The Horse Race

Latest Episodes:

Episode 76: The Family Juuls Apr 03, 2019

Show notes

4/3/2019--This week on the racetrack, Steve and Jenn begin with a familiar topic: the electoral college. Should it stay or should it go? The hosts review results of polling that asked the public this very question. Later, they're joined by Allyson Perron of the American Heart Association to discuss recently proposed legislation that would impose an excise tax on sugary drinks. And, of course, they get her feedback on the announcement that former state Attorney General Martha Coakley will be joining the e-cigarette company Juul, a move that seemingly contradicts her 2013 call on federal regulators to ban the sale of e-cigarettes to minors. Juul has been widely criticized for marketing its products to minors. Plus, longtime friend of the pod Sam Hammar joins to chat through the recent passage of a budget override in Melrose (its first one since 1992). She worked for the 'Yes' campaign and shares what she believed was essential in producing high voter turnout. *bugle sound* Send us your mail via the Pony Express! thehorseracepodcast@gmail.com

Episode 75: #PollMAPoli Mar 27, 2019

Show notes

3/27/2019--If you're at all interested in Massachusetts politics, chances are you've seen the hashtag 'mapoli' crop up on Twitter once or twice. Jenn and Steve are back in the bunker to answer the important questions, and top of their minds is this: How do you *pronounce* that hashtag that you see all the time but never say aloud (unless you're Jenn and Steve)? After a pronunciation is agreed upon, they welcome Rep. Lori Ehrlich. She's introduced legislation that would form a commission to study and address the local news climate in our state--focusing specifically on whether news deserts exist here, and if so, how to go about resolving them. Matt Szafranski, editor of Western Mass Politics & Insight, drops in to discuss some news coming out of the western neck of the woods, that State Senator Don Humason announced he is joining the race for Mayor of Westfield.

Episode 74: On Your Markey Mar 21, 2019

Show notes

3/20/2019--With polls to discuss, candidates to watch, and bills to break down, Steve and Jenn are joined on this episode by research director at The MassINC Polling Group (and, more importantly, vice president of the political sports polling analysis department at Horse Race Global Media Headquarters) Maeve Duggan. She analyzes results of polling that asked people whether they felt Patriots players should attend the White House after their Super Bowl victory. Next, Boston Globe reporter Vicki McGrane joins the hosts remotely to shed some light on a potential Ed Markey primary challenger, and Sarah Betancourt of Commonwealth Magazine talks with Steve and Jenn about a legislative effort announced by House Democrats to protect young immigrants and those with vulnerable residency statuses

Episode 72: Crossing The Atlantic Mar 06, 2019

Show notes

3/6/2019-- Steve and Jenn are back in the saddle and boy, do they have a lot to discuss. First, who was that guy with local ties who mentioned running against Trump as a Republican? Oh, yeah. Bill Weld, who has not made a peep in recent weeks. Next up, the hosts have a bone to pick with a certain Atlantic article that's been circulating, which maps levels of political intolerance throughout the country. They argue that while Suffolk County may in fact be extremely politically intolerant, this study does not prove that. Steve explains how the methods the researchers employed to come to their conclusions are flawed. Joining the conversation is Paul McMorrow, director of communications and policy at Mass Housing. He breaks down the governor's newly filed legislation regarding housing. He addresses the housing supply problem in Massachusetts and how this legislation will go about executing Baker's promise of 135,000 new housing units by 2025. Finally, Adam Vaccaro drops by to discuss yet another intrinsic Massachusetts problem... transportation. He talks fare hikes, the idea of a free MBTA and, of course, space savers. Don't forget, listeners-- we want to hear from YOU! Send us your #mapoli musings via the Pony Express: hit us up on Twitter @The_HorseRace or email: thehorseracepodcast@gmail.com.

Episode 71: Poll Position Feb 27, 2019

Show notes

2/27/2019--Jenn and Steve are back in the bunker, and one of them has a spooky secret to share. Plus, they're eager to tear open their first-ever mailbag and read your #mapoli comments, questions and concerns in a segment they've dubbed--what else?--The Pony Express. But first, it's time to talk polls. Steve and Jenn chat through the recent round of national and New Hampshire polls centered on the announced 2020 presidential candidates. They're joined next by someone who supersedes the 'friend of the pod' title and instead carries 'BFF of the pod' status. State House News Service reporter Katie Lannan breaks down the Musical Chairs-esque shuffle that has been House and Senate committee assignments and reassignments. Next, the hosts sit down with Cannabis Control Commissioner Shaleen Title, who lays out the Commission's goal of establishing equal opportunity for all who want to break into the marijuana dispensary business. Don't forget to send us your #mapoli musings any way you'd like. Write us via email, Twitter, or send us a voice memo at thehorseracepodcast@gmail.com or @The_HorseRace

