POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: MA-03 remains wide open — MGM Springfield Casino opens today — TITO’s latest moves

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MA-03 remains wide open — MGM Springfield Casino opens today — TITO’s latest moves

08/24/2018 07:10 AM EDT
By Lauren Dezenski (ldezenski@politico.com; @laurendezenski) and Brent D. Griffiths (bgriffiths@politico.com; @BrentGriffiths)

GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. TGIF!

PROGRAMMING NOTE — The Playbook is going on a previously scheduled end-of-summer break and will return on Sept. 4 — but fear not, I'll be following all the #mapoli primary action in the week leading up to Primary Day on Twitter.

STATE OF THE MA-03 RACE - A new poll on the 10-way race to replace Rep. Niki Tsongas shows the crowded Democratic primary field remains wide open - and the plurality of Merrimack Valley voters remain undecided, according to new data from UMass Lowell and the Boston Globe.

There's no explicitly clear frontrunner, though former Boston mayoral adviser Dan Koh's support has surged by 15 points to bring him into first place since the previous poll. Koh, as of Thursday's poll, has 19 percent support compared to Rufus Gifford (the previous frontrunner in polls) and state Sen. Barbara L'Italien, who both have 13 percent support. Lori Trahan, whose recent endorsements include the Lowell Sun, has 8 percent support to state Rep. Juana Matias' 6 percent.

The poll also shows the set of top tier candidates remains the same, though there has been movement between those candidates. Rounding out the bottom half are Alexandra Chandler at 4 percent, Jeff Ballinger and Beej Das at 2 percent, and Leonard Golder and Bopha Malone at 1 percent.

Nearly 30 percent of voters remain undecided in the crowded race, though many say they've been contacted by at least one campaign, with L'Italien, Koh, and Gifford being the most frequently reported contact. Forty-eight percent said they've been contacted by phone and 30 percent say they've been contacted in person by at least one candidate.

As MassINC Polling Group president Steve Koczela quipped to me yesterday, "Money can't buy you love, but it can buy you name ID."

MEANWHILE — Just over the border in New Hampshire, likely Democratic voters have their eyes on two big Massachusetts names. 

In a UNH/Granite State poll of 2020 likely Democratic primary voters, Elizabeth Warren and Joe Kennedy III were the third and fourth-place picks, respectively. The Warren support isn't surprising - she's been a top pick among Democrats in the presidential field - but Kennedy's support is. The two-term congressman has hardly registered on the national scene among other legitimate 2020 contenders, but Granite State Democrats apparently currently favor him more than Cory Booker, Kamala Harris, Eric Holder, and Kirsten Gillibrand.

In response to yesterday's poll results, Kennedy's campaign comms director Emily Kaufman tells me: "Joe is touched by the support, but is focused on his own re-election and helping Democrats win back the House in November."

Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: ldezenski@politico.com..

ON THE STUMP —
FIRST IN PLAYBOOK - Republican Senate contender Beth Lindstrom will be accepting the endorsement of the New England Police Benevolent Association, Inc. at their headquarters in North Chelmsford today.

- "National realtors group has spent nearly $300,000 to help Mike Capuano defeat Ayanna Pressley," by Michael Levenson, Boston Globe: "Representative Michael E. Capuano and his primary challenger, City Councilor Ayanna Pressley, say they agree on most policy issues. But one industry group clearly sees a massive difference between the two Democrats, enough to plunk down nearly $300,000 on online ads, direct mail, and polling to help Capuano defeat Pressley in the primary on Sept. 4."

- "Here's the math: How Zakim, at 34 years old, missed 16 elections," by Milton J. Valencia, Boston Globe: "It was, arguably, the most unanticipated blow in a heated Democratic primary for secretary of state. In the midst of their first televised debate, Secretary of State William Galvin questioned how Josh Zakim, a Boston city councilor, could run for a post that oversees elections when he has failed repeatedly to vote in elections himself?"


