Rep. Robertson Campaign Treasurer Resigns Over Missing Filings

WILMINGTON, MA — State Rep. Dave Robertson's campaign treasurer has resigned over late campaign finance filings, the Democratic incumbent announced Tuesday.

The announcement came following questions from Patch and from Robertson's Republican challenger, Alec DiFruscia, about the lack of expenditures reported in Robertson's September campaign finance report.

The report listed only $3 in expenditures, on bank fees, despite online and newspaper ads from the campaign in September.

“In a series of unfortunate oversights, my campaign’s Treasurer fell behind on reporting regular and expected campaign expenses," Robertson said.

Robertson's former treasurer, Jesse Fennelly, serves on the Wilmington School Committee. Robertson attributed the missing filings to the work Fennelly has had to put in as part of the school district's response to the coronavirus.

"I have accepted both his apology, as well as his resignation," Robertson said. "Our campaign is moving forward, always in a professional manner, with a new Treasurer — and we will continue to work for the voters of both Tewksbury and Wilmington as we prepare for my second term as the State Representative for the 19th Middlesex.”

Robertson's campaign also filed a new "External Activity Report" with the state, Monday. The report includes $15,399.05 in expenditures by Robertson, as candidate loans to the campaign. The expenditures include newspaper ads, stamps, website hosting, Facebook ads, stationary, signs and door hangers.

The report listed a corresponding amount, $15,399.05, as a campaign liability. Robertson's September report said he had $21,464.84 cash on hand entering October.

“It is ultimately the candidate's responsibility to follow campaign finance laws," DiFruscia said. "Rep. Robertson took zero responsibility for violating the same campaign finance laws he voted in favor of just last year. He was quick to place the blame on his treasurer, on the pandemic, and on the MassGOP, but never himself."

DiFruscia noted that his own campaign treasurer passed away earlier this year.

"Even though we were devastated by the loss, my team managed to follow all campaign finance laws without interruption," the challenger said. "I sincerely hope Rep. Robertson pays greater attention when dealing with the taxpayers' money. Being a lawmaker does not give you a pass to be a lawbreaker. "

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.