As Minogue pours millions into his own campaign, state lawmaker pushes to ban self-funding

Mike Minogue has contributed $13.5 million from his own funds to his gubernatorial campaign. A Massachusetts state senator, Rebecca Rausch, filed a budget amendment to eliminate the provision that allows candidates to self-fund without limits. Massachusetts law caps individual contributions to political campaigns at $1,000 per year, but the cap does not apply to candidates contributing to their own campaigns. Rausch argues that unlimited self-funding undermines democracy and has been abused by candidates across the political spectrum. The amendment is framed as part of longer-term election reform efforts rather than a response solely to Minogue’s campaign.

"Individuals who want to contribute to political campaigns in Massachusetts can donate up to $1,000 per year. That limit does not apply when candidates contribute to their own campaigns. “I don't care what your political affiliation is, that's flying in the face of our democracy,” Rausch said."

"Since last October, Minogue has contributed a record $13.5 million to his own campaign, according to records from the Office of Campaign and Political Finance. Minogue's remaining primary opponent, former MBTA Head Brian Shortsleeve, has contributed $400,000 of his own money to his campaign, OCPF records show."

"While Minogue's campaign is putting the spotlight on the lack of limits for self-funding, Rausch said that the problem runs deeper. “There is a general consensus about concern for the state of our democracy, particularly in this current moment. This is something we've seen abused by candidates on all ends of the political spectrum,” Rausch said."

"The recent push is not a direct result of Minogue's campaign, she said. “I've been focusing on election reform and democracy pillars for far longer than Mr. Minogue has b"

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