: “Boston police are planning to start scooping up wanted criminals at Mass and Cass, arresting people with ‘multiple warrants’ in the morning hours of the coming weeks in an effort to bring down the crime rate in the dangerous area, according to a police document obtained by the Herald.” – Cotter spoke to Boston’s two mayoral candidates about their plans for the worsening public health crisis and rounds out his trio of stories with this: “Rat-borne disease of ‘high risk’ to homeless identified in Boston” – Essaibi George formally rolled out her Mass and Cass plan on Sunday, reports the Boston Globe’s John Hilliard. She was also endorsed by City Councilor Frank Baker, SENA and SEIU 888, which backed Acting Mayor Kim Janey in the preliminary election. – “North End restaurant owners prepare to pack up their patios, 1 month before the rest of Boston,” by Erin Kuschner, Boston.com: “While patios on public and private property in Boston will close on Dec. 1 (with the exception of patios on public sidewalks, which will close on April 1, 2022), the North End will be required to pack up its patios on Nov. 1. And some restaurant owners aren’t too happy about the discrepancy.” – “With Boston Public Schools in crisis problems are mounting. Can the system save itself?” by James Vaznis, Boston Globe. THE RACE FOR CITY HALL – The mayor’s race isn’t the only municipal contest growing heated in its final weeks. Boston District 6 City Council candidate Mary Tamer is being criticized for a mailer drawing “stark differences” between her and rival Kendra Hicks that showed a picture of Tamer in color and one of Hicks, who is Black, in grayscale. Some Twitter users accused Tamer of being “offensive” and peddling “racist tropes” by darkening Hicks’ skin color. "Darkening or editing a photo of a Black person to look more menacing is a racist tactic that has long been used by candidates in political campaigns, most notably by Republicans," Hicks said in a statement, calling it "damaging" not just to her but to Black and brown city residents. Tamer's campaign initially defended the mailer , but then said "the photo used was never intended to cause harm or show racial animus, but it is clear, based on the feedback we have received and heard, that it did not set the right tone." Hicks, who's backed by the Boston Democratic Socialists of America, and Tamer, who's more moderate, have previously clashed over their political differences and Hicks’ voting record . Tamer finished behind Hicks in the September preliminary. – FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Wu has been endorsed by former City Councilor Tito Jackson and former state Rep. Charlotte Golar Richie, per her campaign. Jackson supported Acting Mayor Kim Janey in the preliminary election. Both Jackson and Golar Richie have run for mayor before. Jackson served with Wu on the council. Wu's also been endorsed by Our Revolution and its Massachusetts chapter. – “Michelle Wu has big ideas. If she’s elected mayor, Beacon Hill could decide if many of them happen,” by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “Some of [Wu’s] most sweeping campaign ideas have faced and will face significant headwinds, even in a Democrat-dominated Legislature. … [Gov. Charlie] Baker, for one, has rejected the idea of restoring rent control, and such proposals in the Legislature have so far faltered. Democratic leaders in the Senate and House have repeatedly wrangled with calls to infuse the MBTA with more funding, but they have never publicly broached plans about replacing the hundreds of millions of dollars the quasi-public agency collects each year in fares should they be eliminated.” – “For Essaibi George, husband’s real estate holdings present a quandary,” by Andrew Ryan, Boston Globe: “...few know the full breadth of [Douglas] George’s property holdings, or how his business dealings with the city could force his wife to act carefully to avoid conflicts of interest, should she be elected mayor. George and his companies own some 55 properties in Boston with an assessed value of $54 million, according to a Globe analysis of deeds and corporate records. " – The candidate profile: "Michelle Wu's path from immigrant daughter to the pinnacle of Boston politics," by Anthony Brooks, WBUR. – “Boston Mayoral Race Heats Up as Wu, Essaibi-George Hit the Campaign Trail,” by Kathryn Sotnik, NBC10 Boston. – “Essaibi George defends ad with accent while having a laugh with it in ‘On the Record’ interview,” by Milton J. Valencia, Boston Globe. TODAY'S SPECIAL (ELECTION) – FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards has been endorsed by the Mass Alliance, a coalition of progressive political and advocacy organizations, in her bid for state Senate, per her campaign. PARTY POLITICS – “Gov. Baker: GOP chair should resign after support for anti-Asian candidate for City Council,” by Gintautas Dumcius, Dorchester Reporter: “Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, the state’s top Republican, on Friday took aim at state