Programming Note: The Digest will be on vacation next week and will return to your inboxes on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 for a special post-primary edition
SAVE THE DATE: Join us Thursday, September 17th at 8:00 am for “A Brief Recess: The Melwood Policy Series” with a dynamic inaugural panel featuring LearnLaunch CEO & former Governor Jane Swift, House Education Chair, Representative Alice Peisch, Boston City Councilor Annissa Essabi-George, and Springfield School Committee member Denise Hurst for a back to school discussion.
The Landscape
It’s a big week folks. The Democratic National Convention kicks off their virtual convention today in Milwaukee. With a theme of unity, speakers will represent progressive and traditional platforms. Tune in tonight at 9 p.m. as former First Lady Michelle Obama officially opens the Convention.
Massachusetts Democrats are joining the fun with daily virtual “breakfast” sessions featuring Senate President Karen Spilka, Attorney General Maura Healey, Speaker Robert DeLeo, Mayor Marty Walsh and many from the Congressional delegation and many delegates are expected to gather for a special drive-in showing of Wednesday night’s proceedings at Suffolk Downs.
Here in the Bay State, with 15 days until the Massachusetts primary, campaigns are in a sprint to the finish. In three of the big races to watch: Congressman Richard Neal and Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse are debating tonight, Senator Ed Markey and Congressman Joe Kennedy III face off in their last debate Tuesday night, and the eight Democrats running to replace Kennedy face off tomorrow night in a debate sponsored by Stonehill College and another one Friday night jointly hosted by Politico and MassInc.
In State House races, the fight between Charlestown state Rep. Dan Ryan and Chelsea City Councilor Dimali Vidot is heating up while, across the city, 19-year veteran state Rep. Kevin Honan and his opponent Jordan Meehan spar over affordable housing policies. Meanwhile out west, Springfield state Senator Jim Welch will debate his opponent, Springfield City Councilor Adam Gomez, tonight.
The News
- In the Eighth Congressional race, a stark contrast between incumbent Congressman Stephen Lynch and Goldstein
- Colleges are asking students to sign waivers and consent agreements if they want to return to campus
- After centuries of picking one candidate per office, should voters rank their preferences instead?
- In the race for Ludlow’s next state representative, replacing longtime retiring Rep. Thomas Petrolati, Chip Harrington and Jake Oliveira go on the record.
SILVER LINING:
DOG DAYS OF SUMMER: Check out these golden retriever “Brew Dogs,” who help deliver beer during the pandemic. Talk about everyone’s best friend.