POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: The RACE is on — Airbnb AGREEMENT — TRUMP dreams of BRADY

The RACE is on — Airbnb AGREEMENT — TRUMP dreams of BRADY

07/30/2018 07:00 AM EDT

By Stephanie Murray (smurray@politico.com; @StephMurr_Jour) and Brent D. Griffiths (bgriffiths@politico.com; @BrentGriffiths)

GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. It's Monday.

PROGRAMMING NOTE — Lauren Dezenski will return on July 31.

THE RACE IS ON — It's the last Monday of July, and the end of summer is getting closer and closer. For a lot of people, that means squeezing in one more long weekend, spending an extra hour on the porch or leaving work a little early on Friday. But for those running for office, we're getting down to the wire.

Today marks 99 days until the Nov. 6 general election. Sen. Elizabeth Warren checked off her 31st town hall on Saturday in the South End, and her latest appearance seemed to go more smoothly than the one in Great Barrington a week earlier. Back then, out in the Berkshires, perhaps Warren's most intentionally inflammatory challenger Shiva Ayyadurai took a megaphone to the face during a clash with a man wearing a Warren campaign sticker outside her event.

Rep. Seth Moulton went north over the weekend, fanning rumors of a 2020 run at an appearance in New Hampshire, with his mom's homemade chocolate cake in tow. It was Moulton's second trip to the Granite State in eight days, James Pindell points out at the Boston Globe.

Back in Boston, Gov. Charlie Baker went easy on state lawmakers, who are facing an imminent deadline.Baker signed this year's budget with two days to spare and six times less in spending vetoes compared to last year, Matt Murphy notes at the State House News Service. The House and Senate have until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, the end of session, to act on Baker's changes and make good on the rest of their legislative promises.

And speaking of coming deadlines, candidates in contested primaries have only 36 days to go until the Sept. 4 election. Democrats in crowded fields are working to grab the attention and support of voters who are busy squeezing in that last beach trip before reality hits in September.

There are plenty of contested seats up for grabs and more than enough Democratic hopefuls to fill them. If you follow the MA-3 race and have been anywhere near social media, you've likely seen photos of the door-knockers out in force for candidates Dan Koh, Rufus Gifford and Lori Trahan. State Sen. Barbara L'Italien took her kitchen table tour to Acton over the weekend.

DEBATE:

Things are also heating up in the state's 7th District. Incumbent Rep. Michael Capuano holds less than a 10-point lead over Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley, according to an Emerson poll released last week.We're a week away from a Capuano-Pressley debate set for Aug. 7.

DEBATE:

And a couple weeks later, Secretary of State Bill Galvin will face primary challenger Boston City Councilor Josh Zakim in a debate Aug. 24. Zakim is going after Galvin on abortion, an issue that doesn't have much bearing on a secretary of state's duties. Zakim is raising it anyway, saying voters should know the "core values" of their elected officials. It's also a way to differentiate himself from a fellow Democrat who largely shares the same positions when it comes to less polarizing topics, like voter registration.

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

TODAY — The Senate and the House both meet in formal session. Sen. Ed Markey discusses the Affordable Care Act and the Supreme Court with health experts. U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling sits down with Jim Braude on "Greater Boston." Rep. Rich Neal talks with labor leaders in Springfield. State Sens. Barbara L'Italien, Jamie Eldridge and Michael Moore attend a fundraiser for Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester Senate candidate Chelsea Kline.

THE TSONGAS ARENA —

FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: "L'Italien Announces Comprehensive Federal Environment and Energy Platform" from the L'Italien campaign: "Today State Senator Barbara L'Italien (D-Andover), candidate for Congress in the 3rd District, announced her sweeping and far-reaching plan to combat climate change, protect the environment, and catalyze the country's renewable energy transition. The plan is based in L'Italien's years of experience working in the state legislature and in the communities she represents on issues of energy, climate change, conservation, and green job creation."

- "In 3rd District race, EMILY's List faces challenge: which woman to support?" by Chris Lisinski, Lowell Sun:"EMILY's List, an influential political action committee that works to help pro-choice women win elections, has been closely following the 3rd Congressional District race, watching its dynamics unfold and keeping in contact with the five female candidates. The organization will not say, however, if it actually intends to endorse one of those women -- something that would bring financial and logistical support -- in the Democratic primary."

