The Horse Race

We're answering your questions on ballots and questions on ballot questions this week on The Horse Race First Pam Wilmot, head of Common Cause Massachusetts, explains Automatic Voter Registration and why it's a big deal. Then political reporter Shira Schoenberg joins us for an update on the final version of the criminal justice reform bill. Finally, Steve and Lauren look at the impending decisions on three big revenue issues: the minimum wage, the "millionaire's tax" and the sales tax ballot questions.

It's all about polls and emerging political power this week. First, Nichole Mossalam, Co-Chair of Our Revolution Massachusetts' Coordinating Committee, joins us to discuss ORMA's rise and what the brand new organization sees in its future. Then, Steve drops some serious polling insight -- courtesy of his most recent WBUR poll -- on Warren's Republican challengers and major policy initiatives on Beacon Hill.

We're looking back on five months of #mapoli coverage this week. Reporter/MA-3 hawk Chris Lisinski of the Lowell Sun recaps the race for the open seat, and Emerge Massachusetts Executive Director Ryanne Olsen touches on the wave of women running for office. Plus, Steve digs into a highly topical segment we like to call "storm politics."

This week we continue our tour of the commonwealth with hot takes from Suffolk County and western Massachusetts. The Dorchester Reporter's Jennifer Smith and MassLive's Gin Dumcius join us in the studio, and "West Mass" correspondent/MassINC Polling Group Research Director Rich Parr calls in to break down all the movement. PLUS, what animal is featured in former Governor Bill Weld's official state house portrait? Tune in next week to find out. **West Mass video and audio created by Steve Porter, PorterHouse Media (on behalf of The Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts).

Former State Senator Ben Downing joins us this week to explain the turmoil on Beacon Hill, its impact on senate function and the significance of state and local primary challenges. Then, Steve's got a new transportation poll with hot takes on traffic, and Lauren explains why Massachusetts' drop in the U.S. News and World Report ranking is fair game for Governor Baker's critics.

CommonWealth Magazine's Michael Jonas descends on the bunker to explain the recent surprise in the Suffolk County District Attorney race, while political observer Josh Gee calls in from New York to dish on frugging (fundraising under the guise of research). Then, Steve and Lauren break down a potentially confusing ballot question regarding the repeal of the transgender accommodations law.

This week it’s all about challenges: special guest Lawrence Friedman, professor of law at the New England Law Boston explains the details of the supreme judicial court case regarding the so-called millionaire’s tax; Steve breaks down his latest WBUR poll on the primary race between Mike Capuano and challenger Ayanna Pressley; and Setti Warren shares delegates with his fellow gubernatorial challengers in Newton.

Steve Koczela is back in the bunker just in time for caucus season! We’ve got answers to all the caucus questions you’re afraid to ask with special guest Gus Bickford, Chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party. We also check in on the first forum for the MA-3, the legal challenge to the proposed “Fair Share” ballot question and the latest development in the senate presidency.

Linda Dorcena Forry is out, Ayanna Pressley is in and Lindstrom, Kingston and Diehl fight for the cash in this week's episode. Plus, Jennifer Smith of the Dorchester Reporter joins us in the studio, Lauren misses a game show reference and a surprise appearance from a familiar voice explains -- you guessed it -- polls polls polls.

We’ve got veteran State House News Service reporter Matt Murphy in the bunker this week breaking down Governor Charlie Baker’s State of the Commonwealth address (hot take: it’s STRONG). Plus Maureen McInerney, Public Affairs Associate at MassINC fills in for host Steve Koczela to talk fundraising in the Governor’s race, the election for Suffolk County Register of Deeds (it’s wonky, we know) and the upcoming forum featuring the Democrats -- all thirteen -- running for the MA-3. Oh, and #GoPats.

This week it's all about the money, and the numbers are eyepopping -- Warren's making bank, candidates in the MA-3 are raking it in and Marty Walsh is growing his war chest fresh off reelection. We also check in on Brendan Crighton's walk into the state senate and preview the upcoming State of the Commonwealth. And in case you were wondering (and paying attention to trivia), the first stagecoach between Boston and Cambridge opened in 1793 -- a "reliable" Omnibus stagecoach replaced it in the early 1800s. Oh the jokes.

We're back in the saddle folks! It's a new year and a new season, and we're straight out the gate with the first WBUR poll of the year. We've got the zesty details on Baker, Warren and Trump, plus a status report on 2018's major races already underway. AND for those loyal trivia fans, we're rocking an MBTA theme. What year did the first stagecoach open between Boston and Cambridge? Send your answer on a BigNToasted sandwich for bragging rights.

Happy New Year Horse Race Fans! To thank you for tuning in to our first season, we’re kicking off 2018 with a peek behind the editing curtain – WE'VE GOT BLOOPERS! Next week we’ll return to our regular Friday morning schedule. Tune in for the must-have analysis (and polls!) on #mapoli’s most exciting elections and campaigns, and happy racing!

FIELD TRIP! This week we’re checking in on Maryland, which also has a popular Republican governor in a very blue state. Kudos to the Goucher Poll’s Mileah Kromer for the zesty detail and Charlie Baker parallels. Plus, Steve’s Christmas Miracle: the democrats are shirking #mapoli political decorum and fielding primary challenges! We also check in on the Beacon Hill investigation and the Secretary of State campaigns.

Allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct leveled against Bryon Hefner, husband of Senate president Stan Rosenberg, are roiling Beacon Hill. In an emergency podcast to keep you up to date, we explain what this means from the standpoint of the senate. We also recap the results of the Worcester/Middlesex state senate special election, and celebrate Ballot Question Deadline Day!