GOP chair Jim Lyons over his support for a Boston City Council at-large candidate who posted anti-Asian comments on social media. Baker said Lyons should resign from the post. Lyons fired back in a Friday afternoon statement saying it may be ‘time for Gov. Baker to reconsider his party affiliation.’” DAY IN COURT – “Two ‘Varsity Blues’ jurors say they methodically weighed the evidence before convicting two parents of trying to bribe their kids’ way into college,” by Marie Szaniszlo, Boston Herald: “One of the jurors who convicted two parents earlier this month in the Varsity Blues college admissions trial in federal court in Boston said the jury seemed to feel both men were guilty from the very start of deliberations.” – “North Adams man pleads guilty to a misdemeanor in connection with role in Jan. 6 Capitol riot,” by Amanda Burke, Berkshire Eagle: “A North Adams man photographed at the front of mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor offense, and is due to be sentenced next year.”  Brian P. McCreary ROLLINS REPORT – From the opinion pages: “Cotton: Biden pick Rachael Rollins poses threat to N.E. if confirmed,” by Sen. Tom Cotton in the Boston Herald: “Rollins has nothing but contempt for the rule of law. If she is confirmed by the U.S. Senate, the residents of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and all of New England would suffer the consequences.” PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES – “Taking the T Monday? You might get a free Dunkin’ gift card at these stations,” by Mia McCarthy: “The MBTA will be giving out free $5 Dunkin’ gift cards to riders at select stations on Monday ‘as a thank you for taking the T.’ They will also be handing out free masks, according to the MBTA.” – “Rep. Stephen Lynch: ‘We Have To Get To An Agreement’ On Stalled Infrastructure Bill,” by Jon Keller, WBZ. FROM THE 413 – “As UMass Amherst struggles through twin crises, some students see connections at their roots and parallels in the school’s response,” by Will Katcher, MassLive: “There are students hoping to hold Greek Life accountable for what they see as decades of sexual assaults that were never addressed. ... On a separate level, students have called for reforms in how the university handles claims of sexual assault.” – "How Garcia Could Go from Prelim Silver Medal to Holyoke Mayoral Champ," by Matt Szafranski, Western Mass Politics & Insight: "To win, [Joshua Garcia] must coalesce disparate elements and interests in Holyoke." – “Four Pittsfield postal employees test positive for COVID; city laments 'lack of cooperation',” by Francesca Paris, Berkshire Eagle. – “Pittsfield nursing home cited for abuse for leaving residents lying in waste, ignoring call lights,” by Heather Bellow, Berkshire Eagle. THE LOCAL ANGLE – "MassHealth expands long-term care to thousands of immigrants," by Lynn Jolicoeur and Lisa Mullins, WBUR: "Thousands of immigrants will become eligible for long-term care coverage under MassHealth, the state's Medicaid program, thanks to a policy change that takes effect Nov. 1." – “Closing the 'digital divide': Interest in municipal internet is rising on the South Shore, nationwide,” by Jessica Trufant, Patriot Ledger: “Some communities on the South Shore – including Quincy, Weymouth and Milton – are exploring the potential of making broadband internet a public utility, lumping it in with the long-considered-essential public services of water, electricity and sewer.” – IN MEMORIAM: “Norwood's Selectman David Hajjar Dies Unexpectedly Saturday,” by Mary Ellen Gambon, Patch. TRANSITIONS – Justin Draper has been named president and general manager of CBS News and Stations’ local business in Boston. Zuzana (Fedorkova) Love is now digital services expert for product strategy at the U.S. Digital Service. HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to state Rep. Alan Silvia, Michael Goodman, Kate Donaghue, Mark Cote and Isaac Simon. Happy belated to Jeremy Stein and Andrew S. Zimbalist. 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.   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.       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  |  Brussels Playbook  |  London Playbook View all our politics and policy newsletters FOLLOW US

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POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Wu wins key endorsement in Boston mayor’s race

 