- "Jay Gonzalez slams Gov. Charlie Baker for same welfare policy Gov. Deval Patrick proposed," by Shira Schoenberg, MassLive.com: "When Republican Gov. Charlie Baker proposed changing welfare eligibility at the end of this year's legislative session, one of his Democratic opponents, Jay Gonzalez, called the move 'unconscionable.' But Gonzalez was the top state budget official when then-Gov. Deval Patrick tried to do the same thing in 2009."

- "In final Suffolk DA forum, one contender bows out, protesting question format," by Maria Cramer, Boston Globe: "Thursday night's forum before an organization representing thousands of church, mosque, and synagogue members is the last chance for the six candidates running for Suffolk District Attorney to appear together and face questions from the public. And all but one of the candidates said they are attending."

- "Republican candidates agree, attorney general needs to go," by Katie Lannan, State House News Service: "The two Republicans vying to go up against Attorney General Maura Healey struck common ground in a radio debate as they knocked the incumbent over her controversial 2016 crackdown on 'copycat' assault weapons, called for more transparency from the office and pledged to step up prosecution against drug traffickers. Lawyers Jay McMahon and Dan Shores also sought to distinguish themselves from each other in the forum on WATD's 'Monday Night Talk,' their final matchup before the Sept. 4 primary ."

- "After A Failed Mayoral Bid, What's Tito Jackson Doing Now?" by Maddie Kilgannon, WGBH: "This time last year he was campaigning for mayor, going to parties like these for his own race. Now, he's campaigning for Rachael Rollins, a candidate for Suffolk District Attorney. Jackson also referenced 'the revolving door' of addiction, an issue he's working on now as the CEO of Verdant Medical, a medical marijuana group."

THE TSONGAS ARENA —
- "Ten candidates. Thirty-one hours. One Democratic primary," by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: "Welcome to the Third District, where 10 — yes, 10 — Democrats are vying to replace retiring US Representative Niki Tsongas in Massachusetts' largest congressional primary in two decades. Welcome to the Third District, where 10 — yes, 10 — Democrats are vying to replace retiring US Representative Niki Tsongas in Massachusetts' largest congressional primary in two decades."

- Gifford Releases 'Groundbreaking' LGBT-Focused Ad, from the Rufus Gifford campaign: "Rufus Gifford will release today a new digital ad, described as "groundbreaking" by LGBT advocates, because it's an emotional testimonial recounting his journey as a gay man from childhood struggles to his career in public service." The ad can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/4_ZBzLrlOBA

- "L'Italien Calls on Third District Field to Sign Joint Statement Committing to Protect Special Counsel Investigation," from the L'Italien campaign: "Today State Senator Barbara L'Italien (D-Andover), candidate for Congress in the 3rd District, called on all of her fellow candidates regardless of party affiliation to come together and sign a joint statement promising to protect Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Donald Trump. -- As of 8:30pm, candidates across party lines have joined Senator L'Italien's joint statement promising to protect the special counsel's investigation into Donald Trump, with Democrats Jeff Ballinger and Rufus Gifford and Independent Mike Mullen pledging to safeguard the rule of law. No one has declined, but there has been no response yet from Republican candidate Rick Green or the other seven Democrats in the field."

- "Editorial endorsement: Lori Trahan earns nod for 3rd," by Boston Herald: "Lori Trahan is a product of the 3rd District. She grew up there and still lives there with her husband and their five kids. Her personal experi­ence as well as her time in business and on Capitol Hill will be extremely advantageous for her constituents."

- "Trahan announces endorsements of two women leaders in Westford," from the Lori Trahan campaign: Lori Trahan, Democrat for Congress, proudly announces she has received the endorsements of Selectwoman Elizabeth Almeida and School Committeewoman Megan Eckroth.

