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GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS.
EXCLUSIVE: MARKEY NABS 350 MASS ACTION ENDORSEMENT — Climate-focused volunteer network 350 Mass Action will endorse Sen. Ed Markey today, calling him "the climate leader we need" in the Senate. This is the first time the group has endorsed a senator.
"[Markey] brings decades of issue-area expertise, a deep passion for climate justice, and a bold vision for a Green New Deal. We are proud to support him for reelection," 350 Mass Action Executive Director Craig Altemose said in a statement. The group also praised Markey for pledging not to take campaign money from fossil fuel companies or utilities.
Markey faces two primary challengers so far: corporate executive Steve Pemberton and labor attorney Shannon Liss-Riordan. And there's an increasingly likely challenge from Rep. Joe Kennedy III, who says he is considering getting in the race. A recent poll shows Kennedy with a lead over the incumbent, but a number of the state's climate activists have already lined up behind Markey, the Senate sponsor of the Green New Deal.
This is Markey's third endorsement from a climate or environmental group. The Sunrise Movement and the League of Conservation Voters have also endorsed him in recent weeks. 350 Mass Action is a volunteer network supported by the Better Future Action nonprofit, and it is connected to the advocacy arm of 350.org. The group is focused on eliminating the influence of fossil fuel special interests in politics and moving toward clean energy.
"As author of the Green New Deal , I know we must embrace bold and transformational solutions that match the scale of the climate crisis," Markey said in a statement. "I pledge to continue the fight in the United States for the science and solutions to address this existential threat of our time."
FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: KENNEDY SAYS 'NO' TO CORPORATE PAC MONEY — Rep. Joe Kennedy III will announce today that he is taking a pledge to refuse campaign contributions from corporate political action committees. The 4th District lawmaker is taking the pledge as a House candidate, but would carry that commitment over to a Senate campaign if he decides to run against Sen. Ed Markey in 2020.
"Over the past year I have heard from an increasing number of constituents concerned about the outsized influence of corporate interests in our political system. I share these concerns, which have driven my focus on reforming the American economy to put power back with workers and their families," Kennedy said in a statement shared with POLITICO. "But lax campaign finance laws and an administration bent to the will of corporations raise the stakes of this issue every single day. That's why I am taking the No Corporate PAC pledge for my campaign moving forward."
Refusing corporate PAC money has become increasingly popular among Democratic candidates in recent years. This move comes as Kennedy weighs a Senate run to unseat the progressive Markey.
"Political donations have never influenced my votes or policy positions. But even the appearance of such conflict is unacceptable in today's political system. The voices of the people I represent, and those voices alone, are the ones I seek to amplify, respond to and represent," Kennedy said.
Kennedy hasn't publicly said whether he will challenge Markey, but he isn't doing much to tamp down speculation about a 2020 match-up. Kennedy laid out his thinking in a Facebook post last week, and greeted supporters holding signs and a banner urging him to run for Senate during an appearance at a Labor Day breakfast in Boston on Monday. Supporters even hung a "Kennedy for Senate" banner inside the event, across the room from Markey's campaign banner.
Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: smurray@politico.com.
TODAY — Gov. Charlie Baker and Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse attend a groundbreaking for the Holyoke Farms affordable housing project. Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, state Sen. James Welch and Rep. Bud Williams visit the Mason Square Apartments in Springfield.
Polito visits the New England Center for Children in Southborough and tours the Klaus Anderson Road/Johnson Brook Culvert Project in Southwick. Polito announces Complete Streets Funding Program awards with Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. Beto O'Rourke, presidential candidate and former congressman, campaigns in Boston and Medford. Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu is a guest on "Radio Boston." Boston Mayor Marty Walsh welcomes students at schools in Dorchester, Roslindale and West Roxbury, and attends the Fierce Urgency of Now luncheon.
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CANNABIS USA: Legal cannabis is the fastest-growing industry in the United States. Eleven states have legalized recreational marijuana and 33 others have legalized medical marijuana. The rest of the country likely isn't too far behind. The future of cannabis will impact industries and employers of all shapes and sizes—from healthcare providers to agribusiness, hospitality to pharmaceuticals. POLITICO Pro Cannabis will fill the need for high-quality, balanced coverage of the cannabis industry and surrounding public policy efforts. Sign up to receive the preview newsletter starting on Sept. 9.
