Shows
The Horse RaceEpisode 358: A Potential Big Beautiful Budgetary DisasterThis week on The Horse Race, Steve sits down with Rich Parr, VP of The MassINC Polling Group to discuss new polling on the mayoral election. Then Steve is joined by Katie Lannan of GBH News to tell the story of how uncertain federal dollars could spell disaster for the recently passed state budget. And most importantly of all, the heated election for the Feline-Mayor of the Somerville bike path.
Guests:
Rich Parr, Vice President of The MassINC Polling Group
Katie Lennan, Reporter for GBH News
Hosts:
Steve Koczela, President of The MassINC Polling Group2025-07-3131 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 354: An Ol' Fashioned Governor Giddy-upThis week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jenn Smith are joined by CommonWealth reporter Gin Dumcius. The race for Governor is beginning and candidates such as Maura Healey and Mike Keneally and are on the trail. Then Gin breaks down Monday's meeting between politicians from Canada and Northeastern States. And finally... Dunkin' Donuts Lip Gloss... why.2025-06-1925 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 353: LA to MA, Saddle Up!What could the situation in LA mean for Massachusetts? This week on The Horse Race, Jenn Smith is joined by Steve Koczela to discuss recent New England polling which reveals growing political pessimism... and its not only directed at Republicans.2025-06-1231 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 352: Elections, and Polling, and Donuts! Oh My! (ft. Dr Watanabe)This week on The Horse Race, Jenn Smith is joined by Steve Koczela for an early update on key Massachusetts elections, who is running... and who is definitely not running. Then, Jenn and Steve are joined by Paul Watanabe, professor of political science and director of the Institute for Asian American Studies at the UMass-Boston, to discuss a groundbreaking new poll from Mass Inc. Polling Group entitled "No Longer Invisible" [Link Below]. This poll focussed on issues facing Asian & Pacific Islander American residents of Massachusetts, the fastest growing group in the Commonwealth. And finally, tomorrow is donut day... but the...2025-06-0534 min
The Horse RaceEpisode 336: Executive DisorderThis week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela is joined by Senior Research Director of the MassINC Polling Group and Horse Race Western Mass correspondent Rich Parr. They discuss polling on President Trump's executive orders, and overall approval rating. Plus, a look ahead at Josh Kraft's bid for Boston mayor.2025-01-3030 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 331: Fiscal cliff divingThis week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith sit down with Georgia Barlow, Government Affairs Specialist at Metropolitan Area Planning Council, to discuss policies to increase state transportation funding as the MBTA faces its largest budget deficit next year. Plus, a preview of upcoming mayoral, senate, and gubernatorial elections in Massachusetts.2024-12-1134 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 330: Mass. ends MCASThis week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith break down the property tax drama that has the state legislature and Mayor of Boston Michelle Wu abuzz. Then, Boston Globe Reporter Mandy McLaren shares how the elimination of MCAS is impacting high school graduation requirements. Plus, Historian and former Horse Race producer John Gee offers his perspective on the future of teaching writing in the age of AI.2024-12-0441 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 328: Turkeys and TurnoutThis week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith are joined by Senior Research Director of the MassINC Polling Group and Horse Race Western Mass correspondent Rich Parr to unpack trends in voter turnout. Then, Boston Globe Reporter Tiana Woodruff shares her perspective on the rightward shift among some Black voters.2024-11-2037 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 327: A Commonwealth, If You Can Build ItThis week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith are joined by Ben Forman, Research Director at MassINC, to discuss how gateway cities in Massachusetts can address the housing affordability crisis. Then, a take on polling accuracy in the 2024 Presidential Election.2024-11-1336 min
The Horse RaceEpisode 326: Blue State, Red ShiftThis week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith unpack results and polling from the 2024 Presidential Election. They're joined by Senior Research Director of the MassINC Polling Group and Horse Race Western Mass correspondent Rich Parr to discuss demographic and regional voter trends to the right. Plus, how did the ballot questions' outcomes compare to polling predictions?2024-11-0434 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 325: Margin of TerrorThis week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith discuss how polls today compare to previous presidential elections, and taste test Dunkin's newest spooky drink: the potion macchiato. Then, state house reporter for GBH News Katie Lannan reveals what Beacon Hill lawmakers think about Ballot Question 1 and 2.2024-10-3032 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 324: The Ballot Hymn of the RepublicThis week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith delve into the arguments in favor and against the ballot questions facing Massachusetts voters on November 5. They also examine state auditor Diana DiZoglio's recent audit of the Legislature, and what it means for ballot question 1.2024-10-2032 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 323: The Apple of my AIThis week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith share their thoughts on the role of AI in local journalism, and comment on the Melrose Robocast. Plus, Senior Research Director of the MassINC Polling Group and Horse Race Western Mass correspondent Rich Parr discusses reasons polls can be wrong.2024-10-1735 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 322: Don't Shoot the AquiferThis week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith give their take on the 2024 vice-presidential debate, and the MBTA advancements overshadowed by a derailment. Then, Cape and Island's Climate Reporter Eve Zuckoff shares her on-the-ground perspective of the Massachusetts National Guard's proposal to build a machine gun range on Cape Cod.2024-10-0330 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 321: Ballots: Yea or NeighThis week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith unpack the latest poll on ballot questions, the State Legislature, the Warren v. Deaton race for senate, and the presidential race. Then, an exclusive first look on national fall foliage rankings. Spoiler alert: Massachusetts should be first!2024-09-2627 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 320: I'd Take a Ballot For YouIn a live episode of the Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith are joined by Steve Crawford, President of Crawford Strategies with years of experience in building public support for ballot questions. They discuss how ballot questions are developed, what makes them successful, and who benefits in the context of the 5 questions on the ballot this November. Then, a special edition of ballot-themed trivia and proposed ballot questions from the audience.2024-09-2028 min