- "State Senator Barbara L'Italien secures $16m in funds for Lowell — for a city she doesn't represent," by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: "In a few short months, state Senator Barbara L'Italien has shepherded some $16 million into various bills for the city of Lowell, funneling state cash toward parks and more than $1 million for the site of a new high school. On Wednesday alone, she managed to secure millions for a parking study, to build a bridge, and other projects in an economic development bill — all pork, all for the Mill City. There's just one thing: L'Italien, an Andover Democrat, doesn't represent Lowell. But she wants to in Congress."

- "Seven of Chelmsford's top elected leaders back Lori Trahan" from the Trahan campaign: "Lori Trahan, Democrat for Congress, is proud to announce she has been endorsed by Selectmen George R. Dixon Jr., Pat Wojtas, and Glenn Diggs, as well as School Committee members Dennis King, Al Thomas, Donna Newcomb and John Moses. 'Chelmsford needs someone like Lori, someone who understands the economic struggles of our communities and someone who cares about how those struggles affect our residents,' said Dixon, who serves as chair of the Board of Selectmen."

- "IBEW Local 103 endorsing Dan Koh at event in Lowell this afternoon" from the Koh campaign: "This afternoon in Lowell, IBEW Local 103 will announce its endorsement of Democrat Dan Koh in the 3rd District Congressional race. Local 103, which represents more than 8,000 workers and thousands of retirees throughout Massachusetts, will endorse Dan at an event at his campaign office at 61 Market Street in Lowell from 3:30 to 4:30 PM. Business Manager of Local 103 Lou Antonellis, Dan, and others will give remarks."

ON THE STUMP —

- "Secretary of State Bill Galvin Announces Endorsement by Representative William Straus" from the Galvin campaign: "Today State Representative William Straus endorsed Secretary of State Bill Galvin in his campaign for re-election. Rep. Straus represents the 10th Bristol District and is the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. 'Secretary of State Bill Galvin is an extremely effective financial overseer for Massachusetts,' said Representative Straus. 'Our Secretary of State serves as chief financial regulator. As a result, his expertise is critically important right now, when financial regulations are under attack by the federal government.'"

- "In 3rd Hampshire, a Primary Built from the Background up...," by Matt Szafranski, Western Massachusetts Politics & Insight: "In 2016 voters in the 3rd Hampshire District were treated to a rare electoral treat: a six-way Democratic primary. As with the soon-to-be vacated in nearby districts, legislative seats here are held for decades at a time. Technically, the 3rd Hampshire seat is not open. Yet the drive into this college town reveals the region is the full throes of election."

- "Editorial: Vote for Chelsea Kline for State Senate on Sept. 4," by David Eisenstadter, The Valley Advocate: "[Chelsea] Kline is running in the Sept. 4 Democratic primary to replace former Senate President Stanley Rosenberg, who resigned following censure by an independent ethics investigation. Only Kline had the political courage to step forward and challenge the sitting and popular incumbent, offering voters a choice if the ethics investigation should confirm the Globe's already robust reporting."

- "State Representative Ed Coppinger Endorses Greg Henning for Suffolk County DA" from the Henning campaign: "Today, candidate for Suffolk County District Attorney Greg Henning received the endorsement of State Representative Ed Coppinger, who represents the 10th Suffolk District, including West Roxbury and a part of Roslindale. 'As an experienced prosecutor in the DA's office, Greg Henning has a proven record of keeping our communities safe while demonstrating compassion in his work over the years. Both as a prosecutor and teacher, Greg has worked to steer young people away from the influences of crime,' said Representative Coppinger."

DATELINE BEACON HILL —

- "Deal struck to impose hotel tax on Airbnb units," by Jon Chesto and Tim Logan, Boston Globe: "Legislative leaders reached an agreement Sunday that would extend the state's hotel tax to Airbnb units and other short-term rentals, a change that could raise at least $25 million a year for the state and at least a similar amount for cities and towns. The House and Senate are expected to vote on the measure and send it to Governor Charlie Baker on Monday."