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 | DATELINE BEACON HILL |
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- "From insurgent to incumbent," by Andy Metzger, CommonWealth Magazine: "TO SECURE A victory in last September's Democratic primary against one of the most powerful members of the Legislature, Nika Elugardo ran a blistering campaign excoriating the entire House establishment, which she later analogized to a slave plantation. The Jamaica Plain Democrat hasn't recanted her incendiary statements, but her tone has softened, and she has played a subtler game, which appears to have had some success. Ideologically to the left of practically all of her colleagues, the attorney and one-time legislative aide has developed a rapprochement of sorts with Speaker Robert DeLeo and even found common ground among the conservative Republicans seated next to her in the House chamber."
- "Former state housing chiefs push Gov. Charlie Baker's housing bill," by Shira Schoenberg, Springfield Republican: "When former Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash met with representatives from Amazon seeking to site their new headquarters, he dreaded their questions about housing costs. "As we talked to them about the high cost of housing, we could see one person after another start to shake their head and say we don't know that we can afford to be here," Ash said. Six former top housing officials who worked for Massachusetts Govs. Mitt Romney, Deval Patrick and Charlie Baker came to the Statehouse Wednesday to show support for a housing bill Baker introduced."
- "Beacon Hill Hearing On Driver's Licenses For Undocumented Immigrants Spurs Debate," by Colin A. Young, State House News Service: "Supporters of a bill that would make driver's licenses available to undocumented immigrants packed the State House's largest hearing room Wednesday to renew the push for a policy that has come up short in previous sessions and would need to be passed with enough support to survive a likely veto by Gov. Charlie Baker. The legislation (H 3012/S 2061) filed by Reps. Tricia Farley-Bouvier of Pittsfield and Christine Barber of Somerville, and Sen. Brendan Crighton of Lynn, would permit all qualified residents, regardless of immigration status, to apply for and receive a standard state license under the state's now-two-tiered system."
- "From education to insurance coverage, lawmakers consider range of steps to address opioid addiction," by Shira Schoenberg, Springfield Republican: "Khai Perry was 20 years old when he died of a drug overdose, surrounded by people he trusted. His friends did not call 911 until rigor mortis had set in. "People in the apartment were afraid to call and make an attempt to save Khai's life," his mother Tamika Perry told the Legislature's Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery on Wednesday. Perry spoke in support of a bill, S.1162, sponsored by Sen. Patrick O'Connor, R-Weymouth, that would require schools to teach students about the Good Samaritan law as part of their curriculum on drug addiction."
- "Proposed anti-'sanctuary state' ballot question clears key hurdle, along with 11 others," by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: "A controversial ballot effort to allow local police to detain certain undocumented immigrants wanted for deportation cleared a key legal hurdle Wednesday, ratcheting up the debate about immigration policy on Beacon Hill. The decision by Attorney General Maura Healey's office to allow the measure to move toward the 2020 ballot came as advocates packed the State House to push separate legislation that would clear a path for undocumented immigrants to obtain a Massachusetts driver's license."
- "Governor's Council smells politics in Taunton mayor's nomination to probate job," by Mary Markos, Boston Herald: "The Governor's Council grilled Taunton Mayor Thomas Hoye in a confirmation hearing Wednesday, saying his appointment to Bristol County Register of Probate and Rep. Shaunna O'Connell's quick candidacy to replace him reek of back-door politics. "What was done — there's an odor to it, there's a smell to it that I don't know whether it's illegal," Councilor Robert Jubinville said. Jubinville raised concerns about the timing of Hoye's nomination on Aug. 5 and the almost immediate announcement from Rep. Shaunna O'Connell (R-Taunton) that she'd be running for mayor, leaving other candidates with only a day to submit nomination papers."
- "REPORT: GATEWAY CITY RESIDENTS PRICED OUT OF COMMUTER RAIL," by Michael P. Norton, State House News Service: "As policymakers eye ways to get more people on public transit to ease traffic, a new study says many potential riders can't afford to get on board the state's 400-mile commuter rail network. The Massachusetts Institute for a New Commonwealth report urges policymakers to make a more equitable commuter rail fare framework "priority number one," describing a shift away from strict distance-based fares as vital to ensuring that future development in gateway cities, mostly located far from Boston, produces equitable outcomes and does not displace low-income households."
