Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell attended an attorneys general conference in Paris from July 29 to August 3, 2024, funded by taxpayers. The trip, which also included side excursions to Brussels and Normandy, cost approximately $13,627. This expense has raised eyebrows, particularly given the lack of transparency surrounding the event.
Details about the conference remain scarce. There was no public announcement from Campbell regarding her attendance, and no agenda was made available. Inquiries into the conference’s purpose revealed that it was co-sponsored by the National Association of Attorneys General and the Attorney General Alliance, a nonprofit that receives significant funding from corporate donors, including major companies like Amazon and Pfizer. Both corporations contributed $500,000 each to the Attorney General Alliance in 2021, as reported by the Associated Press.
Critics have pointed out that such funding allows lobbyists to attend these gatherings, effectively insulating attorneys general from direct criticism regarding their relationships with corporate interests. Christopher Toth, a former executive director of the National Association of Attorneys General, noted, “Lobbyists essentially fund these trips. They funnel the money through AGA and then that insulates the AGs from being criticized that they’re taking money from lobbyists.”
The financial details of Campbell’s trip included nearly $9,000 for transportation provided by a high-end chauffeur service, yet records for other expenses such as hotels and meals were not disclosed. The lack of clarity surrounding these expenditures has prompted an analysis of Campbell’s use of her taxpayer-funded procurement card, which totaled nearly $300,000 in the last fiscal year.
While there is no evidence of misuse of funds or direct lobbying influence on Campbell’s decisions, the circumstances surrounding her trip have raised questions about accountability. Campbell, who previously served on the Boston City Council and ran unsuccessfully for mayor, campaigned on a platform of transparency and accountability. As she seeks reelection for a second four-year term, these recent events could impact public perception.
The trip’s timing is notable, as it coincides with Campbell’s collaboration with the Democratic establishment in Massachusetts. Notably, she has resisted attempts by State Auditor Diana DiZoglio to conduct an audit of the state legislature, despite public support for the initiative. This has led to speculation about the influence of political alliances on her actions.
Moreover, the Massachusetts legislature granted Campbell a significant budget increase of $7 million to fund her “anti-Trump unit,” which continues to pursue legal actions against former President Donald Trump. This focus on litigation, reminiscent of her predecessor, Maura Healey, who leveraged similar strategies to become governor, raises further questions about the motivations behind Campbell’s actions.
As the situation unfolds, the demand for greater transparency in public office remains a critical issue for taxpayers. The public’s interest in understanding how their funds are spent will likely continue to influence the political landscape in Massachusetts and beyond.