- "As hand-held cellphone ban stalls, activists weigh ballot question," by Adam Vaccaro, Boston Globe: "As another legislative season approaches an end without new rules to curb distracted driving in Massachusetts, frustrated activists are considering a ballot question to ask voters whether to ban hand-held cellphone use while driving. The proposed ban suffered a major setback last week, when negotiations between police and a key lawmaker broke down over the issue of racial profiling."

TRUMPACHUSETTS —

- "Trump is said to have wanted Ivanka to marry Tom Brady," by Kenneth Singletary, Boston Globe: "It looks like President Trump really is a big fan of Tom Brady. The New York Times reported Saturday that Trump wished that his daughter Ivanka had married Brady instead of Jared Kushner."

THE WARREN REPORT —

- "Warren Highlights Puerto Rico's Plight & One of Its Local Champions...," by Matt Szafranski, Western Massachusetts Politics & Insight: "Puerto Rico has no voting representation in Congress. That has invariably hobbled its ability to obtain necessary relief after Hurricanes Maria and Irma. On Friday US Senator Elizabeth Warren's campaign released a video featuring Holyoke Ward 4 Councilor Jossie Valentin and her work on behalf of her ancestral homeland. Since the twin hurricanes battered the island last year, Valentin has undertaken three relief missions to the island."

- "Elizabeth Warren, GOP brace for Brett Kavanaugh fight," by Mary Markos, Boston Herald: "The showdown over U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh was front and center at yesterday's town hall meeting in Boston with the state's senior senator, just as her GOP counterparts try to push the vote along. 'It was stolen from Barack Obama and it was stolen from the people of the United States of America,' U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren said of the court appointment in the final year of Obama's term that was delayed by Senate Republicans until he was out of office."

WOOD WAR — Herald: "PASSING ON TOM" — Globe: "Head-on collision in Cotuit kills new father," "Deal set to extend hotel tax to Airbnb," "Bias before the bench," "A high school or a higher calling?," "Lobster traps enmeshed in global trade war."

THE LOCAL ANGLE —

- "The Massachusetts transgender anti-discrimination law could soon be repealed; How did this happen?" by Tess Halpern, MassLive.com: "The fate of the transgender anti-discrimination bill -- a law passed in 2016 to protect transgender people from discrimination in restaurants, stores, movie theaters and other public places -- is in the public's hands this November."

- "How do you get into Harvard? For the lucky few, there's the Z list.," by Deirdre Fernandes, Boston Globe:"Getting into Harvard requires top grades, impressive extracurricular pursuits, and a dynamic personality. But there's another way in: the Z list. But according to filings in the recent affirmative action lawsuit against Harvard, the university's records show that every year about 60 students — mostly white and well-connected — enter Harvard through what is called the Z list."

- "Despite Denials, WBZ Scoop Proves Correct In Departure of Police Commissioner Evans," by WGBH News:"Boston Police Commissioner Bill Evans announced this week that he is leaving the department, a scoop that WBZ first reported last month. Aside from vindicating WBZ's initial report, the announcement raised questions about prior comments made by Mayor Marty Walsh and Evans, who not only denied the report, but also disparaged the outlet for breaking the news."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Boston Senior Home Care CEO Meg Hogan.

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY — South Shore Hospital senior digital content strategist Amy Derjue and O'Neill and Associates senior VP Andrew Paven, who celebrated on Saturday and Sunday birthday-er Boston state Rep. Byron Rushing.

DID THE HOME TEAM WIN? Yes! — The Red Sox beat the Twins 3-0.

ICYMI - THE LATEST EPISODE OF THE HORSE RACE: We're back post-Fourth of July with a check in on what's still pending on Beacon Hill. MassLive's Gin Dumcius walks us through why Massachusetts still does not have a state budget; then in a return to the pod, Principal of Waterville Consulting Sean Curran explains quarter two fundraising reports and Gov. Charlie Baker's massive ad buy. Plus Steve and Lauren look at the recent Supreme Judicial Court ruling which maintains the 20 day voter registration cut-off. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and Sound Cloud

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