The Horse RaceEpisode 319: De Bait at the DebateThis week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith are joined by state house reporter for GBH News Katie Lannan to discuss the generally uncompetitive state primaries last Tuesday with at least ONE twist. Next, the co-hosts break down the Trump-Harris debate and what it could mean for a neck-and-neck race.2024-09-1237 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 318: The once and future AG?This week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith speculate on Governor Healey joining a future Harris-Walz administration, new polls showing Harris with an edge over Trump, and how heartbreak and engagement made their way to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.2024-09-0520 min
The Horse RaceEpisode 317: The Horse Race and Whale Heads and Bears, Oh MyThis week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith react to the news that RFK, Jr. has dropped out of the presidential race...along with other news stories connected to RFK, Jr. They also discuss the complicated politics of community input into development review processes and their relationship to the housing crunch.2024-08-2928 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 316: The 2024 Harris OlympicsThis week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith reunite with Lisa Kashinsky to hear about Massachusetts's presence at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Steve and Jennifer also discuss voters' seeming lack of interest in the GOP Senate primary, and subject themselves to yet another Dunkin beverage on the air.2024-08-2234 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 315: For Whom the Train RollsThis week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith update you on where the presidential tickets stand in the polls, and where Massachusetts stands in the latest attempt to rank the states. Then, Jarred Johnson of TransitMatters joins to discuss the upcoming electrification of the Fairmount line in the MBTA commuter rail system.2024-08-1539 min
The Horse RaceEpisode 314: Positive Vibe Racin'This week on the Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith are joined by state auditor Diana DiZoglio to discuss her ballot measure to enable her office to audit the state legislature, in light of recent legislative events. Steve and Jenn also discuss the latest polling on the presidential campaign, with a special focus on what seems to be a very real shift in vibes from the Democratic side.2024-08-0843 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 313: The Pommel Horse RaceThis week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith are joined by Sam Drysdale of Statehouse News to discuss the last day of the legislative session, the first day of new emergency shelter restrictions, the upcoming MCAS ballot fight, and of course, Massachusetts representation at the Paris Olympics.2024-08-0139 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 312: The Brat RaceThis week on The Horse Race, Rich Parr of the MassINC Polling Group discusses a new survey of Massachusetts residents and how they're feeling about their transportation experiences. Plus, Jennifer Smith and Steve Koczela run through the Massachusetts angles on the shakeup in the Democratic presidential primary, and hurtle through the latest on Beacon Hill.2024-07-2541 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 311: It's a Delegate BalanceThis week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith are joined by CommonWealth Beacon reporter Gin Dumcius to discuss the state of the presidential race, and in particular a poll of Massachusetts delegates to the Democratic convention by CommonWealth Beacon and the MassINC Polling Group.2024-07-1828 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 310: Tripping PollsThis week on The Horse Race, CommonWealth Beacon reporter Bhaamati Borkhetaria talks to Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith about the ballot measure proposing to legalize medical psychedelic drugs in Massachusetts. Plus, Steve and Jenn take a look at how both polls and elected officials have responded to the presidential debate.2024-07-1133 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 308: Trotting Up That HillThis week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith are joined by guest co-host Katie Lannan to discuss the end-of-session rush on Beacon Hill, and the current state of Massachusetts immigration politics. Plus, past host Lisa Kashinsky swings by to explain the Forward Party's entry into the Bay State.2024-06-2741 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 307: Someone Call the DoctorateThis week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith talk to Politico's Kelly Garrity about the State House Employee Union, and producer-slash-guest John Gee about employment numbers for PhDs. Plus, the latest on hemp product regulations and the cutting edge in Massachusetts equestrianism.2024-06-1337 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 306: Lisa's Last RodeoThis week on The Horse Race, Lisa Kashinsky bids farewell to Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith before riding off into the sunset of national election coverage. But along the way, they discuss Massachusetts Democrats' reactions to Joe Biden's asylum order (and Donald Trump's guilty verdicts), as well as new poll results on state leadership and upcoming elections.2024-06-0635 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 305: Better Late Than NeverThis week on The Horse Race, Chris Lisinski of the State House News Service joins to preview the summer's legislative agenda. Meanwhile, Steve Koczela, Jennifer Smith, and Lisa Kashinsky examine hopeful trends in student attendance, alongside less hopeful trends in electoral competitiveness and the Greater Boston news ecosystem.2024-05-3041 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 304: Right on RescheduleThis week on The Horse Race, Shaleen Title of the Parabola Center joins Jennifer Smith and Steve Koczela to discuss a survey on what Americans think marijuana legalization should look like. Plus, how are Boston Public School parents thinking about the proposed facilities plan, and what did Steve learn at the national pollsters' conference?2024-05-2337 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 303: Left on ReadThis week on The Horse Race, Jennifer Smith asks Zayna Basma-Doyle of the MassINC Polling Group what Massachusetts parents