September 9, 2010
LUNENBURG - State Representative Jen Benson announced today that her campaign has received the vast majority of its donations from individual donors within the towns of the 37th Middlesex District. The announcement came as candidates for state offices filed their pre-primary financial reports with the Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF).
"I have been running a grassroots campaign focusing on the district and the issues facing its working families," said Benson. "I am proud that most of the donations we have received are from the towns and the people of the district."
Out of the 221 donations in the report, 164 or 74% of the donations came from within the towns of the 37th Middlesex District. The actual dollar amount of those donations was $19,068 or 64% of the $29,595 total.
An even higher percentage of Benson's donations came from individuals. Out of the 221 donations in the report, 193 or 87% of the donations came from individual donors. The dollar amount was $23,820 or 80% of the total.
"While some politicians depend on donations from special interest groups and PACs, I believe that it is important to rely on individual supporters," said Benson.
Benson's campaign expenditure report shows that every single one of her campaign's outgoing payments, except for credit card processing fees, was paid to a Massachusetts-based recipient. "We purchase all of our lawn signs, bumper stickers, brochures, and mailing supplies from Massachusetts companies," said Benson. "I believe in supporting the local businesses of our Commonwealth."
Benson has put a link to her campaign's full financial statement on her website, www.jenbenson.org, including complete information on each donor, and each expense and purchase made by her campaign.
"I am a strong believer in transparency," said Benson. "Voters have the right to know where candidates get their money, and how they spend it."
Benson's Campaign Manager, Amy Burke of Boxborough, said that the campaign is not all about money. "We are so grateful for the many campaign volunteers that have stuffed envelopes, made phone calls, and gone door-to-door," said Burke. "That is the kind of vital support that doesn't show up in finance reports."
Benson said the she will continue to take her issue-based message to voters as the campaign continues. "This is a critical election and I will focus on the important issues facing the district including the economy, jobs, and education," said Benson.
Link to full financial statement: Pre-Primary Report.
