Marblehead residents are reacting to a mass text sent this weekend supporting Emily DeJoy for School Committee apparently funded by the state Republican Party. The town’s elections are non-partisan.
The text promoted DeJoy’s campaign with her photo and a message that read, in part, “Let’s support strong leadership for our students and community.”
For readers who texted “stop” to end the texts, a message appeared reading, “ MassGOP: You are now opted out and will receive no further messages.”
DeJoy did not disclose any donations on her May 28 campaign finance report. The next campaign finance report is due 30 days after the election.
DeJoy did not respond to repeated requests for comment. The Current also reached out to state GOP Chair Amy Carnevale, who lives in Marblehead, and the Marblehead Town Republican Committee Chair Rolfe Lofmark. Neither responded.
Some local Democrats are calling foul.
“Bringing in outside resources to any local small town campaign is concerning,” said Renee Keaney of the Marblehead Town Democratic Committee. “It raises questions as to why the GOP would suddenly be providing resources to a local School Committee candidate. EmilyDe Joy is an enthusiastic Trump supporter. Are they rewarding her loyalty. or are their intentions to bring the GOP/Trump education policy to our Marblehead schools?”
Answering her own question, Keaney continued, “This would be disturbing in light of the fact the GOP has supported Trump’s dismantling of the Department of Education and the bullying of universities in Massachusetts. They have reduced funding for Pell grants and student aid programs. Neither our state Democratic Party nor the local Marblehead Democratic Town Committee fund municipal candidates or provide those kinds of resources, nor should they. It’s regrettable that voters are now being forced to wonder what kind of political agenda candidates may be bringing to the table.”
The state GOP also injected itself into a local select board race in Hanover last month, sending postcards attacking one candidate, according to the South Shore Times.
