Rep. Robertson Blames COVID-19, His Treasurer, And The MassGOP For Failing To Follow To Campaign Spending Reporting Laws

Oct. 19, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Evan Lips, communications director

617-523-5005 ext. 245

WOBURN — Massachusetts Republican Party Chairman Jim Lyons responded Monday to state Rep. David Robertson’s excuses after the MassGOP caught on to the Tewksbury lawmaker’s failure to report a single campaign expenditure other than recurring $3 bank fees since last April.

Robertson issued a statement over the weekend blaming the episode on a “forced Republican narrative regarding so-called ‘transparency’” while also blaming his campaign treasurer and the COVID-19 virus, despite the passage last year of a law establishing a new campaign depository system that requires more frequent spending disclosures.

Robertson voted in favor of the bill, which was later signed into law by Gov. Charlie Baker and championed by Democrats as “reflect(ing) the state’s commitment to innovation and transparency in our elections,” less than a year ago.

“Rep Robertson has spent plenty of money on ads promoting himself yet you won’t find that anywhere in filings submitted to the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance,” said Lyons. “So instead of taking any responsibility, he not only blames his treasurer, but also the COVID-19 pandemic and us for getting caught.”

“This is a symptom of the Democrats’ one-party grip on Beacon Hill, where they act as if their own rules don’t apply to them.”

Robertson’s challenger, Republican Alec DiFruscia, has managed to maintain detailed expenditure reports throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Lyons also questioned whether the state’s top law enforcement official, Attorney General Maura Healey, is even aware of Robertson’s malfeasance.

“Maybe if our AG wasn’t so busy using her own office as an extension of the Democratic National Committee, she’d be able to catch fraud like Robertson’s here in Massachusetts,” Lyons said. “Maura Healey, where are you? Oh, right, you’re filing another lawsuit against President Trump.”

Link to press release