A new super PAC has been established with the aim of supporting candidates who promote a “balanced and fair Boston for all” while opposing those it believes do not meet this criterion.
Former U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, who now heads the NHL Players Association, announced his endorsement of candidates Alexandra Valdez and Frank Baker for at-large seats on the Boston City Council this week.
Walsh emphasized that both Valdez and Baker would provide the necessary balance in a council that has shown minimal resistance to the current Mayor, Michelle Wu.
He specifically praised Baker, a resident of Dorchester and former District 3 representative, as a vital voice that the council needs.
Regarding Valdez, Walsh noted her strong connection to the community and her initial work under his administration, characterizing her as an important advocate for Boston constituents.
Kathryn Burton, Walsh’s previous chief of staff at City Hall, is identified as the chair of the super PAC, while the treasurer is Ellis Brewster, a consultant affiliated with LB Strategies, a firm that has routinely assisted Walsh’s campaign committee with compliance issues and other operations.
Burton did not respond to messages seeking insight into the goals of the super PAC, and Walsh was also unreachable for comments about his involvement level.
Super PACs, formally known as independent expenditure political action committees, have the ability to raise and spend unlimited amounts of money, including contributions from corporations.
Over the past decade, these super PACs have become increasingly influential in Boston elections, including the mayoral race this year, as candidates face stricter fundraising limits.
This year, super PACs have engaged in expenditures totaling $4.4 million for candidate support and opposition in Boston and statewide races, according to the Office of Campaign and Political Finance.
The financial activity of super PACs is discreetly tracked; they are not required to disclose their spending until they “utilize” the funds, with filings due within seven business days thereafter.
In the final ten days leading up to Election Day, these entities must report any activity within a strict 24-hour timeframe.
However, this creates a potential loophole.
If a super PAC were to execute a significant ad purchase on a Friday, they would be allowed to delay reporting until seven business days later, potentially missing the electorate on Election Day, when early in-person voting will already be underway.
Walsh has not been on a ballot since 2017, yet his personal campaign committee remains active, contributing regularly to various nonprofits and charitable organizations.
His financial standing is noteworthy, holding a significant campaign balance of $2.96 million at the end of September, surpassing all municipal accounts, including that of Mayor Wu, and second only to statewide candidates, with Governor Maura Healey reporting approximately $4.1 million at the same time.
Despite his capacity to make personal donations to the super PAC, legal restrictions would prevent Walsh from using his campaign finances for this purpose.
State laws explicitly prohibit any candidate’s committee from financing a PAC, and regulators emphasize that super PACs must not coordinate with any Massachusetts candidate or political committee, except for another super PAC.
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