BY LISA KASHINSKY BREAKING THIS MORNING: Rep. Ayanna Pressley has endorsed City Councilor Michelle Wu, her former council colleague, in the Boston mayor's race. In doing so, the congresswoman bypassed another former council colleague, Annissa Essaibi George. "Michelle has a passion for service and a vision for our city that is grounded in her own lived experience and belief in the transformative potential of policy. At this pivotal moment in our city’s history, we need bold leadership — that’s why I’m so proud to endorse Michelle’s candidacy for Mayor," Pressley, who sat out the preliminary, said in a statement. Pressley was the first woman of color elected to the Boston City Council. Wu was the second. HINDS EYES LG RACE — State Sen. Adam Hinds is telling colleagues he’s running for lieutenant governor, sources familiar with the discussions told POLITICO. Hinds will be announcing his run for LG in the next few weeks, according to a person who’s spoken directly to the senator in the last few days about his plans. Hinds, a Pittsfield Democrat, did not respond to requests for comment last night. Nothing’s official, of course. But there’s already plenty of talk about who would run for Hinds’ western Massachusetts state Senate seat. State Rep. Paul Mark (D-Peru) is telling colleagues he’s got his eye on the Senate district that stretches across Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden counties, the Berkshire Eagle's Danny Jin reported last night. Former state Sen. Andrea Nuciforo Jr., who sparked some buzz in the district when he moved $50,000 into his otherwise largely dormant campaign account in August, told The Eagle he’d run for his old seat if Hinds jumps. Neither returned POLITICO’s calls for comment last night. Redistricting could also play a role in who runs for the district and what that contest looks like going forward. Hinds has been laying the groundwork for a statewide run for months. He told Playbook in June he was looking at LG among his possible options for statewide office. State Rep. Tami Gouveia and businessman Bret Bero, both Democrats, are already running for lieutenant governor. Democrat Scott Donohue has also filed paperwork with state campaign finance regulators. Hinds adds to the rapidly growing list of lawmakers eyeing an exit from Beacon Hill. Special elections are underway to replace former state Rep. Brad Hill and former state Sen. Joe Boncore. House Majority Leader Claire Cronin and state Rep. Maria Robinson are awaiting confirmation to posts in the Biden administration. State Rep. Jim Kelcourse is running for Amesbury mayor. State Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz is running for governor. State Sen. Diana DiZoglio is running for state auditor and state Rep. Andy Vargas is running for her Senate seat. GOOD FRIDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Rachael Rollins is still facing a rocky road ahead to secure her spot as the next U.S. attorney for Massachusetts. Rollins’ nomination left the Senate Judiciary Committee deadlocked yesterday, after Republican Sens. Tom Cotton and Ted Cruz skewered the Suffolk district attorney over her decline-to-prosecute list. Democrats defended Rollins and touted the bipartisan support she’s received from governors, former top federal prosecutors in Massachusetts, and prominent Black lawyers and law enforcement officials. Democrats will now have to call a vote by the full Senate just to advance Rollins’ nomination. And there's really no margin for error given the close numbers. "I knew this was not going to be easy and that the work we're doing here in Boston is scary to some people who are deeply invested in the status quo, because the system works incredibly well for them. Although it is a tie, it is not a loss,” Rollins said at a virtual Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce event in the afternoon, adding that she remains “optimistic” about her chances. Back at home, the Baker administration is already preparing to name Rollins’ successor. Linda Champion, an assistant general counsel in the state Department of Industrial Accidents who finished last in the five-way Democratic primary for Suffolk DA that Rollins won in 2018, has had an initial interview with Baker’s team. But she hasn’t met with the governor himself, according to a source familiar with the proceedings. Boston City Councilor Michael Flaherty is often talked about for the job. He hasn’t been interviewed, per a source familiar, and is focused on winning reelection in November. Rollins has strongly advocated for Daniel Mulhern, her first assistant district attorney, though it’s unclear if he’s been interviewed. Baker’s office did not return a request for comment. TODAY — Boston mayoral hopeful City Councilor Annissa Essaibi George starts a day of local stops with an 8:30 a.m. “Coffee & Conversation on Equity in Chinatown.” Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and administration officials host a virtual Local Government Advisory Commission meeting at 9 a.m. Boston Acting Mayor Kim Janey gives remarks at the unveiling of a new mural on Blue Hill Avenue at 10 a.m. and joins Boston University’s “What the Science Tells Us: Racial Health and Economic Inequities During the Pandemic” symposium at 3:15 p.m. Rep. Jim McGovern joins the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce for a discussion on food insecurity at 2 p.m. Boston mayoral hopeful City Councilor Michelle Wu and state Rep. Liz Miranda take a small business walk in Dorchester at 5 p.m. THIS WEEKEND — Sen. Elizabeth Warren delivers the keynote address at George Washington University’s commencement on Saturday. State Attorney General Maura Healey and advocates will gather at 11:30 a.m. Saturday in Franklin Park to defend abortion rights. The Dorchester Reporter’s Bill Forry and Gintautas Dumcius provide Boston mayor’s race analysis on WBZ’s “Keller at Large” at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. State Sen. Julian Cyr is this week’s guest on WCVB’s “On the Record” at 11 a.m. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: lkashinsky@politico.com.   HAPPENING TODAY - DON’T MISS THIS PLAYBOOK INTERVIEW WITH REP. GOTTHEIMER AS THE HOUSE PREPARES TO VOTE : President Biden's domestic agenda is on the line, with a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill slated for a House vote on Thursday. However, moderate and progressive Democrats remain at odds over a larger, multitrillion-dollar spending package — with the left even threatening to tank Thursday's vote. Join Playbook co-author Rachael Bade for a virtual conversation featuring Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), the leader of the centrists urging his colleagues to take the win Thursday and continue working on the second package in the coming days. REGISTER HERE.     THE LATEST NUMBERS – “Massachusetts reports 1,486 new coronavirus cases, nearly 100,000 people have gotten booster dose,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald. – “Town-by-town COVID-19 data in Massachusetts,” by Ryan Huddle and Peter Bailey-Wells, Boston Globe. – “Massachusetts schools report 2,054 students, 345 staffers with COVID in past week; pooled testing shows positivity rate less than 1%,” by Melissa Hanson, MassLive.com. DATELINE BEACON HILL – “Mass. Senate presses to make vote-by-mail permanent, institute same-day registration,” by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “All of Massachusetts’ registered voters would be allowed to cast a ballot by mail and residents could register to vote on Election Day itself under a sweeping elections bill released Thursday by state Senate leaders. The legislation, which could pass the Senate as early as Wednesday, seeks to make permanent measures that millions of voters embraced during last year’s first COVID-19-racked elections, including expanded voting by mail and voting early ahead of a primary.” – The legislation would also allow same-day voter registration on Election Day or during early voting. It’s a concept backed by voting-rights advocates and politicians like Secretary of State Bill Galvin and state Attorney General Maura Healey. But Stout reports that Baker and some House Democrats haven’t exactly warmed to the idea. – “Spilka: Sports Betting Might Not Fit Into ‘Bandwidth,” by Chris Lisinski, State House News Service (paywall): “Sports betting does not feature on Senate President Karen Spilka's list of priorities for the fall lawmaking rush, and a string of high-profile incidents on the MBTA did not appear to move the Senate leader's needle on transportation funding.” – “Hospital profit margins shrink despite federal aid,” by Christian M. Wade, CNHI/Newburyport Daily News: “Hospital margins in Massachusetts slipped last year despite infusions of federal and state COVID-19 relief funding, according to a new report.” FROM THE HUB – “Boston Police Accountability Panel Scraps First Public Meeting, Reschedules It For Next Week,” by Saraya Wintersmith, GBH News: “The City of Boston rescheduled the inaugural public meeting of the new Office of Police Accountability and Transparency commission after a GBH News inquiry regarding the lack of public advance notification of the event.” THE RACE FOR CITY HALL – FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Boston City Councilor Kenzie Bok has endorsed Tania Anderson for District 7 councilor. “Tania would bring so much valuable experience to the Council – from her work advocating for small businesses as the Bowdoin Geneva Main Streets director, to her many years providing local social services and serving as a foster parent, to her own immigrant story of coming from Cape Verde to graduating from the Boston Public Schools,” Bok, the District 8 city councilor, said in a statement. – “Annissa Essaibi George Ramps Up Criticism Of Wu; Draws Distinction From Progressive Rival On Substance And Style,” by Zoe Mathews, GBH News: “Boston mayoral candidate Annissa Essaibi George, currently a city councilor, made clear the differences between her and fellow councilor and mayoral rival Michelle Wu in an appearance on Boston Public Radio Thursday, citing not only policy differences but leadership style. Essaibi George called attention to her lifelong residency in Boston — Wu was born in Chicago but has lived in Boston since the mid-2000s and has served on the city council since 2014 — in addition to her years teaching at East Boston High School, and her status as a business owner in Dorchester. – Here’s what happened: “Boston Public Radio” host Jim Braude asked Essaibi George whether Wu’s upbringing outside Boston should be “a relevant consideration for voters