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| FROM THE HUB |
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- "A sea change on the city council?" by Yawu Miller, Bay State Banner: "Back in 2004 when political activist Calvin Feliciano was working as an aide to then-City Councilor Chuck Turner, he was one of a handful of aides of color working in City Hall. "When I got there, the white councilors, who were 10 of 13, had a 90 percent white staff," he recalled. Now, with twice as many councilors who identify as people of color, having at least one black, Latino or Asian staff member is de rigueur for at-large councilors and those representing a significant population of color. Given that 55 percent of Boston residents now are people of color, that's pretty much all of them ."
- "Knocking on doors, BPS superintendent stresses school attendance," by James Vaznis, Boston Globe: "It perhaps was an unlikely place for Boston's new superintendent to be just one day before the start of the school year: knocking on the door of a student's home inside a dark cinder block hallway in a Mission Hill public housing complex. But Brenda Cassellius was there Wednesday morning to deliver a message about good attendance to the high school student, who was chronically absent last year. As it turned out, he wasn't home, but his two pregnant sisters were. Cassellius, brimming with enthusiasm, offered some encouraging words, sharing her own experience as a single mother in college."
- "Boston picks up 14,000 discarded needles each week," by Milton J. Valencia, Boston Globe: "Amid the opioid epidemic that has grasped the region, the city has been increasing efforts to address one of the crisis' most potentially dangerous side effects: needles that have been improperly discarded in playgrounds and on side streets. The city, by its own count, collects more than 14,000 needles each week across its parks and playgrounds, at 13 drop-off kiosks in different neighborhoods, and from the city's needle exchange program, called AHOPE."
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| ON THE STUMP |
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| THE OPINION PAGES |
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- "Agriculture, solar power, are a great match for state," by Mark Amato, The Berkshire Eagle: "This week, Gov. Charlie Baker's administration will unveil a new plan for solar energy in the Commonwealth and the details of the Department of Energy Resources' plan — known as the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target, or "SMART" — will be closely watched by many stakeholders, most notably the Commonwealth's farm families. That's because lease payments received for solar arrays have become an economic lifeline for Massachusetts farmers as they contend with a whole host of economic pressures pushing them closer to the brink."
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| DAY IN COURT |
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- "Rollins asks high court to overrule judge on Straight Pride protester arrests," by Gal Tziperman Lotan, Travis Andersen and Sarah Wu, Boston Globe: "Escalating an unusually public legal dispute, Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins filed an emergency petition with the state's highest court Wednesday to overturn a judge's ruling against protesters arrested at the Straight Pride Parade, saying he overstepped his bounds by refusing to allow her prosecutors to dismiss the charges. The emergency petition capped a wild day in the high-profile cases against the protesters. Earlier, Sinnott ordered a defense lawyer to be removed from his courtroom after she accused him of interfering with prosecutors' discretion in one of the cases. After citing case law on the matter and arguing with Sinnott, Susan Church was placed in handcuffs and taken into custody."
- "Healey Among State Attorneys General Seeking Answers On Immigrant Medical Care Cases," The Associated Press: "More than a dozen state attorneys general, including Massachusetts AG Maura Healey, are seeking answers from federal immigration officials about their decision to stop considering requests from immigrants seeking to remain in the country for medical treatment and other hardships. The letter sent Wednesday to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement asks, among other questions, how immigrants with severe medical conditions can request deportation deferrals going forward."
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| WARREN REPORT |
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- "Elizabeth Warren Says Climate Action Must Focus on 3 Industries," by Lisa Friedman, The New York Times: "Elizabeth Warren doesn't want you to get distracted by light bulbs. Or, for that matter, paper versus plastic straws. Or whether the Green New Deal will take your cheeseburgers away. "Oh come on, give me a break," the Massachusetts senator said at the CNN climate forum when Chris Cuomo asked her to weigh in on whether the government should mandate the kind of light bulbs Americans use in the wake of the Trump administration rolling back energy efficiency regulations."
