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GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Happy Monday!
DOWN TO THE WIRE — We're almost at the three-week mark before the midterm election. One way to tell we're getting down to the wire? The gazillion 2020 candidates jumping the gun on the presidential race. But another indicator is the too-many-to-count campaign events on the calendar this week.
Gov. Charlie Baker fundraises for state Rep. Keiko Orrall today to boost her bid for treasurer against incumbent Deborah Goldberg. In tow are dozens of Republican state lawmakers and several state GOP officials, including party chair Kirsten Hughes.
And on Tuesday, Democrats are bringing out the big guns for MA-3 candidate Lori Trahan — House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi willfundraise for the Merrimack Valley Democrat in Concord. The big question: Will Trahan support Pelosi for House Speaker if she gets to Congress and the Democrats flip the House? So far, Trahan hasn't said. A number of Democratic candidates this cycle say they want tooust Pelosi, and the Massachusetts delegation is already home to defector-in-chief Rep. Seth Moulton. Trahan debates Republican Rick Green for retiring Rep. Niki Tsongas' seat on Thursday.
On Wednesday, Baker goes toe-to-toe with his own challenger, Democrat Jay Gonzalez. The pair will meet for their second debate, this time hosted by WGBH. They've already covered the MBTA, education, taxes, environment and the State Police. Stay tuned on whether they'll break new ground this time around. Also debating that night are Rep. Bill Keating and Republican Peter Tedeschi.
Rounding out the week is the first match-up between Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Republican Geoff Diehl on Friday. Asked what she thought about her opponent at a town hall on Sunday, Warren asked reporters, "What about him?" And that's apparently what more than a quarter of voters are still asking. Twenty-nine percent of likely voters haven't heard of Diehl, according to a UMass Lowell/Boston Globe poll released last week. At the same time on Saturday, Diehl was blasting Warren's "national ambitions" and the price of a special election if she does run for president.
The debate on Friday will be the first time Warren faces big questions about her 2020 intentions directly from her Republican challenger, and it's also one of underdog Diehl's last chances to get in front of voters before Nov. 6. One Warren criticism that might be laid to rest? The senator released a DNA test saying there is "strong evidence '' there was a Native American in her family tree, published on the front page of the Boston Globe today.
Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: smurray@politico.com.
TODAY — Treasurer Deborah Goldberg previews unclaimed property going up for auction on eBay in her office. Gov. Charlie Baker attends a fundraiser for state Rep. Keiko Orrall, who is running for treasurer, at the UMass Club. Guests include state Sen. Bruce Tarr, Massachusetts Republican Party chair Kirsten Hughes and Republican National Committeeman Ron Kaufman.
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jay Gonzalez speaks at a MASSCreative forum. MA3 Republican nominee Rick Green is a guest on "Radio Boston" while Democrat Lori Trahan tours Fitchburg State University.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission releases a September revenue report. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh hosts a "Protecting Immigrant Families" rally. Mass DEP commissioner Martin Suuberg, Mass CEC CEO Stephen Pike and Western Mass EDC President Rick Sullivan are at UMass Amherst for a water technology conference.
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 | DATELINE BEACON HILL |
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- "State's stalled plan to regulate Airbnb leaves cities in limbo," by Tim Logan, Boston Globe: " A bill that would establish statewide regulations for short-term rentals through Airbnb and other platforms is stalled on Beacon Hill, complicating efforts by several cities to rein in the booming industry. Since early August, state lawmakers and Governor Charlie Baker have been in a standoff over legislation — passed in the waning hours of this year's legislative session — to tax and regulate short-term rentals. Baker didn't veto the much-negotiated bill, but instead sent it back for changes he said would make the rules less onerous for hosts who occasionally use Airbnb and other platforms as a way to supplement their income, not as a full-time business venture."
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| WARREN REPORT |
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- "Warren releases results of DNA test," by Annie Linskey, Boston Globe: "Senator Elizabeth Warren has released a DNA test that provides "strong evidence'' she had a Native American in her family tree dating back 6 to 10 generations, an unprecedented move by one of the top possible contenders for the 2020 Democratic nomination for president. Warren, whose claims to Native American blood have been mocked by President Trump and other Republicans, provided the test results to the Globe on Sunday in an effort to defuse questions about her ancestry that have persisted for years. She planned an elaborate rollout Monday of the results as she aimed for widespread attention ."
- "Elizabeth Warren builds expansive Democratic campaign effort ahead of likely 2020 bid," by Matt Viser, Washington Post: "During the past six months, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) has built a shadow war room designed to elect Democrats across the country in the midterm elections, overtaking some of the traditional duties of Democratic Party campaign committees and further positioning herself for an all-but-certain 2020 presidential bid. Her effort, which goes far beyond the fundraising and endorsement speeches in which prospective presidential candidates typically engage, has encompassed work in all 50 states and close coordination with more than 150 campaigns."
