| | | | |  | | By Lisa Kashinsky | | | With help from Sophie Gardner and Kelly Garrity TRUMPACHUSETTS TAKES N.H. — They came from Cape Cod and Fall River, from Pepperell and Dunstable, clad in their bright-red “Make America Great Again” baseball caps and their pale pink “Women for Trump” hats. Donald Trump has suffered some of his biggest general-election losses in deep-blue Massachusetts, and his acolytes have met similar fates in their campaigns. But his vise grip over a sizable and vocal faction of the Bay State’s GOP base (and some independents) was on full display yesterday in the downtown Manchester, N.H., ballroom where the former president rallied his followers and every third person seemed to be from Massachusetts.
|  Former President Donald Trump greets people after speaking at a campaign event Thursday, April 27, 2023, in Manchester, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) | AP | Worried about the economy and border security and peddling election denials and QAnon conspiracy theories, the MAGA faithful from Massachusetts were just as eager to see Trump back in the White House as they were dismissive of his deepening legal troubles. Trump faces 34 felony charges in New York related to an alleged scheme to bury allegations of extramarital affairs ahead of the 2016 presidential election. More charges could follow out of Georgia, in a case related to efforts by Trump and his allies to overturn the results of the 2020 election there. As Trump spoke in Manchester, the woman alleging that he raped her in a department store decades ago sat on the stand for a second day in New York City. Former Vice President Mike Pence testified before a federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., as part of the special counsel investigation into Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Yet, later, at the Red Arrow Diner, the former president praised a woman convicted in the U.S. Capitol riot. Familiar Massachusetts GOP faces didn’t seem to be in Manchester — though there was a Vermin Supreme sighting. Still, the state party has stuck by Trump through his initial court proceedings in Manhattan, in an acknowledgment of his enduring popularity with the grassroots. For others in Bay State Republican politics, including former MassGOP Chair Jennifer Nassour, 2023 marks yet another year — and another presidential election — of arguing that their party has to move on from Trump. “He had his chance and he lost the second time,” Nassour told Playbook. “It’s time for new blood. We need a new generation of leaders. Neither Trump nor [President Joe] Biden reflect society today.” Republicans could face similar crossroads in choosing a nominee to take on Sen. Elizabeth Warren. The rumor mill is churning with potential candidates, but so far none have emerged. GOOD FRIDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. It's a big day for Gov. Maura Healey, who's hosting South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol at the State House this afternoon. THIS WEEKEND — Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and Auditor Diana DiZoglio attend the MassEquality Beacons of Light Gala at 7 p.m. Saturday at Boston’s Hibernian Hall. Brian Kane, executive director of the MBTA Advisory Board, is on WBZ’s “Keller @ Large” at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) is on WCVB’s “On the Record” at 11 a.m. Sunday. Tips? Scoops? Birthdays? You know what to do: lkashinsky@politico.com.
| | A message from NextEra Energy: NextEra Energy is the first company in history committed to moving past net zero all the way to Real Zero, leveraging low-cost renewables to drive energy affordability for customers. | | | |  | THE LATEST NUMBERS | | — “Boston COVID wastewater data plunging, Massachusetts virus cases drop 16%,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “On Thursday, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported 1,034 virus cases over the last week. The daily average of 148 COVID cases from the last week was a 16% decrease from the daily rate of 177 virus infections during the previous week.”
