Maloney claims support in face of Rollins’ policy
Suffolk District Attorney candidate Michael Maloney says outraged residents and concerned law enforcement officials are reaching out to him after learning about his rival’s “decline to prosecute” plan that would shield some thieves, drug dealers and other offenders from the courts.
“We’re hearing from a lot of people who are really worried about this,” said Maloney, an Independent candidate who slammed Democrat Rachael Rollins’ handsoff policy as “dangerous.”
Rollins listed 15 crimes that she, if elected, wouldn’t prosecute — including resisting arrest, trespassing and shoplifting — on her campaign website. The former MassDOT general counsel beat four candidates in the Suffolk district attorney Democratic primary last week, campaigning on a progressive platform aimed at criminal reform.
The Boston Police Patrolmen’s union and the Massachusetts Retailers’ Association blasted Rollins’ plan last week, arguing it would leave many community members defenseless.
Maloney said his campaign sat down yesterday with a group of law enforcement officials who reached out after hearing about his opponent’s agenda. He also said he’s had a flood of interest from district residents.
“We’re certainly getting momentum,” he said. “I haven’t slept in the past week.”
But even with new support, Maloney is facing tough odds against Rollins.
A total of seven people have contributed to Maloney’s campaign since he began the race in April, according to the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance. Maloney himself is the biggest donor, lending the campaign $9,000. He currently has $4,460 in his campaign account, while Rollins has $79,560.
“To be honest, in the first few weeks it was only very close friends who donated, but it really has picked up and I’m confident we’re going to be competitive,” said Maloney.
As the Democratic nominee, Rollins can also count on builtin campaign assistance from the state party in the 2monthlong general election. The former transportation lawyer has also vowed to repeal mandatory minimum sentences for all drug offenses and oppose cash bail. She is part of a nationwide progressive initiative to elect district attorneys that eschew tough on crime policies in and lean toward socalled “restorative justice.”
Maloney, however, said he’s undeterred.
“I’m out there and I’m hustling. I won’t be outgrinded,” he said.