- "Elizabeth Warren touts Democrats' House and Senate chances," by Alexi Cohan, Boston Herald: "U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren rallied the crowd at a town hall in Roxbury yesterday, pushing the need for Democrats to gain control over the House and the Senate in the upcoming November midterm elections, but her GOP rival Geoff Diehl and polls suggest the longed-for Blue Wave is over — Warren's party overplayed its hand in the Kavanaugh confirmation fight."
- "National groups step away from Massachusetts race," by Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald: "It was supposed to be a national fight with outside groups pouring millions of dollars into a nasty ad war, but so far U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren's re-election contest has fallen short of the hype. With less than four weeks before Election Day, Warren's race has drawn surprisingly little interest from conservative groups and super PACs looking to dent the Massachusetts senator in the run-up to her expected 2020 presidential campaign."
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| ON THE STUMP |
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- "Did Charlie Baker keep his campaign promises?" by Joshua Miller and Matt Stout, Boston Globe: "Four years ago, he promised not to raise taxes. He pledged to reform the troubled Department of Children and Families. He said he'd fight the opioid crisis, expand a key tax credit for the working poor, spend 1 percent of the state budget on the environment, improve efficiency at the Registry of Motor Vehicles, and do much, much more if voters sent him to the corner office. Now, running for reelection, Republican Governor Charlie Baker faces the most basic political question: Did he keep the promises he made before he took office? The Globe reviewed Baker's 2014 campaign proposals, pledges from debates, hundreds of news releases, and media interviews; consulted policy experts; and, ultimately, found a mixed bag."
- "Not all nurses back ballot question to regulate staffing," by Priyanka Dayal McCluskey, Boston Globe: " Siobhan Cruise so strongly opposes a Massachusetts ballot question to regulate nurse staffing that she sometimes wears a T-shirt proudly proclaiming her stance. She pasted "No on 1" on her Facebook profile and planted a sign outside her house bearing the same message. And, she's a nurse. Question 1, backed by the Massachusetts Nurses Association, seeks to limit the number of patients assigned to hospital nurses at one time. It sounds like an idea that all nurses might get behind. But not all of them have."
- "Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh endorses Yes on Question 1," from Walsh's office: "Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh has added his support to the list of elected officials endorsing Yes on Question 1, An act relative to patient safety and hospital transparency (the Patient Safety Act). Over 150 organizations have also endorsed Yes on Question 1, including nursing organizations representing over 1 million members at the bedside.."
- "Markey Endorses Much-Debated Ballot Initiative On Nurse Staffing," WBUR: "U.S. Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts has come out in support of the much-debated state ballot question on nurse-staffing ratios. Question 1 would set a minimum on nurse-to-patient ratios at hospitals and healthcare facilities if passed. Markey has said it is important to allow nurses and other medical professionals do their jobs safely. The measure is also backed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, representatives Joe Kennedy III and Michael Capuano, as well as congressional candidates Ayanna Pressley and Lori Trahan.
THIS REPRESENTS 39 POLICE DEPARTMENTS IN THE COMMONWEALTH THAT HAS 351 MUNICIPALITIES. THE DISAPPOINTMENT IS THAT CHARLIE BAKER CATERED TO A NARROW ISSUE TO GAIN THEIR ENDORSEMENT.
IS THIS ALL THERE IS?
WHERE WAS CHARLIE BAKER ON ALL OTHER ISSUES SURROUNDING SENTENCING REFORM, INCARCERATION, REDUCING RECIDIVISM, PREVENTING CAREER CRIMINALS, EDUCATING AND PROVIDING JOB SKILLS FOR THOSE INCARCERATED, AND A HOST OF OTHER ISSUES THAT WOULD INTERCEPT CRIMES AND REDUCE TAXPAYER COSTS?
THERE IS NO FUTURE IN CHARLIE BAKER'S THINKING.
- "POLICE CHIEFS BACK BAKER AFTER HE BACKED TRAINING FEE," by Michael P. Norton, State House News Service: "In its first endorsements in its 15-year existence, a group representing police chiefs from 39 largest police departments in Massachusetts announced Sunday they are backing Republican Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. Baker in July signed a bill authorizing a new $2 surcharge on every vehicle rental contract in Massachusetts, with the first $10 million raised going toward police training programs. Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes, president of the Massachusetts Major City Chiefs of Police Association Inc., said the governor's support for that bill played a role in members of his group voting unanimously Tuesday at a meeting in Everett to back Baker and Polito."
