Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell recently attended an attorneys general conference in Paris, funded by taxpayers. The trip, which ran from July 29 to August 3, 2024, incurred costs totaling $13,627. The lack of transparency surrounding this event has prompted scrutiny regarding the appropriateness of taxpayer funding for such journeys.
Campbell traveled with two aides to a conference co-sponsored by the National Association of Attorneys General and the Attorney General Alliance, a nonprofit that heavily relies on corporate donations. Notably, major contributors to the Attorney General Alliance include Amazon and Pfizer, each donating $500,000 in 2021. Critics argue that these donations create a potential conflict of interest as the attorneys general are responsible for regulating these corporations.
No detailed agenda for the Paris conference was made public, and Campbell did not announce her attendance in advance. Furthermore, there were no official summaries of the meetings or statements released post-conference. This absence of information raised concerns about the nature of the trip, with some labeling it a “junket.”
The expenses for Campbell’s trip included approximately $9,000 for transportation through France, provided by a high-end chauffeur service. However, records did not disclose charges for hotels or meals, leaving it unclear whether these costs were covered by lobbyist donations. This lack of clarity comes amid an analysis of Campbell’s overall expenditures on a taxpayer-funded credit card, which totaled around $300,000 for the last fiscal year.
While there is no evidence to suggest that Campbell misused her credit card or improperly accepted lobbyist funds, her campaign for transparency and accountability as Attorney General is under scrutiny. The former Boston city councilor is now part of the established political landscape on Beacon Hill and is expected to seek re-election for a second four-year term.
Campbell’s actions have sparked debate regarding her cooperation with the Democratic establishment in Massachusetts. For instance, she has reportedly hindered attempts by Diana DiZoglio, the state auditor, to conduct an audit of the Democrat-controlled Massachusetts Legislature. Despite public support for such an audit, which was favored by 72% of voters, Campbell’s office has not facilitated this process.
In a political climate where legal actions against figures like former President Donald Trump have garnered attention, Campbell’s office received a substantial budget increase of $7 million to fund its “anti-Trump unit.” This move mirrors strategies employed by her predecessor, Maura Healey, whose litigation against Trump was instrumental in her election as governor.
As scrutiny continues regarding Campbell’s trip to Paris and her broader role as Attorney General, questions about transparency, accountability, and the use of taxpayer funds remain pivotal concerns.