Episode 70: Census & Sensibility Feb 20, 2019

Show notes

2/20/2019-- Steve and Jenn are in the bunker, together again, and back with a special announcement: they want to hear from you, dear listeners. So send in your #mapoli questions to us via the Pony Express, a.k.a. The Horse Race's version of a mailbag. Hit us up on Twitter @The_HorseRace, or email us at thehorseracepodcast@gmail.com. In other news, Jenn and Steve sit down with Luc Schuster of the Boston Foundation to discuss the current state of the 2020 Census, how it works, and what's at stake for Massachusetts. Michael Levenson of The Boston Globe has been covering Bill Weld before and since his recent presidential campaign announcement. Steve and Jenn have a multitude of questions for him about the Republican-turned Libertarian-turned back to Republican candidate. The thought of sitting outside enjoying a cold beer is a distant one for most Bostonians today as the temperature hovers around 30 degrees. But Jenn and Steve demand to know why anyone might pose a threat to their beloved beer gardens. Senator Nick Collins explains why his recently filed legislation regarding licensing is not a direct attack on beer gardens.

Episode 69: An Inconvenient Mapoli Feb 14, 2019

Show notes

2/13/2019-- As Steve continues sailing the seven seas, Jenn is joined by State House News Service reporter and opposing podcast host Katie Lannan. Jenn and Katie put their bitter rivalry aside to discuss the global issue of climate change and what state and local leaders and lawmakers are doing to address it. First, Lou Antonellis of IBEW Local 103 joins the show. He explains why the labor union showed support for Ed Markey and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Green New Deal and what he hopes from current and future elected officials. The Springfield Republican reporter Shira Schoenberg drops by to discuss Charlie Baker's appearance in D.C. where he advocated for federally funded efforts toward climate change mitigation. To talk about the recent re-introduction of the millionaire's tax (also known as the Fair Share Amendment) is State Sen. Jason Lewis. He and State Rep. Jim O'Day filed legislation to revive this constitutional amendment that would put a surtax on residents who make more than $1 million annually in order to generate revenue for the state's education and transportation systems.

Episode 68: We Have Issues Feb 06, 2019

Show notes

2/6/2019-- Jenn returns unhappily to Boston after having spent a blissful week in the Utah mountains basking in the sun and snow and artistic films. Steve and co. are here to bring her back to reality. Matt Murphy of the Statehouse News Service stops by to talk about Right to Repair, which determines who should be able to fix your car, and billionaire Tom Steyer's effort to impeach Trump as well as his recruitment of Rep. Richie Neal. Jenn and Steve ask CommonWealth Magazine reporter Andy Metzger about the importance of Statehouse rules and whether the freshman class of lawmakers eager for transparency and change might actually achieve it. Lastly, as the dust (or confetti, rather) settles from the Super Bowl victory parade, Steve and Jenn have some questions for sports lover and MassINC Polling Group research director Maeve Duggan. Namely, how does our largely anti-Trump commonwealth reckon with the Trump sympathizers who also happen to be pillars of the beloved New England Patriots?

Episode 67: Hammar Nails It Jan 31, 2019

Show notes

1/30/2019-- With Jenn living it up at Sundance, Steve is joined by guest host, friend of the pod and #mapoli enthusiast Sam Hammar. The two sit down to talk about the future of Massachusetts politics, and who better to offer their thoughts and predictions than a trio of thinkers and insiders from across the political spectrum? Ed Lyons, Massachusetts GOP insider, is hopeful but unconvinced that the GOP will see much success in 2020, especially given the election of ultra-conservative Jim Lyons as Chairman. Jonathan Cohn of Progressive Massachusetts recounts the success of progressives in the midterm elections and looks ahead to the items topping the progressive agenda for this legislative session. Nina Liang, Executive Director of Emerge Massachusetts explains how the organization equips women with the tools to run for office. Plus, she emphasizes the importance of this action when, right now, women make up only 29 percent of the Massachusetts governing body.

Episode 66: Bet the House Jan 24, 2019

Show notes

1/23/2019-- As the government shutdown rages on, Steve and Jenn lament the issues it's inflicting upon local employees of the federal government. With hope for a speedy resolution, they look ahead to bills coming up before the Massachusetts legislature. One such bill has to do with sports betting. State Sen. Brendan Crighton drops by The Horse Race to discuss his proposed bill that would allow for Massachusetts casinos and online platforms to apply for licenses to operate sports books. But he's not the only one. Both State Rep. Dan Cullinane and Gov. Charlie Baker have proposed similar legislation, so Crighton explains what makes his different. State Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa joins the hosts to discuss the intrinsic problem of sexual harassment on Beacon Hill. In an effort to combat it, she and State Sen. Becca Rausch filed a bill that would require an independent committee to investigate instances of sexual harassment. Last but by no means least, a Horse Race regular Adam Friedman makes the case for why ranked choice voting is the right choice for Massachusetts.

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