know and don't know about early childhood reading instruction. Meanwhile, Jennifer and Lisa Kashinsky lament the latest findings about local news consumption, and sort through the legal arguments between the AG's office and Uber and Lyft.2024-05-1641 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 302: Head over HealeyThis week on The Horse Race, Gov. Maura Healey joins Steve Koczela, Jennifer Smith, and Lisa Kashinsky while at the MA Tech 16 conference. They discuss her economic development priorities, the Commonwealth's role in building new climate technology, and her upcoming visit to the Vatican. Meanwhile, Steve shares what's on the minds of youth and small business owners in new polls, including climate change; and Lisa breaks down what's in the Senate's budget proposal.2024-05-0937 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 301: Stable CoinsThis week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela, Jennifer Smith, and Lisa Kashinsky are joined by Gin Dumcius of CommonWealth Beacon to discuss Suffolk County DA Kevin Hayden's recent ethics penalty, and the long shadow of the 2022 DA race. Meanwhile, Lisa dives into the role of crypto in the US Senate GOP primary, and the crew considers whether it's possible for Boston to have fun.2024-05-0227 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 300: Make Way for Dunkin'On the 300th episode of The Horse Race, Steve Koczela, Jennifer Smith, and Lisa Kashinsky celebrate reaching this milestone by looking back at the early days of the pod (with help from some special guests), and by trying out the Dunkin' orders of various Massachusetts officials. And of course, they do what they do best: discuss the latest poll results, this week on marijuana use and attitudes.ty2024-04-2547 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 299 1/2: The Poll VaultThis week on The Horse Race, Katie Lannan of GBH News joins Steve Koczela, Jennifer Smith, and Lisa Kashinsky to discuss a new poll out from GBH, CommonWealth Beacon, and the MassINC Polling Group. Plus, what to watch for in the MA House leadership budget proposal.2024-04-1141 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 299: Valley GoalsThis week on The Horse Race, Ben Forman of MassINC joins Jennifer Smith to discuss a new report on economic development in the Pioneer Valley, Steve Koczela weighs criticisms of the Harvard/Harris poll's perceived slant, and Lisa Kashinsky recaps the latest in the MassGOP's internal struggles.2024-03-2839 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 298: The Hemp RaceThis week on The Horse Race, Jennifer Smith and Steve Koczela get to the bottom of why hemp-based THC seltzers are appearing outside of dispensaries, and why fewer and fewer voters are registered with a party. Meanwhile, Jennifer and Lisa Kashinsky do not get to the bottom of where Maura Healey travels, or why elected officials say the things they do at the St. Patrick's Day breakfast.2024-03-2142 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 297: The Truths About the YouthsThis week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith break down the latest numbers on why young residents are staying in, or leaving, Greater Boston. Then, Gin Dumcius of CommonWealth Beacon sorts out the different aspects of a ballot measure on tipped wages. Plus, a look back at the first days of Covid, and a quizzical glance at the Kenators of St. Galentine.2024-03-1439 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 296: Stupor TuesdayThis week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Lisa Kashinsky break down the Super Tuesday results in Massachusetts and elsewhere, explaining what the surprising and not-so-surprising outcomes mean for November. Plus, Jennifer Smith checks in on the first of a series of committee hearings on the current slate of ballot measures.2024-03-0729 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 295: The Trolley ProblemThis week on The Horse Race, the Boston Globe's Tiana Woodard breaks down a new report on what local reparations could look like in Boston. Then, Jennifer Smith digs into AG Campbell's lawsuit against Milton and its wider implications for home rule in Massachusetts. Plus, Lisa Kashinsky gives us the background on Elizabeth Warren's new challenger.
Sad trombone noise by Joe Lamb, used under Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License (link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sad_Trombone-Joe_Lamb-665429450.ogg)2024-02-2941 min
The Horse RaceEpisode 265: Smoke SignalsThis week on The Horse Race, we've got a fire at the State House, floods in New England, and pandemic era policies to discuss. Commonwealth Magazine's Jennifer Smith breaks it all down with special guest host Katie Lannan. MassINC Polling Group's Rich Parr joins as well.2023-07-2034 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 256: One Horse StateThis week on The Horse Race, we’re looking at elections. They weren’t races so much, but they were elections as strictly defined. We'll also sift through a new survey of Boston Public School parents by MassINC Polling Group and The Shah Family Foundation. Some of the findings may surprise you. Finally, Jennifer Smith tells us about legislation that would allow undocumented immigrant students to pay in-state tuition at state colleges and universities.2023-05-0424 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 254: Make it Make CentsThis week on The Horse Race, it’s money money money season on Beacon Hill. We’ll look at the House’s new tax cut proposal and their fiscal year 2024 budget with State House News Service reporter Chris Lisinski. Also, Steve Koczela delves into the new poll from UMassAmherst/WCVB.2023-04-1328 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 252: SecretariatThis week on The Horse Race, Elizabeth Warren makes it official; she’s running for a third term. Lisa Kashinsky and Steve Koczela look at what that means for the state’s restless bench of ambitious Democrats. Then, Governor Healey pushes for her proposed Secretary of Housing on Beacon Hill. SHNS reporter Sam Drysdale brings us an update.2023-03-3024 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 251: Fire in the PollThis week on The Horse Race, what happened to #mapoli Twitter? Also, we dive into the state of polling, nationwide and here in Massachusetts. Then, the gig worker debate is picking up steam at the State House. Lisa Kashinsky and Jennifer Smith look at what both sides want.2023-03-2335 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 220: The Horse Race State Song Sing-along7/14/22-- This week we divert from our regularly scheduled programming for the first ever musical episode of The Horse Race!
Jenn and Steve walk us through the seven official state songs one by one. Lenny Gomulka, writer and performer of "Say Hello to Someone From Massachusetts" joins the podcast to talk about the inspiration for the tune and how it came to be the official state polka.
