Sunday June 19, 2005
Worcester County District Attorney John J. Conte must be a great boss.
More than 90 percent of his prosecutors have given money to their boss' campaign account, half of them donating $500 each.
Contributions from assistant district attorneys, or their spouses, total $25,300 with more than a year to go before Election Day in November 2006.
The practice of accepting money from employees is legal, but some district attorneys in the state won't do it for ethical reasons.
Middlesex County District Attorney Martha Coakley does not accept donations from any of her employees or their spouses, according to campaign spokesman Joe Shannon.
"It's been her policy since she started," Shannon said. "It was the policy of (state Attorney General) Tom Reilly (her predecessor)."
Essex County District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett and Barnstable County District Attorney Michael O'Keefe also do not accept money from their employees.
"I don't do it for personal reasons, but I wouldn't criticize someone who does," O'Keefe said. "I don't think assistant district attorneys make enough money to contribute."
Conte, who has been district attorney for 28 years, insisted his employees are not forced to donate money.
"I don't think that's the case here at all," Conte told the Sentinel & Enterprise Tuesday. "I think you're stretching."
Conte said his seasoned staff, including 23 people with more than 20 years experience, understands that campaigns cost money.
"We're the most experienced office in the state, they understand the nature of the office is such that we have to run for office," Conte said. "In order to get our message out, we have to raise money. ... We're a real family here."
Conte also acknowledged veteran employees make more money.
Five of the top-paid prosecutors who work for Conte each donated $500: James J. Reagon, $97,000, Joseph LoStracco, $86,000, Michael E. Donnelly, $81,000, Thomas E. Landry, $81,000, and Timothy M. Bibaud, $81,000.
Other district attorneys will also take money from workers.
"I have no problem with it," said Bristol County District Attorney Paul F. Walsh Jr. "I've actually been criticized in my own office ... employees were mad I didn't make events well-known enough."
Walsh, who is up for re-election this year, holds about four events a year, such as a clambake.
"I do well with fund-raising, so I don't need to put it on anyone," Walsh said. "People have a constitutional right to do it, it's political expression. I would hope those who know me best, would want to support me."
Elizabeth D. Scheibel, District Attorney for Franklin and Hampshire counties, said a typical donation from an employee is $15 for an annual picnic.
"I have a picnic once a year, but the staff is invited for free," Scheibel said. "There are a few who have contributed $15, but it's a very small percentage. I would never and I don't solicit them."
Conte went on to say he does not solicit or accept donations in the courthouses.
"We don't do that," he said. "Nothing is done in the office."
Conte has raised $241,585.15 as of May 31.
That puts him in good standing versus his expected opponent in 2006, Worcester attorney Joseph Early, Jr.
Early had just $32,019.12 in his account, according to his latest report.
Conte wouldn't say whether he expects a tough campaign.
"I don't really get into that," Conte said. "I am running for office. We will put forth our record and put forth our issues. That's how we'll run our campaign."
