The State Police Association of Massachusetts is calling for an apology from Republican candidate for governor Mike Minogue after he publicly speculated about whether his opponent “cut a deal” with the union for their endorsement.
“Mike Minogue’s allegation that the State Police Association of Massachusetts exchanged its endorsement for a contract is categorically false,” said Brendan Murphy, president of the State Police Association of Massachusetts (SPAM). “Accusing our members of corruption without evidence is reckless, and we will not allow their integrity or the contract they earned to be smeared for political gain.”
The union’s call follows a post made by Minogue on X on Saturday, which linked a Herald article regarding priority reforms made in the Massachusetts State Police Academy.
Neither the Minogue nor Healey campaigns responded to requests for comment as of Sunday night.
Minogue’s statement questioned the new SPAM contract, alleging there may have been “corruption” involved.
“Maura Healey – did you cut a deal with the State Troopers for an endorsement as Governor?” Mingoue posted. … “Is this new contract funded in the supplemental budget ? If so- exchanging a political endorsement for a taxpayer contract and withholding announcement until after election is illegal. Media- force her to make a statement on if a deal has been reached for an endorsement and announcement is on hold. Corruption.”
The candidate’s post also claimed the new contract included a 6% raise in three parts, equaling 18%.
The SPAM president disputed Minogue’s calculation, saying the contract “provides raises totaling 11% over three years, consistent with what other state unions received.”
“Our contract was negotiated by the Association’s Bargaining Team and the Commonwealth through a process that included mediation, fact finding and arbitration,” Murphy said. “A mutual agreement followed the release of an independent fact finder’s report, which is publicly available.”
The president went on to say the union member “earned this contract through their service and sacrifice” and the compensation “should not become a political weapon for a candidate seeking to attack the governor.”
SPAM “proudly” stood by their endorsement of Healey on Sunday, which they announced in September along with law enforcement unions Massachusetts State Police Commissioned Officers Association, the Massachusetts Coalition of Police (MassCOPS), and the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association.
Healey said at the time in September she was “proud that we’re going to have another recruiting class in the State Police and we made some changes there,” adding “Colonel Nobles has come in, he’s done a great job revamping a lot of things.”
Murphy said the SPAM endorsement is a reflection of the incumbent governor’s “demonstrated commitment to law enforcement and the firsthand experience of our union leadership” and the union’s support is “earned through actions and a working relationship built on respect.”
“Mr. Minogue is free to disagree with our endorsement,” Murphy continued. “He should correct his false allegations and apologize to the men and women of the Massachusetts State Police for questioning their integrity and using the contract they earned in an attempt to score political points.”
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