Later Joyce Linehan, local punk rock enthusiast and former chief of policy and planning for Marty Walsh, stops by the pod. She helps unravel the saga of the unofficial state rock song, "Roadrunner"...2022-07-1436 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 205: Saving Daylight, Saving Packies?3/17/2022-- Happy St. Patrick's Day from all of us at The Horse Race! Steve and Jennifer discuss the return of the in-person St. Patrick's Day breakfast, happening this Sunday. It's an almost annual tradition of Massachusetts politicians gathering and making jokes at one another's expense for what Jennifer describes as "basically a big Irish roast."
Plus, big news coming out of the U.S. Senate-- a bill passed that would make Daylight Saving permanent, ending the ritual of turning the clocks forward and backward and gracing us all with an extra hour of daylight in the winter. The development has...2022-03-1736 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 182: Preliminary Report9/16/21--The Horse Race rides again! We are back in the saddle after being put out to pasture for a summer, producing Mass Reboot (listen right here in this feed if you haven't yet!). In our first episode back we are joined by brand-new co-host, Lisa Kashinsky! Lisa is the author of the Politico Massachusetts Playbook, formerly of The Boston Herald, and a decorated veteran of Horse Race guesthood.
This week, Steve, Jenn, and Lisa unpack the results of the Boston mayoral preliminary election. They discuss the reasons behind the painstaking wait for the tallies to come in, what voter turnout...2021-09-1630 min
The Horse RaceMass Reboot Episode 2: Home6/30/21--Welcome to the second episode of Mass Reboot, a summer podcast series about restarting Massachusetts after COVID-19 and what we lost along the way. Each week, we’ll dive into a sector of life in the commonwealth, exploring how the pandemic hit it, how it adapted, and how the people inside it envision a new normal.
This week: Home.
In a state where housing costs were already sky-high, what did the pandemic mean for people who lost jobs and wages? Did the shifting of populations and economic upheaval budge the housing or rental markets? And how did our ideas of ho...2021-06-3028 minThe Horse RaceMass Reboot Episode 1: Art6/23/21--Welcome to the first episode of Mass Reboot, a summer podcast series about restarting Massachusetts after COVID-19 and what we lost along the way. Each week, we’ll dive into a sector of life in the Commonwealth, exploring how the pandemic hit it, how it adapted, and how the people inside it envision a new normal.
This week: Art.
Hosts Libby Gormley, Steve Koczela, and Jennifer Smith of The Horse Race are spending time in Boston’s Theater District and Dorchester, then taking a wide view of the Massachusetts arts world over the past year.
Joe Spaulding, CEO and President of t...2021-06-2427 min
The Horse RaceThe Horse Race presents: Mass RebootWhat happens when you reboot a whole state? Yesterday, after one year, three months, and five days, the COVID-19 state of emergency ended in Massachusetts. With millions vaccinated across the state and with summer on its way, the gears are beginning to turn again. Things that stopped are starting. Things that were closed are re-opening. That leaves a big question.
What does a post-pandemic Massachusetts look like?
The team behind The Horse Race, Massachusetts’ favorite political podcast is back with a new summer podcast. Mass Reboot is a 10-episode series on restarting Massachusetts after COVID-19 and what we’ve lost alon...2021-06-1601 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 177: Mayorals? For Spring? Groundbreaking.4/14/21-- This week, there is a lot of #bospoli news to discuss, and it begins with the Boston Police Department. Acting Mayor Kim Janey on Tuesday named the executive director of Boston’s first Office of Police Accountability and Transparency. This comes as the department is reeling from two major scandals. Jenn and Stephanie discuss where things stand now, and what the future may hold the BPD.
Next, Steve Koczela has new data from a poll conducted by The MassINC Polling Group and sponsored by WBUR and The Dorchester Reporter. The poll asked Boston residents who they're voting for in th...2021-04-1433 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 167: Luck of the Draw2/3/21-- Steve, Jennifer, and Stephanie are back in the virtual bunker, each with a different opinion on this week's snowfall.
Vaccine rollout rolls on throughout the country, but unfortunately, Massachusetts doesn’t rank too highly in terms of distribution. Steve points to a comparison conducted by NPR which finds the Bay State ranking 37th for efficiency (proportion of doses administered to doses received) and 39th for percent of overall population that’s gotten at least one dose. There are also big disparities in terms of who’s getting the vaccine.
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley called the distribution so far “vaccine redlining,” according...2021-02-0332 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 159: T Cut or Not T Cut?12/3/20-- Steve and Jenn are back in the bunker after an atypical (but very 2020) Thanksgiving celebration. After a quick excoriation of the cast of characters on The Bachelorette, the hosts transition to a development on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.
Kimberly Budd was sworn in Monday as chief justice of the SJC, succeeding the late chief justice Ralph Gants. This makes her the first Black woman to lead the high court. Justice Dalila Wendlandt was confirmed as the first Latina justice on the Supreme Judicial Court. The composition of the state’s highest court looks to be historically diverse, with th...2020-12-0333 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 158: Talking Turkey11/25/20-- Happy Thanksgiving Horse Race listeners! Get ready to talk turkey (and Jell-O?), but first, some #mapoli news.
Former Secretary of State and Senator from Massachusetts John Kerry was tapped to serve as a special presidential envoy for climate for the Biden administration.
“I’ve been kind of surprised at how little arguing there’s been about the Biden cabinet so far,” Stephanie Murray says. “His choices aren’t big leaders on the progressive side of the party, but progressives have expressed support for them.”
Steve points out this is a very traditional selection of cabinet picks, contrasting from the current makeup...2020-11-2534 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 154: Election Daze10/22/20--With the 2020 election just days away, Jenn, Steve, and Stephanie have a lot to discuss. And that starts with a much needed recap of this week's cringe-inducing episode of The Bachelorette.
