An independent expenditure political action committee supported by the Massachusetts real estate industry has been heavily involved in local races this year, outspending other super PACs in Beacon Hill elections. The Massachusetts Realtor Independent Expenditure Political Action Committee has spent over $216,000 on various forms of advertising to support candidates from both parties, including Republican Rep. Matt Muratore and Democrat Joseph Pacheco. The super PAC is backed by the Massachusetts Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors, who have opposed attempts to pass a fee on high-value home sales in the Legislature. Muratore and Pacheco have both received support from other super PACs as well.
Candidates like Muratore and Pacheco have welcomed the outside support, with Pacheco noting that organizations representing working-class people like teachers have backed his campaign. However, opponents of candidates supported by super PACs, such as Taunton City Councilor Kelly Dooner, have criticized the influx of money from special interest groups. Some candidates have pointed out that these contributions can give an advantage to their opponents, particularly in competitive races.
In addition to super PAC spending, regular political action committees have also heavily funded local candidates this year. For example, a PAC led by 1199 SEIU, a union representing healthcare workers, has spent over $272,000 to support candidates for House and Senate seats. The influence of these PACs on local races has sparked debate over the role of money in politics and the impact of outside spending on elections in Massachusetts.
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