- "Editorial: Trahan is best choice in Sept. 4 primary," by Sentinel & Enterprise: "Wife, mother, political operative, and successful entrepreneur, Lori Loureiro Trahan has the lifelong ties and experiences that bind her to the district. She's excelled on the stump, sticking to issues that affect people's livelihoods and personal convictions."

DATELINE BEACON HILL —
- "Cannabis Control Commission declines to review agreements between Massachusetts cities and towns and marijuana businesses," by Jacqueline Tempera, MassLive.com: "Commissioners denied a motion that would allow the Cannabis Control Commission to review the agreements between Massachusetts cities and towns and potential marijuana businesses to ensure a "consistent standard" for applicants. The request to review the Host Community Agreements, known as HCAs, came from a contentious conversation at the Commission's last meeting -- lead by Shaleen Title."

- "Licenses for Massachusetts' first testing labs, pot shops in Salem and Fall River approved by Cannabis Control Commission," by Jacqueline Tempera, MassLive.com: "Licenses for two marijuana testing labs in Massachusetts - a key step in the state's journey toward retail pot shops - were approved Thursday. Any recreational marijuana must be tested by an independent lab before it's sold in Massachusetts, but no such facilities exist. Thursday's vote marked the first step in getting the labs open."

CHARLIE BAKER FAIL! 

- "Citizens foot bill for arts council boss' car, parking," by Joe Dwinell and Brooks Sutherland, Boston Herald: "As the governor targets taxpayer-paid perks, the $174,700-a-year head of the Mass Cultural Council drives a state-leased Toyota Prius, gasses it up on the public's dime and has her parking paid for at a pricey downtown garage, the Herald has learned."

EXCERPTS: 

The lease for the unmarked Prius C III costs $404.63 a month, according to the contract.

The parking bill is $340 a month for a spot at the Stuart Street Motor Mart Garage, according to state credit card records. Because the Prius is a hybrid, records vary on the cost of gasoline.

But that’s not the only bonus for Cultural Council Executive Director Anita Walker. She was given a $6,700 raise April 1.

Cultural Council spokesman Greg Liakos refused to discuss details of Walker’s car, parking, gas or raise. All calls made to Walker were directed to Liakos, the agency’s $107,000-a-year communications director.

The rent is $332,000 a year for the third-floor offices, records show. The garage where Walker parks her Prius is within a short walking distance.

Brendan Moss, a spokesman for Gov. Charlie Baker, said last night the administration “conducted reviews” of take-home cars two years ago and put out a bulletin stating in very “limited situations” it is allowed. The Mass Cultural Council, which falls “under the treasurer’s office,” he added, is not required to abide by that edict. Yet, the governor appoints the board members who oversee the council.



DATELINE D.C. —
- "Mass. congressional delegation calls on ICE to stop arresting immigrants seeking legal status," by Maria Cramer, Boston Globe: "All nine of Massachusetts' representatives in the US House called on the Department of Homeland Security Wednesday to direct Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents not to arrest unauthorized immigrants when they appear at government offices for appointments about their applications for legal residency. The letter was sent one day before a federal judge is scheduled to resume hearings on a lawsuit against the agency filed by five immigrants and their spouses."

THE WARREN REPORT —
- "Warren warns of need to protect Mueller," by Lindsey Ellefson, CNN: "Sen. Elizabeth Warren said Wednesday that Congress' immediate priorities should be avoiding a constitutional crisis and protecting special counsel Robert Mueller, not impeaching President Donald Trump. 'What Congress needs to do right now is we need to make sure that special (counsel) Mueller is fully protected from being fired by Donald Trump,' the Massachusetts Democrat told CNN's John Berman on 'New Day' ..."

FRONT PAGE PLAY — Herald: "CULTURE $HOCK!" "CLEANING UP" — Globe: "Sessions fights back as Trump attacks," "Organist accused of sex abuse," "A big step for driverless cars," "Drug, gun net gets city worker and police killer," "Koh has a small lead in 3rd District, poll says."