In even more unsettling news, the Trump administration has been administering an onslaught of attacks upon Dr. Fauci, the CDC, and the media. "It just doesn't make any sense, does it?" Steve asks.
Jenn thinks that while it doesn’t make sense to undermine health authorities’ guidance during a pandemic, the rhetoric makes sense for this administration whose stance has been consistent since the pandemic began, and the newest stat...2020-10-2234 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 151: For Better or Worcester10/1/20-- After the most chaotic and uncomfortable presidential debate the country has ever seen, Jennifer, Steve, and Stephanie gather in the virtual bunker to share their thoughts and reflect on the reactions of #mapoli members.
Jennifer said, “The president gave a lot of troubling answers on a lot of topics that are extremely consequential and dodged a lot of important questions.” Perhaps the most egregious was his refusal to openly condemn white supremacy.
Trump launched into “an uninterrupted rambling attack on the integrity of mail-in voting.” But, like Jenn says, it didn’t end there. “He wasn’t just attacking mail-in voting...2020-10-0135 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 148: The Horse Race of the Apocalypse9/9/20--The primary election is over in Massachusetts, and that usually means most of the drama has come to a close, as the most competitive races are done. But on Monday, an announcement from an unlikely source arose regarding a certain 2021 competition.
The Boston Globe reported Boston Mayor Marty Walsh saying City Councilor Michelle Wu called him to let him know she would be running for Mayor in the 2021 election. Wu herself has not yet confirmed, but Boston may very well be in for a busy election season. When Stephanie Murray spoke to City Councilor Julia Mejia about the news, Mejia...2020-09-1025 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 147: Incumbent Upon Us9/3/20-- Tuesday was primary election day in Massachusetts, and history was made as more than 1.5 million ballots were cast, making this the busiest state primary election in 30 years, in terms of raw votes.
The U.S. Senate race was itself historic, in that challenger Joe Kennedy III was defeated by incumbent Sen. Ed Markey, making JKIII the first Kennedy in the political dynasty to lose an election in Massachusetts.
The outcome of the race aligned well with what recent polling suggested. Markey performed well in areas populated by white, affluent voters with high levels of education. Kennedy scored big in...2020-09-0440 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 146: Primary School8/27/20--It's the final episode before the Sept. 1 primary election here in Massachusetts, and Steve, Stephanie, Jenn, and a special guest have a lot to talk about.
They begin with the Democratic primary race for U.S. Senate. Horse Race co-host and Politico Massachusetts Playbook author Stephanie Murray has been covering it exhaustively. What stuck out to her in her coverage is that this race does not fall in line with the stereotypical narratives you tend to hear about primary races involving a long-time incumbent and younger challenger.
“In the most basic sense, Joe Kennedy is the insurgent outsider," Murray says. Bu...2020-08-2735 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 141: From Boom Time to Zoom Time7/23/20--While co-host Stephanie Murray is off for a much-deserved vacation this week, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith have plenty to talk about both in national and statewide politics and policy.
President Trump signed a memo on Wednesday instructing the Commerce Department to leave out unauthorized immigrants living in the U.S. from the census report that determines distribution of Congressional seats. As Jenn points out, this is not the first time the Trump administration has attempted to tangle in the census process of counting all persons. Back in pre-COVID times, the Trump administration tried to put a question on the...2020-07-2328 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 140: The Midnight Ride of Poll Revere7/16/20-- This week in #mapoli coverage begins with a national news item with a Massachusetts connection. The Trump administration on Tuesday rescinded a proposal to bar current international students from studying in the US if all their classes are taught online. They would have been asked to either transfer to institutions with at least one in person class or self-deport. This happened during a federal hearing of a lawsuit initiated by Harvard and MIT.
And speaking of lawsuits, the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office told news outlets that applications for mail-in ballots for registered primary voters in Massachusetts are being...2020-07-1740 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 139: A Rivera Runs Through It7/8/20-- This week brings more news out of the Supreme Court where two decisions were made in favor of religious interests. Our in-house legal analyst Jennifer Smith breaks them both down.
Also this week, Governor Charlie Baker announced free, on-demand COVID-19 testing would become available to residents of 8 communities that have been hit especially hard by the disease.
Jon Hillman and Wilnelia Rivera of the Democratic consulting firm Rivera Consulting dropped by The Horse Race virtual bunker to talk vote by mail an dispel their predictions for the changing 2020 political landscape.
On the recently passed early voting and vote by...2020-07-1038 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 138: School's Out For...Ever?7/2/20--It’s almost the 4th of July, though if we’re going by the amount of fireworks set off, it’s been 4th of July for several weeks now.
There’s also reason for celebration because it’s Poll Release Day. Steve Koczela & co. at The MassINC Polling Group have new data on Massachusetts parents of K-12 students and their experiences with remote learning.
But first up, we bring you the latest headlines. Voting reform legislation is on the move after the Massachusetts House and Senate struck a deal this week. After the bill is expected to be voted through by both ho...2020-07-0236 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 137: Schoolhouse Rocked6/24/20--A state report was released today on the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home that was the site of a deadly coronavirus outbreak. 76 people, more than a third of the veterans residing at the home, died of COVID-19-related causes.
The report found that leadership at the state-run home made “substantial errors” that “likely contributed” to the death toll. Investigations from the Massachusetts Department of Justice and Attorney General Maura Healey will follow, and Governor Charlie Baker obtained an outside firm to do an independent review.
