Globe, AG Campbell Critique Roy

In a series of articles over the past several weeks, the Boston Globe has revealed the relationship of State Rep Jeff Roy with a prominent lobbyist and questioned what if any influence that relationship may have had on shaping key legislation.

The latest article, published on Thursday, stemmed from a WGBH radio appearance by Attorney General Andrea Campbell.

Asked about Roy’s situation during the broadcast, and Campbell reportedly told the interviewer, “If you lack some objectivity and you have [a] significant relationship of some sort that it would interfere with your ability to make a judgment that is objective, you should consider recusing yourself.”

Campbell, Governor Healey, and Boston Mayor Wu, were among those who had supported a provision in the climate bill to ban third-party electricity suppliers from marketing to residential consumers because of concerns over predatory practices. When the bill finally emerged and was signed into law, that provision was gone.

WGBH interviewer Jim Braude asked the AG, “Are you comfortable with the key decision maker on this issue having a relationship with one of the key lobbyists for the opposition? Isn't that at least an appearance of a problem to the taxpayers of Massachusetts and to you?"

Campbell did not answer directly. But the Globe went on to hint that others in the legislative leadership also might be unhappy with the legislative outcome, a fact which could impact the crucial control of committees, which will be assigned in the coming weeks. Currently, Roy is the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy along with his Senate opposite number, Michael Barrett, with whom he has frequently butted heads. He is the House-Chair of the Manufacturing Caucus.