THE LOCAL ANGLE —
- "'A phoenix has risen': MGM Springfield, city and state officials tout resort casino on eve of opening (photos, video)," by Peter Goonan, MassLive.com: "Seven years after a tornado tore through the city, causing millions of dollars in damage, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said Thursday that the opening of MGM Springfield's resort casino in less than 24 hours is the phoenix rising from the rubble. Sarno was among many city and state officials and dignitaries who gathered with MGM officials and supporters in the resort's Aria Ballroom to celebrate Friday's opening of the $960 million resort."

- "MGM, preparing to open, has feisty words for CT rivals,' by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: "Let the casino wars begin. The MGM Springfield casino is about to open, and at a press conference on Thursday several officials made clear that the battle is on with Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. 'It's not going to be messing around at Mohegan Sun,' [ said Jim Murren, the CEO of MGM] 'We're a bit bigger than them. We're bringing entertainment back here, starting with a guy you might have heard of, Stevie Wonder.'"

OVERPRICED TEMPORARY SOLUTION - ANOTHER CHARLIE BAKER FAIL! ELECTION YEAR TACTIC!  

 SOME EXCERPTS - WORTH READING IN ITS ENTIRETY:

 That so-called South Coast Rail "Phase 1," costing $957 million, would send diesel trains from New Bedford and Fall River to South Station using the existing Middleboro line, partly by upgrading a freight connection between Cotley Junction in East Taunton and a new station in Middleboro. The Stoughton line would be done at some point in the future as Phase 2, at a cost of billions more. (A MassDOT spokesperson did not respond to a question about Phase 2's current estimated cost or target completion date.)
Former Transportation Secretary Jim Aloisi is more critical, citing estimates that show Phase 1 will only yield a net 1,600 new daily riders after an investment of about $1 billion. He calls the plan "too expensive for too few riders."
"I support South Coast Rail. I think we need to have that connection," said Aloisi, who served under Patrick. "But I think we need to do it in the most cost effective and efficient way possible. That's not the path we're on now."
If Phase 1 is built, he added, "I can almost guarantee to everyone who's listening there will never be a Phase 2."

South Coast Rail could also be an issue in this fall's race for governor. Baker, who opposed the project when he lost to Patrick in 2010 but came around to support it in 2014, has cited it as a sign of his commitment to the region. But state Sen. Marc Pacheco, a Taunton Democrat, has cited the phased plan as one of the reasons he is backing Democratic candidate Jay Gonzalez against Baker.

The worst-case scenario for South Coast Rail, Aloisi argues, is that Phase 1 winds up as a billion-dollar bust.
"It will not attract a lot of riders. It will be very expensive. It may even degrade the ride for people currently using the [Middleboro] Old Colony line," he said. "So I think overall if it's implemented it will be deemed a failure … and there will be no incentive on the part of the next governor after Baker to think, 'I'm going to make another big investment in something that nobody likes.' So let's get it right the first time."
TransitMatters, a nonprofit advocacy group whose board Aloisi serves on, has suggested the Baker administration go back to the drawing board and re-examine an alternative route for South Coast Rail that would go through Mansfield. Previous proposals to send the trains through that town have drawn loud community opposition, but the group suggests that could be avoided by running the tracks alongside I-495.

- "Could the latest South Coast Rail plan be a billion-dollar bust?" by Ted Nesi, WPRI 12: "For a quarter-century, Massachusetts governors have promised South Coast residents that they would soon be riding a commuter rail line from New Bedford and Fall River to Boston. Baker began to put money where his mouth is last month, when the boards of the Mass. Department of Transportation and the MBTA voted to authorize contracts to move ahead with the project. But there's a catch: the project slated for completion in November 2022 is not the full electrified line through Stoughton that has been discussed for years."