The report’s release prompted a resignation from the Massachusetts Secretary of Veterans Services, Francisco Urena. This is one of se...2020-06-2531 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 135: RENT6/10/20-- New data from The MassINC Polling Group show that many Massachusetts renters and homeowners are struggling to make housing payments due to the financial burdens of the coronavirus crisis. MPG President Steve Koczela points to the key finding that people under the most economic strain during the pandemic are also much more likely to be in a household with COVID-19 themselves. Huge disparities exist between demographic groups in likelihood of missing a housing payment, and there is broad support among Massachusetts residents for housing policy proposals.
Juana Matias, COO of MassINC and former state Representative for the 16th Essex...2020-06-1140 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 134: Protests and Paths Forward6/3/20--This week we're bringing you a slightly different version of The Horse Race, a one-on-one conversation between our host and former Dorchester Reporter news editor Jennifer Smith, and Boston City Councilor Andrea Campbell.
Jenn and Councilor Campbell discuss the protests against systemic racism and police brutality that have broken out in cities all over the world, including Boston, in response to the death of George Floyd by the hands of law enforcement officers.
Campbell emphasizes the importance of civil disobedience -- "We know we wouldn't be where we are if folks didn't get out and march," -- but also the...2020-06-0424 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 131: H-O-R-S-E5/13/2020--We're back with another live edition of The Horse Race Happy Hour Livestream which you can watch here: https://www.facebook.com/massincpolling/live
We begin with Governor Baker's 4-phase reopening plan that illustrates a very basic roadmap of how businesses will begin to open up shop once again. Baker's plan, which he announced on Monday, is short on details and leaves business owners wondering what exactly is in store for them. No guidance has yet been provided in regard to non-business related social distancing measures among individuals.
The NBA was one of the first major sports organizations to suspend...2020-05-1337 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 126: Flour PowerWatch the video version here! https://youtu.be/p0FdkUhexBM
4/8/20--Almost a month has passed since Governor Charlie Baker announced a state of emergency, and state officials expect the coming days (April 10-April 20) to produce the peak of coronavirus cases in Massachusetts.
As of Wednesday, confirmed cases in Massachusetts are up to 16,790, according to The Boston Globe. But the toll of coronavirus isn't hitting all demographics equally. Reports from cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, and Detroit show that African Americans are experiencing disproportionate impacts from coronavirus. According to NBC, Chicago reported 70% of people who died from COVID-19 were black, though just 30...2020-04-0839 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 125: Suffolk ClownsWatch the video version here! https://youtu.be/tWItbjbzu-Y
4/1/20-- It’s been 11 days since Governor Charlie Baker issued a stay-at-home advisory to the people of Massachusetts, and today, he extended it from April 7th to May 4th. Since then he’s also asked that out-of-state visitors self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival to Massachusetts, or just don’t come here at all.
Within the stay-at-home advisory is the mandate that schools and non-essential businesses remain closed until May 4th. These orders have brought up the question of, what defines an essential business? The state deemed recreational marijuana shops non-essential, but liquor...2020-04-0235 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 116: Do More with Lesser1/29/20--Believe it or not, we are less than a week away from the Iowa caucuses, and the podcast bunker is filled with anticipation. Especially because after Iowa comes New Hampshire, and after New Hampshire, Super Tuesday when we all get to exercise our right to vote and revel in the democratic experience.
In other news, the impeachment trial continues, and we turn to our very own pollster Steve Koczela to break down what voters think about whether Senators should call former National Security Adviser John Bolton to testify during the trial. This comes after revelations that a book manuscript written...2020-01-3030 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 108: Deval's Well That Ends Well11/20/19-- If you've heard it once, you've heard it a thousand times. Traffic in Boston is bad. As we've mentioned on the show before, it's so bad, it makes commuters consider quitting their jobs or moving elsewhere. This week, the Boston Globe's Spotlight team published the first two installments of its three-part series on traffic in Massachusetts. Regular host and this-time guest Steve Koczela joins Stephanie and Jennifer to talk about the Globe's findings. Notably, the team of writers and researchers surveyed all 206 state elected officials. A little over half responded, and only 5 reported having transit passes. Presumably, the rest...2019-11-2133 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 96: The Morse Race8/28/19-- New polls out this week rank Democratic presidential hopefuls, but one in particular stood out. Monmouth University published a poll showing a three-way tie for first place between former Vice President Joe Biden, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. Results from other major polling outfits, meanwhile, showed Biden in first place, as has been the case since the former vice president announced his candidacy. This set off a conversation among pollsters as to when you publish outliers versus when you suppress publication. Host and pollster Steve Koczela sounds off on his own experience as well as...2019-08-2928 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 93: Murray Up8/7/19--Gather round, folks, for a very special announcement. As co-host and Empress of Equine Exuberance Jennifer Smith trains her sights on a law degree, she will move from full-time co-host to part-time, meaning we are thrilled to announce a third member of the pod squad. This intrepid reporter is a good friend of the pod and has contributed countless elections updates as the Massachusetts political field moves and shakes. Please join us in welcoming Politico reporter and author of the Politico Massachusetts Playbook Stephanie Murray to The Horse Race!
While Stephanie is currently hard at work in Nashville at the...2019-08-0837 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 65: Churchill "Shut" Downs1/16/2019 -- Amidst the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith chat with Congresswoman Katherine Clark of Massachusetts' 5th congressional district, who is co-sponsoring a bill aimed at protecting federal workers from such hardships as eviction, foreclosure and loan default.
