Healey's other opponent goes after "dark money" group
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Deehan here, back with Spill of the Hill, my column unraveling Massachusetts politics.
Gov. Maura Healey has more than just Republican opponents this year.
- An independent candidate is going after her connections to a so-called "dark money" group funneling donations from corporations with business before the state.
Why it matters: Andrea James, an independent running for governor, is making a point of telling voters exactly who she thinks is bankrolling the powers-that-be on Beacon Hill.
- James is a Dorchester-based criminal justice advocate with one main campaign point: Corporate dark money has transformed Massachusetts from a commonwealth into what she calls a "Corporatewealth."
State of play: She hasn't gotten much traction in the gubernatorial race, but a recent WBUR investigation gave James her sharpest weapon yet.
- The public radio station exposed "One Commonwealth," a 501(c)(4) nonprofit launched by allies of Healey that allowed corporate donors to bypass the state's $1,000 individual contribution limit.
- The nonprofit was launched to boost Healey's housing policy agenda, but some of its corporate donors have little to do with housing — and plenty to do with other areas of the government Healey runs.
Follow the money: Gaming giant DraftKings funneled $50,000 into the group while facing pending state legislation that could have more than doubled its tax rate.
- New York road paving firm Peckham Industries contributed $10,000, while a subsidiary held over $25 million in MassDOT contracts.
What they're saying: "These dark money groups allow corporate interests to shape public policy behind closed doors," James said in a statement.
- Healey's campaign wouldn't respond to Axios' questions about the nonprofit.
Between the lines: Healey is expected to win reelection and start a second four-year term in January.
- One Commonwealth has another close Healey connection: a fundraising specialist on the group's payroll was simultaneously serving as the finance director for Healey's reelection campaign, WBUR reported.
Reality check: There is a huge financial gulf separating James from Healey and the three Republican candidates.
- GOP self-funders Michael Minogue and Mike Kennealy have poured $5.5 million and $1.8 million, respectively, into the race.
- James has raised around $20,000 through small-dollar donations.
The big picture: James left the Democratic Party last year over its lack of commitment to single-payer health care and transparency.
- Her platform calls for mandatory transparency rules targeting 501(c)(4) groups like One Commonwealth.
What's next: James' path to the corner office is uphill, to say the least. She must collect 10,000 certified signatures by July 28 and finalize a lieutenant governor running mate to qualify for an independent ticket.
- That might not be possible for a grassroots campaign operating on a five-figure budget.