- "29 charged, including city worker, in fentanyl bust," by Jeremy C. Fox, Boston Globe: "A Boston City Hall employee and a man who killed a Boston police officer 45 years ago are among 29 men facing federal or state drug, guns, and counterfeiting charges following separate investigations targeting allegedly major drug dealers and repeat criminal offenders, authorities said Thursday. Gary Webster, 35, of Boston, a project manager for the Boston Planning & Development Agency who until last year was City Councilor Michelle Wu's constituent services director, is accused of selling cocaine and fentanyl to a cooperating witness, according to officials."

- "Pilgrim nears temperature cap," by Christine Legere, Cape Cod Times: "Northeasterly winds have been pushing warm water released from Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station's reactor beyond a breakwater and into a sheltered area where 500 million gallons are drawn each day to cool operational systems, according to a spokesman for plant owner-operator Entergy Corp. Bay water being used for cooling may not exceed 75 degrees under Pilgrim's federal operating license, and the warm water migrating to the intake area is driving temperatures toward the federal cap."

-"Mashpee tribe official: Land needed to help save language," by Tanner Stening, Cape Cod Times:"Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council Vice Chairwoman Jessie "Little Doe" Baird testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Wednesday about the tribe's effort to revive its native language, saying the linguistic work is critically tied to the tribe keeping its reservation."

DID THE HOME TEAM WIN? Yes! The Red Sox beat the Indians 7-0.

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY - to Salem state Sen. Joan Lovely, who celebrated on Wednesday and Everett state Rep. Joe McGonagle, who celebrated on Thursday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to East Sandwich state Rep. Randy Hunt, who we mistakenly extended birthday greetings to on Wednesday.

HAPPY BIRTHWEEKEND — to communications director for Treasurer Deb Goldberg Chandra Allard, Fidelity's senior director of public policy research and communication Meg Reilly and Maria Nation, who celebrate on Saturday and to Sunday birthday-ers Republican U.S. Senate candidate Beth Lindstrom, Romney alum Eric Fehrnstrom, South Boston State Rep. Nick Collins, 7News reporter Sharman Sacchetti, Hampshire County Register of Deeds Mary Olberding, Brandeis University Community Engagement Officer Angela Vo, WRKO's "Sound Off" host John MacGillivray and Essex County Register of Deeds John O'Brien , who will be celebrating by attending the Salem Democrats Summer Potluck Picnic.

HAPPY BIRTHWEEK (NEXT WEEK) -
Monday: MassDevelopment's RJ McGrail and Westford Rep. Jim Arciero.

Tuesday: Somerville Rep. Christine Barber and Rep. Richard Neal alum AnnMarie Jablon

Wednesday: Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. manager of corporate communications Kelly Smith, Instatrac owner and operator Michael Segal, and Ben Martello, Rufus Gifford's campaign manager.

Thursday: Boston University spokesman Colin Riley, Boston Globe/POLITICO alum and current Washington Post metro reporter Martine Powers and Julia Hoffman, founding head of 4C's Boston office.

Friday: Lenox Rep. Smitty Pignatelli.
Saturday: Chief of staff for Boston City Councilor Frank Baker Amy Friguletti

Sunday: Haverhill City Councilor Andy Vargas and Scott Bosworth, Massachusetts DOT chief strategy officer

THANK YOU - Today is Brent Griffiths' last day assisting the Playbook as he moves onto greener pastures at Politico. Thanks for all of your MA Playbook help, Brent!

FRESH OUT OF THE GATE - THE LATEST EPISODE OF THE HORSE RACE: Secretary of State Bill Galvin andJosh Zakim are highlighted again this week as they each launch attack ads. Then we focus on one race that has flown under radar -- the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor. Former LG and current president of the Worcester Chamber of Commerce Tim Murray tells us what it's like to run for the seat. Plus Becca Rausch is running for state Senate and calling for transparency on Beacon Hill — and 14 other Democratic women running for office have joined her call. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and Sound Cloud

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