Politico reporter Stephanie Murray joins to discuss Elizabeth Warren's recent trip to New Hampshire and chats through how she stacks up against other recently announced candidates for the presidency.2019-01-1738 minThe Horse RaceEpisode 64: The Horse Race Live - Starting GateJanuary 9, 2019: We're LIVE from WeWork at 1 Beacon! While Massachusetts is sending two new members to the US Congress where Democrats control the House, the State Legislature will be gaveling in a new session after a tumultuous year, and Charlie Baker will be starting his second lap around the gubernatorial track. Oh, and the first group of presidential candidates are out of the gate and charging down the backstretch.
Steve Koczela, President of The MassINC Polling Group and Jennifer Smith, News Editor of the Dorchester Reporter, along with special guests set the scene for the year to come in Massachusetts and...2019-01-101h 05
The Horse RaceEpisode 63: 'Tis the Trahan12/26/2018 -- Happiest of Holidays from The Horse Race! Joining Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith on this special holiday edition is Congresswoman-elect, Lori Trahan, of Massachusetts' 3rd congressional district. She takes us back through the highly contested race for the House and looks ahead at what we can expect from the new cohort of members.
We'll take a short break and see you all in the new year at our live recording of "The Starting Gate" from 6-8pm at WeWork One Beacon. Spots are limited so sign up today! https://thehorseracelivestartinggate.splashthat.com/2018-12-2731 min
The Horse RaceEpisode 62: The House RulesOn this special episode of The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith continue their quest to speak with every MA member of the House of Representatives. Joining us this week is Congressman Jim McGovern from the state’s 2nd congressional district who is also the incoming chair for the House Rules Committee. With a new incoming class, whispers of presidential impeachment, and another election on the horizon, Congressman McGovern gives us an inside look at what we can expect from of D.C. in 2019.
Save the date! Our next Live event is Wednesday, January 9th from 6-8pm at We...2018-12-2031 min
The Horse RaceEpisode 61: That's Amore!December 12, 2018: Just one more week until our 2018 #mapoli horse racing season comes to a close! Jennifer Smith and Steve Koczela take a look at what work is already being done by new members of Congress, namely, the plan for Ocasio-Cortez's "Green New Deal" and which MA legislators are supporting it. Then, we check in with Katie Lannan of the State House News Service for a look ahead at potential MA elections. And finally we welcome Anthony Amore who challenged the now-reelected Bill Galvin for Secretary of State about the potential for successful Republican races.2018-12-1334 min
The Horse RaceEpisode 59: Moulton Fire of the VanitiesWith just a couple of episodes left for the 2018 season, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith break down the post-election roll out both locally and nationally. With the vote for Speaker of the House today, Anthony Brooks, political reporter for WBUR, walks us through Congressman Seth Moulton's opposition to Nancy Pelosi and how this reflects on other MA legislators. Then, State Representative from Cambridge, Mike Connolly joins us to discuss a bill he has proposed to bring rank choice voting to Massachusetts. And finally, we take one more look back at the election and how the MA GOP fared and what...2018-11-2932 min
The Horse RaceEpisode 58: The Ayannas Have ItWe've got a special Thanksgiving treat this week! Co-Host, Jennifer Smith, of the Dorchester Reporter, caught up with Congresswoman-Elect, Ayanna Pressley, over the phone for a behind the scenes look at the road to D.C.
What are we thankful for? You! Our loyal listeners. We'll be back next week for our regularly scheduled lineup of trivia, polls, and bad horse puns.2018-11-2242 min
The Horse RaceEpisode 57: Come Get Your Trophy!We're back for the post-election run down to get caught up on the races we couldn't cover at last week's live event. Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith take a look at election outcomes and what we can expect next. Dan Cence, who oversees government relations at Solomon McCown and is a key advisor to the No on 1 group joins us to go over the results from Question 1. Here to fill us in on a round up of state races and voter turnout is long time guest of the pod, Gin Dumcius from MassLive and the Springfield Republican. And finally we...2018-11-1539 min
The Horse RaceEpisode 56: LIVE with the Winner's CircleWe're LIVE from WeWork at 1 Beacon St. bringing you the best of horse racing puns to the Post-Election Winner's Circle. Your hosts, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith wrap up what just happened and what we can expect next locally, state-wide, and nationally.
First we check in with Representative Katherine Clark from MA's 5th district about what we can expect now that Dems have taken the House. Then, we hear from Michelle Wu, Boston City Councilor at Large, about everything from daily transit woes to what we can expect from Senator Warren on a national level. Newly elected Suffolk District Attorney...2018-11-081h 13
The Horse RaceEpisode 55: The Halloween Boo WaveFor your spookiest episode of The Horse Race yet, we hit the stretch run just one week before the election. As election day nears, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith provide an update on three new polls that have been published this week. Then we check in on the attorney general's race with Maddie Kilgannon of WGBH. And finally, we hear from Steve Brown of WBUR about several of the contested seats in this year's race.
And, don't forget to register for our LIVE post general election recording at WeWork One Beacon next Wednesday, November 7th from 6-8pm with special...2018-11-0132 min
The Horse RaceEpisode 54: The Elephant in the RoomWelcome to debate season! On this episode of The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jenn Smith check in on the rousing round of debates that swept the state this past week. Next, we call many time guest of the pod, Chris Lisinski to check in on the MA 3rd Congressional district race. And finally, we hear from Shira Schoenberg on a race we should all be paying more attention to; the treasurers race (while cringing through their most recent trending hashtag.)
We can't wait to see you all on Wednesday Nov. 7th from 6-8 PM at WeWork One Beacon for...2018-10-2535 min
The Horse RaceEpisode 53: Faded Blue GenesWe're gearing up for these final weeks before the general election with our new Horse Race co-host, and many time guest of the pod, Jennifer Smith.