| | DATELINE BEACON HILL | | — MARK YOUR CALENDARS: The Senate plans to share its budget plan on May 10, per the State House News Service, with the chamber’s tax-relief plan likely to precede it. — “Campbell is wary but OK with online Lottery,” by Jennifer Smith, CommonWealth Magazine: “The colors are bright, the ads are popping, and promises of free money encourage you to just try out a bit of online gambling. Welcome to a vision of the online state lottery, which is making serious strides toward becoming reality in Massachusetts with the blessing of one legislative chamber and the new governor. Don’t look to the state’s top prosecutor to break ranks.” — “LGBTQ youth commission urges state to stand up against wave of discriminatory bills across US,” by Katie Lannan, GBH News: “In an annual report published Thursday, the commission urged Massachusetts to both stand up against th[e wave of anti-LGBTQ laws being filed across the country] and to ‘continuously address its own negligence towards ensuring comprehensive care for LGBTQ youth.’ … The commission’s nearly 300-page report makes recommendations to 21 agencies and officials across state government, a series of actions it says are ‘intended to amplify, not replace, the voices of the most marginalized young people in our communities…’”
| | | | DON’T MISS THE POLITICO ENERGY SUMMIT: A new world energy order is emerging and America’s place in it is at a critical juncture. Join POLITICO on Thursday, May 18 for our first-ever energy summit to explore how the U.S. is positioning itself in a complicated energy future. We’ll explore progress on infrastructure and climate funding dedicated to building a renewable energy economy, Biden’s environmental justice proposals, and so much more. REGISTER HERE. | | | | | | | PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES | | — “State exploring free and discounted MBTA fares during Sumner Tunnel closure,” by Ross Cristantiello, Boston.com: “Massachusetts transportation officials are strategizing ways to help mitigate the inevitable headaches that will be caused by the Sumner Tunnel closure this summer. This reportedly includes consideration of free and reduced MBTA fares for certain riders.” — “MBTA addressing slow zones with track replacement,” by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: “The MBTA says it expects to replace 10,700 feet of rail by the end of May on portions of the Blue, Red, and Green lines to address slow zones.”
| | | CAMPAIGN MODE | | | — ENDORSEMENT CORNER: Bill MacGregor has been endorsed for 10th Suffolk state representative by the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, Boston Carmen's Local 589 and UNITE HERE! Local 26. — Chinese Progressive Political Action endorsed John Moran for 9th Suffolk state representative. — SHE’S RUNNING: Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn launched her reelection bid yesterday. She’s one of the incumbent mayors facing a challenger this year. — “Harrington, Pangallo outline campaigns in special election for mayor,” by Dustin Luca, The Salem News: “Some sparks flew, and so did nods in agreement, as Neil Harrington and Dominick Pangallo came together Wednesday night for the first of two debates scheduled ahead of May 16’s special election for mayor.”
| | | | A message from NextEra Energy:   | | | | | DAY IN COURT | | — "Airman accused of leaking secrets has history of murder threats, racist statements," by Brad Petrishen, Telegram & Gazette: "Accused military leaker Jack Teixeira is a troubled and potentially violent person with a concerning interest in mass murder, prosecutors argued at his detention hearing in U.S. District Court in Worcester. The magistrate judge assigned to the case, David H. Hennessy, said at the end of the hearing Thursday afternoon that he would take the question of whether to release Teixeira under advisement." — “SJC reinstates criminal charges against managers of Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, where 76 died early in pandemic,” by Ivy Scott and John R. Ellement, Boston Globe: “The state’s highest court reinstated criminal charges on Thursday against Bennett Walsh and Dr. David Clinton, two former top officials of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home who were accused of neglecting veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic in which at least 76 residents died.” — More: “Prosecution of Soldiers’ Home leaders over COVID-19 deaths ‘a long time coming,’ family member says,” Jeanette DeForge, Springfield Republican. — “Northwestern DA’s office already accommodating requests for new trials under breathalyzer ruling,” by James Pentland, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “A Supreme Judicial Court ruling that alcohol tests given with a certain type of breathalyzer were invalid evidence in drunken-driving prosecutions between 2011 and 2019 will not affect area prosecutors’ approach to such cases.” — “Boston police officers acquitted in overtime fraud case,” by Sean Cotter, Boston Globe: “After roughly four hours of deliberations, a jury on Thursday acquitted four former and current Boston police officers accused of running an overtime pay scam out of the department’s evidence warehouse.” — “Former Harvard chemistry professor sentenced to home confinement for China scheme,” by Kirk Carapezza, GBH News. — “Suffolk DA announces diversion program for young adults,” by Ivy Scott, Boston Globe.
| | FROM THE DELEGATION | | — “Mass. Democrats rip House GOP debt limit plan,” by Christian M. Wade, Eagle-Tribune: “The proposal, which narrowly passed on a 217-215 mostly party line vote, calls for increasing the debt limit by $1.5 trillion. It would reduce funding for federal agencies to 2022 fiscal year levels and limit growth in government spending to 1% per year, while eliminating several key Biden administration initiatives.”