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| FROM THE DELEGATION |
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- "Ayanna Pressley reflects on the year since her upset primary victory," by Victoria McGrane, Boston Globe: "On the one-year anniversary of her historic primary victory, US Representative Ayanna Pressley of Boston returned Wednesday to a key scene of her upstart campaign: the MBTA's No. 1 bus. She was sitting toward the back, next to the window, chatting with a constituent, when a man in the row ahead caught wind she was aboard. "Ayanna's here? Where?" asked Edward Stuart, turning around, incredulous and searching. He spotted her, right behind him. "Jesus!" The 68-year-old security guard wondered aloud at his luck, telling Pressley how he sees her on TV but never imagined he would meet her on the bus home from work."
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| KENNEDY COMPOUND |
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- "For a younger Kennedy, the family name is no guarantee of political success," by Michael Levenson, Boston Globe: "The name, for many Democrats, evokes a golden-hued era in the White House, immortalized on Life Magazine covers and in home movies of touch football on the lawn at Hyannis Port. But the Kennedys, for all their luster as a brand, have had a remarkably checkered political history in recent years, as some of the children of John, Robert, and Edward Kennedy have stumbled in their bids for higher office or bowed out of politics altogether."
- "A Kennedy Mulls Whether—and Why—He Should Run for Senate," by Natalie Andrews, Wall Street Journal: "As Rep. Joe Kennedy III ponders whether to challenge Sen. Ed Markey, he is searching for an answer to a fundamental question: Why would he run? He could enter the Massachusetts Democratic primary as an outsider, but he is part of one of America's great political dynasties. He could run as a far-left progressive, but Mr. Markey has long claimed that position in the Democratic caucus. He could run on the argument that it is his time to move up, though there are several other young elected Democrats in the commonwealth who could also make that claim."
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| ABOVE THE FOLD |
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— Herald: "READY TO BUST OUT!" "CLASSROOM CRISIS," — Globe: "DA asks SJC to overrule judge," "Cassellius seeks to make a connection." |
| THE LOCAL ANGLE |
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- "2 Former Newton Mayors Endorse City Council Candidate," by Jenna Fisher, Patch: "As election season gets into full swing in Newton, so to, are the endorsements. Bryan Barash who is running against incumbent Emily Norton for Newton City Council's Ward 2 seat just released a list of endorsements. It includes approval from two former mayors and the Newton Teachers Association, which highlighted his experience working as a public policy professional at the Mass. State House, according to his release."
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| MEDIA MATTERS |
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- "MIT Media Lab founder defends embattled director's decision to accept money from Jeffrey Epstein," by Deirdre Fernandes, Boston Globe: "The founder of MIT's Media Lab has offered a full-throated defense of director Joi Ito, whose decision to accept money from the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein has roiled the research center. Nicholas Negroponte said that, at the time, he backed Ito's decision to take the money, based on what he knew then about Epstein, and would do so still."
FOR YOUR COMMUTE: "#MApoli Breakfast Club." On this week's Horse Race podcast, Labor Day is over and it's back to business in Massachusetts politics. A possible Markey-Kennedy primary is heating up, and Pat Reilly of Change Research joins the pod to discuss a recent survey that found Kennedy with a 17-point lead over Markey. In Beacon Hill news, state Sen. Brendan Crighton and Rep. Christine Barber break down their bill that would allow Massachusetts residents to obtain a drivers' license, regardless of immigration status. The legislation drew hundreds to a hearing at the State House. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and Sound Cloud.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY - to Nicole Herendeen of Benchmark Strategies (h/t Patrick Bench); Michael Ratty; Cannabis Control Commissioner Jen Flanagan; and Guillermo Samuel Hamlin.
DID THE HOME TEAM WIN? Yes! The Red Sox beat the Twins 6-2.
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.
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NEW—POLITICO's UNITED NATIONS PLAYBOOK: The 74 th Session of the United Nations General Assembly will jam some of the world's most influential leaders into four blocks in Gotham. POLITICO's man-about-town Ryan Heath will take you inside UNGA—revealing juicy details from the lighter-side of the gathering and insights into the most pressing global issues facing decision-makers today. Sign up for U.N. Playbook.
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