Here to keep us updated with this week's wave of Senator Warren news is Vicki McGrane of the Boston Globe. Then, we welcome a new guest to the show, Dr. Shannon Jenkins Chair of the Department of Political Science at UMass Dartmouth who claims we should all be paying closer attention to the 9th Congressional District race. And finally, what's an episode of The Horse Race without polls! Steve Koczela reports on a recently...2018-10-1828 min
The Horse RaceEpisode 52: The Most Wonderful Time of the YearIt is indeed the most wonderful time of the year... for polling that is! On this week's episode of The Horse Race, our very own Maeve Duggan of the MASSInc Polling Group joins as a co-host with Steve Koczela to take us behind all of this week's freshly published polls.
Since we're just one month out from election day, we'll get you caught up on the Baker / Gonzales debate with Gin Dumcius of The Springfield Republican and Mass Live. Then, Katie Lannan joins us again for a quick update on the Secretary of State race. And as a special, polling...2018-10-1136 min
The Horse RaceEpisode 50: They See Me Pollin'That's right, it is polling season!
We welcome back special guest host Jennifer Smith of the Dorchester Reporter to join Steve Koczela, President of the MassINC Polling Group to go over the latest in MA general election news, polls, and even potential presidential bids.
Joining us as a first time guest on the pod, Vicki McGraine of the Boston Globe talked with us about Charlie Baker and Geoff Diehl and what that big endorsement means. And finally we caught up with Michael Jonas of CommonWealth Magazine to wrap up whats going on with the DA race. Six weeks until the...2018-09-2737 min
The Horse RaceEpisode 49: Victory Lap, Or... DezexitWe're taking a farewell victory lap this week for Lauren Dezenski's very last episode of The Horse Race before she moves to Washington D.C. to join CNN.
As the third congressional race finally came to its close, we welcomed Chris Lisinski of the Lowell Sun to give us a rundown of the recount madness. Then we looked to our expert ballot guest George Cronin to get caught up on upcoming general ballot questions. John Walsh, Mass Democratic party legend gave us some insiders insight on the new Reason to Believe PAC and what we can expect in the general...2018-09-2045 min
The Horse RaceEpisode 47: The Horse Race LIVE -- Full Court PressleyThe Horse Race goes LIVE in this special post-primary "winner's circle." We recorded in front of a live studio audience at WeWork Boston's One Beacon office. President of the MassInc Polling Group, Steve Koczela and Politico Massachusetts' Lauren Dezenski break down all things Massachusetts primaries.
On this extended episode, we welcomed Meghna Chakrabarti Host of NPR's "On Point" to discuss MA elections up and down the ticket. We then welcomed Gus Bickford Chair of Mass Dems to talk strategy as we move from primary, to general, and national elections. And finally we have Alex Goldstein, an advisor to Ayanna Pressley...2018-09-061h 22
The Horse RaceEpisode 43: Family Feud8/8/18 -- Democrats are taking on Democrats in this week’s episode of The Horse Race. First, Andy Metzger of State House News Service (and who is soon to be striking out as a freelancer!) details some tension between senate president Karen Spilka and speaker of the House Bob DeLeo in the wrap up of legislative loose ends. Then the Dorchester Reporter’s Jennifer Smith returns to breakdown this week’s debate between incumbent congressman Mike Capuano and his primary challenger Ayanna Pressley.
Plus, State House News Service reporter Matt Murphy checks back in on the race for secretary of state, and wh...2018-08-0930 min
The Horse RaceEpisode 36: EMERGENCY POD - SJC strikes down Fair Share Ballot QuestionEpisode 36: EMERGENCY POD - SJC strikes down Fair Share Ballot Question by Steve Koczela; Jennifer Smith2018-06-1823 min
The Horse RaceEpisode 31: Exit Stage Far Right5/16/18 -- Pastor turned politician Scott Lively surprised some in the GOP establishment when he secured a spot on the ballot for the Republican gubernatorial primary. WGBH reporter and co-host of The Scrum Adam Reilly digs into who Lively is, and how he plans to cover the candidate.
Then we look west with the Springfield Republican’s Shannon Young to check in on the primary challenge to Congressman Richard Neal (MA-1). Plus POLITICO’s Steve Shepard and our co-host Steve Koczela get their nerd on explaining a new experiment in exit polls.
This episode is sponsored by the Massachusetts Business Round Tabl2018-05-1731 min
The Horse RaceEpisode 26: North of the Wall4/18/18 -- We head north of the wall - a.k.a. New Hampshire - with special guest host and former pod correspondent Ben Downing. First, The Boston Globe's James Pindell describes what he's seeing up north, now that we know Rep. Joe Kennedy III will be heading there in the fall.
Then, Salem News' Ethan Forman breaks down the Republican challengers to Rep. Seth Moulton, and our local poll master and host Steve Koczela calls in to discuss the polling related additions to the AP Stylebook.2018-04-1930 min
The Horse RaceEpisode 20: Wild, Wild West MassThis 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).2018-03-0829 min
The Horse RaceEpisode 16: Storming the GatesSteve 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.2018-02-0829 min
The Horse RaceEpisode 15: Chomping At The BitLinda 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.2018-02-0138 min
The Horse RaceEpisode 14: The Sport of GovernorsWe’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.2018-01-2529 min
The Horse RaceThe Horse Race: PreviewA preview of The Horse Race, a new podcast covering Massachusetts campaigns of note with hosts Steve Koczela, president of the MassINC Polling Group, and Lauren Dezenski, author of the Politico Massachusetts Playbook.2017-09-1900 min