- "In N.H., Alec Baldwin urges 'overthrow' of Trump government via voting," by Holly Ramer, Associated Press: "Actor Alec Baldwin followed up his latest parody portrayal of President Trump with a serious call Sunday night for voters to use the Nov. 6 midterm elections to peacefully 'overthrow' the government. After reprising his role as Trump on ''Saturday Night Live,' Baldwin flew to New Hampshire, where he was the keynote speaker at the New Hampshire Democratic Party's annual fall fund-raising dinner."
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| DATELINE D.C. |
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- "Rep. Clark: 'Unprecedented wave of enthusiasm' among Democratic voters," on Kasie DC: "Despite new polling that shows positive signs for Republicans, Rep. Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), who is the co-chair of the DCCC's "Red to Blue" program, says she senses a blue wave coming."
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| THE LOWELL CONNECTOR |
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- "A Month Later, Crisis In Merrimack Valley Continues," by Craig LeMoult, WGBH News: "It's been one month since about 80 natural gas fires and explosions erupted across three communities north of Boston. The fires killed one person, injured dozens, and displaced thousands. Now, many families are back home, but things are definitely not back to normal."
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| FROM THE HUB |
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- GLADIATOR AARON HERNANDEZ AND FOOTBALL INC.," from the Boston Globe: "The story of Aaron Hernandez unspooled rapidly in Boston and beyond, with developments almost impossible to digest in real time. The Patriots star tight end dazzled crowds with his spectacular athleticism, only to be implicated in one murder, then two others. There were trials, and verdicts, and a maximum security prison. He took his own life at age 27. What is the legacy of Aaron Hernandez?"
- "What you need to know about the Harvard affirmative action trial," by Max Stendahl, Boston Business Journal: "All eyes will be on a Boston federal courtroom beginning Monday as Harvard University heads to trial in a potential landmark case challenging its affirmative action policies. The suit was initially filed in 2014 by Students for Fair Admissions, a group affiliated with conservative legal activist Edward Blum, and alleges that Harvard systematically discriminates against Asian-American applicants. The case has the backing of the Trump administration, and could reshape the use of affirmative action in higher education if it winds up reaching the U.S. Supreme Court."
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| KENNEDY COMPOUND |
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- "Ted Cruz makes a joke apparently about Chappaquiddick at Joe Kennedy's expense," by Sean Smyth, Boston Globe: "Representative Joseph P. Kennedy III, the Brookline Democrat, has inserted himself into the contentious US Senate race in Texas, where Republican Ted Cruz is taking on challenger Beto O'Rourke. Cruz's response: an apparent reference to Chappaquiddick. Kennedy and O'Rourke campaigned together earlier this year and reunited over the weekend on a swing through south Texas. In a video posted online in March, Kennedy is shown in the driver's seat.
ABOVE THE FOLD — Herald: "RED HOT," "#METOO, BUT NOT HER! " — Globe: "Warren reveals test confirming ancestry," "State's stalled Airbnb plan leaves local rules in limbo."
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| THE LOCAL ANGLE |
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- "Hello! May I Assist You in Taking on a Lifetime of Debt?" by Elena Valenzuela-Stookey, New York Times: "If you have ever worked in a customer service position, you are probably familiar with managerial lectures about not veering off script. I spent last summer working one of those jobs, as a phone operator. ... But I wasn't working at the Gap and our callers weren't asking about the return policy on a frayed sweater. I was an employee of the University Helpline at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and my callers were students and parents, who were often trying to reach the financial aid office and the bursar."
- "Representative Meschino works to increase funding for public schools and libraries," from the Meschino campaign: "Supporting robust funding for public schools and public libraries has been a priority for State Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull). She has worked to increase state-funded local aid for elementary and secondary education, and for public libraries. She was instrumental in the passage of a bill implementing a civics education program in all Massachusetts public schools; and voted for the fiscal year 2019 budget, which increased numerous types of funding for education and the local aid for our libraries."
- "Cambridge Chamber of Commerce Weighs In On Massachusetts Ballot Initiatives," from the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce: "The Board of Directors of the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce (the Chamber) has voted to publicly oppose Question 1 and support Question 3 ahead of the November 6 election. The Chamber did not take a position on Question 2. ... While the Chamber did not offer an endorsement of either gubernatorial candidate, the Chamber is opposed to Democratic candidate Jay Gonzalez' proposed taxation of university endowments."
HAPPY BIRTHDAY - to Rick Berke, STAT executive editor; and to Alexis Krieg, digital press secretary for Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who is 29.
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY - to Natasha Silva, legislative assistant for Rep. Stephen Lynch
MAZEL! - Rep. Seth Moulton and Liz Boardman welcomed Elizabeth "Emmy" Moulton on Oct. 10 in Boston.
WEEKEND WEDDING -- Zoe Klein and David Wittenberg were married on Sunday at the Palm House at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
DID THE HOME TEAM WIN? - Yes and yes! The Red Sox beat the Astros 7-5. The Patriots beat the Chiefs 43-40.
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