come Nov. 2?” Essaibi George responded: “It's relevant to me, and I think it's relevant to a lot of voters whether or not they're born and raised in the city." – Boston.com’s Nik DeCosta-Klipa tweeted the action — and reaction — in real time. Essaibi George’s comment sparked backlash online, including from Boston City Council candidate David Halbert, who noted he, too, isn’t from the city but “has always chosen Boston,” and from state Rep. Liz Miranda, a Wu supporter who said the “Boston we know today was built on the backs of working families from across the country & the globe.” Wu weighed in, saying she’s “ready to fight for every resident — whether you’ve been here since birth or chose to make Boston your home along the way.” Others accused Essaibi George of nativism. – From the Boston Globe’s Meghan E. Irons: “Nicole Caravella, the campaign’s spokeswoman, said the campaign was caught off guard by the uproar, explaining emphatically that while Essaibi George did criticize Wu on her leadership style and presence in the community, the Dorchester councilor was not criticizing where Wu — or anyone — grew up. ‘Annissa was only speaking about her individual experiences,’ Caravella said. She said Essaibi George, who like Wu is a daughter of immigrants, talked about her immigrant parents and shared her own story..." – “In District 3, Baker faces a first-time campaigner,” by Seth Daniel, Dorchester Reporter: “[Frank] Baker, who has served as district councillor for a decade, is a lifelong Columbia-Savin Hill resident known for his relentless pursuit of constituent services and neighborhood matters. But over the years he has become increasingly frustrated by the policy direction of a more activist, left-leaning city council.” ROLLINS REPORT – “After Senate committee vote, Rachael Rollins is guaranteed to be in the national conversation — and on her terms,” by James Pindell, Boston Globe: “It didn’t have to be this way. [Rachael] Rollins was up with a number of other Biden nominees for US Attorney around the country. They were all advanced to the full US Senate for confirmation by a simple voice vote without discussion. … But [Sen. Tom] Cotton wanted one on Rollins, not because of her qualifications but over policy differences. Because it was a tie vote, the US Senate will again have to have a roughly party-line vote to even consider bringing up the Rollins nomination. Even though Rollins was lost in the national conversation because Capitol Hill was avoiding a government shutdown and potentially passing an infrastructure bill on the same day, Rollins could soon be a nationally known name and a lightning rod of the nation’s culture wars.” FROM THE DELEGATION – “‘It’s so much more than cosmetic’: Why Ayanna Pressley is fighting for Medicare to cover wigs,” by Charlotte Klein, Vanity Fair: “The Massachusetts congresswoman, part of the quartet of progressives known as ‘the Squad,’ revealed last year that she was among the nearly 7 million Americans living with alopecia — an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy hair follicles, causing hair loss. … Pressley brings that lived experience to the bill she and Rep. James McGovern, her colleague in the Massachusetts House delegation, unveiled Thursday. On the last day of Alopecia Awareness Month, the pair reintroduced a bill requiring Medicare to pay for wigs for those experiencing hair loss due to medical treatments or disease.” DAY IN COURT – “Supreme Court to hear case over Boston's refusal to fly Christian flag,” by Josh Gerstein, POLITICO: “The Supreme Court has agreed to take up a case over local officials' refusal to fly a Christian group's pennant outside Boston City Hall. … The Supreme Court is likely to hear arguments in the case early next year and issue a ruling by early July.” – More from the Boston Herald’s Sean Philip Cotter: “Federal judges previously have sided against Hal Shurtleff and and his organization Camp Constitution, which in 2017 petitioned Walsh’s administration to fly what Shurtleff called the ‘Christian flag’ … Shurtleff on Thursday told the Herald that while ‘you never know with the Supreme Court,’ he’s ‘optimistic’ about his group’s chances.” PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES – “Group Demands MBTA Safety Upgrades After Dangerous Incidents,” by Zinnia Maldonado, WBZ: “At the State House Thursday morning, public transit advocates came together, calling on lawmakers to provide more funding for upgrades on the MBTA and raising concerns about the safety of riders.” – “Allston I-90 price tag $400m higher than in Nov.,” by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: “State transportation officials put a $1.7 billion price tag on the Allston I-90 project on Wednesday, a figure that is $400 million higher than it was last November. The price reflects the decision made Wednesday to reconstruct the elevated portion of the Massachusetts Turnpike at ground level and the straightening of the highway as it wends its way through