| | | | HAPPENING NEXT WEEK! GO INSIDE THE 2023 MILKEN INSTITUTE GLOBAL CONFERENCE: POLITICO is proud to partner with the Milken Institute to produce a special edition "Global Insider" newsletter featuring exclusive coverage, insider nuggets and unparalleled insights from the 2023 Global Conference, which will convene leaders in health, finance, politics, philanthropy and entertainment from May 1-4. This year’s theme, Advancing a Thriving World, will challenge and inspire attendees to lean into building an optimistic coalition capable of tackling the issues and inequities we collectively face. Don’t miss a thing — subscribe today for a front row seat. | | | | | | | IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN | | — “EPA: Machine gun range could harm Cape Cod drinking water,” by Steve LeBlanc, The Associated Press: “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a draft determination Thursday that a proposed machine gun training range at a National Guard base could pose a threat to Cape Cod’s drinking water, potentially creating a public health hazard for more than 220,000 year-round residents.” — “Emissions Scandal Funds Fueling Electric Bus Binge,” by Sam Drysdale, State House News Service (paywall): “The state announced this month that it will use the remaining Volkswagen emissions cheating scandal settlement funds towards electrifying Regional Transit Authority bus fleets.”
| | | FROM THE 413 | | | — WEST MASS. REPRESENT: Gov. Maura Healey is doubling down on her commitment to the western region of the state, naming Kristen Elechko as her Western Massachusetts director and LaMar Cook as deputy director. They’ll run a governor’s office outpost in Springfield that opens on Monday. Elechko was regional director for Sen. Ed Markey. Cook previously was director of Hotel UMass. — “State finds North Adams City Council violated the Open Meeting law after one councilor complained about another,” by Greta Jochem, Berkshire Eagle: “The City Council violated the Open Meeting Law last year, the Attorney General’s Office has determined. The violation: an email.”
| | | MEANWHILE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE | | | — BACK ON THE TRUMP TRAIN: Former President Donald Trump rolled out a 51-person “elected leadership team” — roughly a quarter of the Republicans in the state House — at his rally that includes familiar faces like 2020 state co-chair Lou Gargiulo and longtime loyalist Bruce Breton. He also took a swipe at "nasty guy" New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, a potential primary rival, for calling Trump a "four-time loser" and saying he shouldn't be the GOP nominee again.
| | | MEANWHILE IN RHODE ISLAND | | | —“R.I. House passes Equality in Abortion Coverage Act,” by Edward Fitzpatrick, Boston Globe: “The Rhode Island House of Representatives on Thursday passed the Equality in Abortion Coverage Act, which would provide for abortion coverage in the health insurance of Medicaid recipients and state employees.”
| | A message from NextEra Energy: NextEra Energy is the first company committed to reaching Real Zero™, as in 100% clean energy. We’re not just offsetting carbon emissions — we’re eliminating them. | | | | | HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH | | TRANSITIONS — Carrie Kimball is now communications officer for Inspector General Jeffrey S. Shapiro. She previously was serving as communications director for former Essex DA Jonathan Blodgett. — Aleca Hughes McPherson is now head of portfolio and platform at Highland Capital Partners. She most recently was senior director for strategy and business operations at Catalant Technologies. — Yawu Miller is leaving the Bay State Banner. He is the paper’s senior editor. — Dorchester native John King is taking on a new role at CNN focused on battleground-state voters. Dana Bash will take over anchoring King's "Inside Politics" show. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Sports Illustrated’s Jason Schwartz and Patrick Lally. HAPPY BIRTHWEEKEND — to Quentin Palfrey, director of federal funds and infrastructure for Gov. Maura Healey; Karen Dynan, Peter Diamond, Cara Morris Stern and Lauren Janes, who celebrate Saturday; and to Sunday birthday-ers Matt Segneri, Matt Wilder, Martin Kessler, Nam Pham, Nikko Mendoza, James Barron of Barron Associates Worldwide and Joseph Bottum. NEW HORSE RACE ALERT: DEVIL’S IN THE T TALES — TransitMatters’ Jarred Johnson takes hosts Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith on a ride through the latest MBTA news. MassINC senior research director Rich Parr discusses polling on regional transit authorities with Smith and Lisa Kashinsky. 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. | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our politics and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
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