Contact: Pat Beaudry

Phone: 617.939.0800

MassGOP Funnels Money into Geoff Diehl Campaign but Refuses to Identify Itself

MassGOP Exposed Funding Attack Campaign, yet Distances Itself from Diehl

 

BROCKTON – In light of Republicans trying to hide from their recent negative campaign attacks, the Massachusetts Democratic Party is calling for more transparency in the election for the 2nd Plymouth & Bristol Senate District.

 

This weekend, an ‘anonymous’ mailer was sent to voters of the Senate district attacking Rep. Mike Brady’s record. The MassGOP headquarters appears as the return address in the most recent attack mailer, but there’s no “paid for” disclaimer included. The mailer directs recipients to a website dedicated specifically to misleading attacks against Rep. Brady’s record, a website that also fails to identify the group responsible for the development of and payment for this site.

 

In addition to MassGOP facing potential campaign finance violations for failing to identify itself on negative campaign attacks, voters are left wondering if the MassGOP is trying to distance itself from Republican Governor Charlie Baker's endorsed candidate, Tea Partier Geoff Diehl.

 

“It’s clear the MassGOP and Geoff Diehl  – Charlie Baker’s endorsed, candidate who puts right-wing ideology before the interests of the district – realize Diehl’s out-of-touch positions on the minimum wage, education and public safety are hurting him with voters so they’re resorting to desperate attacks,” said Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Tom McGee. “Potential campaign finance concerns aside, why would the MassGOP send anonymous mailers, if not to again put distance between itself and the divisive, Tea Partier Diehl. By refusing to identify itself on these desperate attack pieces, the MassGOP is clearly expressing concerns about Diehl’s ability to get work done, and now has decided to spend time and money secretly attacking Mike Brady.”

 

Diehl has already established himself as one of the most divisive members of his Party. His own Republican House leadership removed him from a key committee assignment due to his prioritization of Tea Party ideology over compromise and competent governance. According to a Boston Herald article from March 18, 2015, House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones Jr. (R-North Reading) said he removed Diehl because he was difficult to work with, and pointed out that he is part of a faction that sought to oust Jones as leader in 2014.
 

“I think others have demonstrated a better ability to work with the Republican leadership office,” said Jones, who accused Diehl of being more focused on personal promotion than on getting work done under the Golden Dome."

 

Diehl also advocated for lowering the minimum wage for workers and increasing tax cuts for millionaires.

 

Following the untimely passing of Senator Tom Kennedy, the Secretary of State called for a special election for the 2nd Plymouth and Bristol Senate District.  The district includes the City of Brockton and the towns of Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Plympton, Whitman, two precincts in Easton and three precincts in East Bridgewater. The general election is November 3rd.

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