Politics & Government

Avellone Proposes 'The Commonwealth Pledge'

Joe Avellone has already announced his bid to replace Deval Patrick as Governor, but according to a recent release he is now trying to organize a "more robust plan to ensure a fair and issue-oriented campaign, 'The Commonwealth Pledge.'" This comes after Treasurer Grossman’s request for Democratic candidates to sign onto the “People’s Pledge,” according to the release.

Avellone believes that Grossman’s plan is a "good starting point," but still allows for PAC's, lobbyists and other special interest groups to contribute cash.

"If elected officials are truly going to be beholden to the people, then we must ensure that no special interest can gain the upper hand through the power of the purse," the release said.

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"The Commonwealth Pledge” will "change the role of money in politics," the release said.

“The citizens of our Commonwealth deserve a government that is truly beholden to them and only them. My approach to the 'People’s Pledge' will ensure that it will be so. The pledge should call for each candidate to refuse donations from all Political Action Committees, lobbyists and lobbying groups, and all state employees. These restrictions will safeguard this all too important election from being influenced by special interests, and will make sure this election focuses on what is truly important: the people of Massachusetts,” Avellone said in the release.

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"The Commonwealth Pledge" will ensure that all of the contributions received from SuperPACs, Political Action Committees registered in Massachusetts, registered lobbyists, and state employees be donated to the One Fund. 

"This closes a major loophole in the original 'People’s Pledge,' which only covered paid advertisement money," the release said.


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