Allston.” IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN – “Salem leaders announce offshore wind partnership,” by Dustin Luca, Salem News: “On Thursday morning, city and energy industry leaders announced ‘Commonwealth Wind,’ a partnership to transform 42 acres of undeveloped land around Salem Harbor Footprint.” THE LOCAL ELECTIONS ROUNDUP – FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Somerville School Committee member Andre Green has endorsed City Councilor Katjana Ballantyne for mayor. – “Rowley selectman announces run for state rep. seat,” by Newburyport Daily News staff: “Town Selectman Robert ‘Bob’ Snow announced this week he has gathered enough signatures to be placed on the ballot in the special election for the state representative seat vacated by Brad Hill." FROM THE 413 – “Gun manufacturer Smith & Wesson moving headquarters, some production from Springfield to Tennessee,” by Jim Kinney, Springfield Republican: “Smith & Wesson is moving its headquarters and significant elements of its operations to Maryville, Tennessee, in 2023 — partly in response to a proposed state law that would ban it from making assault-style weapons and certain handguns here. The company will retain 1,000 jobs and metal cutting and precision manufacturing operations at its 2100 Roosevelt Ave. plant in Springfield. The company will lay off 550 local workers.” – “Anna Maria College students call for action on sexual violence as school investigates multiple Title IX incidents this semester,” by Benjamin Kail, MassLive.com. THE LOCAL ANGLE – “‘September has been rough.’ School districts are scrambling to find food for student meals,” by Janelle Nanos, Boston Globe: “The closure of major wholesalers like Russo’s market, coupled with ongoing labor shortages and supply chain woes, have school nutrition directors throughout Massachusetts scrambling to source key products, throwing their carefully calibrated lunch menus into chaos.” – “St. Vincent Hospital 'reaffirms' position, will stay course with replacement nurses,” by Cyrus Moulton, Worcester Telegram & Gazette: “Despite recent criticism from public officials, St. Vincent Hospital on Thursday “reaffirmed” its commitment to permanent replacement nurses hired since the nurses’ strike began, citing the Massachusetts Nurses Association union's own webpage to justify a decision that remains a stumbling block to resolution.” – Sláinte: “South Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade to Return in 2022,” by Marc Fortier, NBC10 Boston. EX-PATS – I asked, you answered, and the overwhelming majority of you are pulling for the Patriots when Tom Brady, Gronk and the Bucs come to town this weekend: – Gov. Charlie Baker: "The only prediction I'm willing to make — because any other one would get me in trouble — is that I do believe that the people at Gillette will give Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski the standing ovation that they deserve before the game and they will root like mad against them once the game begins. ... I'm rooting for the Patriots." – Boston City Councilor Annissa Essaibi George: "I am always and forever a Patriots fan, I do have a little bit of a soft spot for Tom Brady, I can't deny that. But, you know, go Pats, go Pats, go Pats." – State Sen. Diana DiZoglio: "This is the first time I've ever rooted against Tom Brady, but I look forward to doing it again in February." – Anna Duffy, comms director for state Rep. Jim O’Day: "As a Patriots fan, I will be rooting for New England on Sunday. However, in the matter of Brady v. Belichick, my loyalty is with Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr. With all the friction in Foxboro, it is blatantly obvious that Bill ruined the relationship between the two all-time greats." – Playbook reader Bill Federman: "I’m rooting for Tom. Belichick done him wrong and Brady will get his subdued, well-deserved, cheerful revenge." – State Rep. Smitty Pignatelli: "I've done my research, and the New England Patriots are the only team that Tom Brady has never beaten. If this happens, he'll have beaten every team in the NFL." HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to Ethan Case, Kim Isleib and Jon Niedzielski. HAPPY BIRTHWEEKEND – to former mayor and Cambridge City Councilor E. Denise Simmons, who is 70; Rosie Quick, Marlena Baldacci and Sejal Hathi, who celebrate Saturday; and to MassDems Executive Director Veronica Martinez, who celebrates Sunday. NEW ON THE HORSE RACE: BEACON HILL BREAKDOWN – State House News Service reporters Katie Lannan and Chris Lisinski join hosts Jennifer Smith and Lisa Kashinsky to break down the latest happenings under the golden dome. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and Sound Cloud. 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.   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.       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  |  Brussels Playbook  |  London Playbook View all our politics and policy newsletters FOLLOW US

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