The connection between lawyer common and governor is a posh but important one in state authorities. The lawyer common is usually known as on to defend the governor’s insurance policies in court docket. And but, as Massachusetts’ prime regulation enforcement officer, the lawyer common should additionally maintain the governor and different state businesses accountable in the event that they violate state legal guidelines and laws, placing a stability between representing the state and defending the rights of the individuals.
Ideologically, Campbell and Healey share most of the identical values, and specialists agree that their consolation and ease round each other could be an asset when partnering on main points akin to housing or transit. However authorized students have been fast to notice {that a} sturdy lawyer common shouldn’t hesitate to curb or redirect the plans of a zealous governor.
“The AG is usually representing the state and the governor once they’re in court docket, however generally which means the AG has to say. . . ‘No, the statute does not offer you that authority,’ or ‘That might be unconstitutional,’” stated former assistant lawyer common and Harvard lecturer Peter Brann. “We wish them to get alongside . . . however there’s sure to be some rigidity each time the lawyer has to inform the shopper, ‘You may’t do this.’”
Healey can also be moving into the gubernatorial seat recent from two phrases as lawyer common, inserting Campbell within the distinctive place of getting to hunt recommendation about his new function from the incoming governor. Whereas Brann stated it could be tempting for an AG-turned-governor to exert undue affect on a successor, others famous that having a governor who understands the authorized parameters of the lawyer common’s workplace could be advantageous.
“Even whenever you’re in the identical get together . . . there are some occasions whenever you differ both on an method or the substantive challenge,” stated Martha Coakley, who served as lawyer common throughout the tenure of former Democratic governor Deval Patrick from 2007 to 2015. “Governor Healey goes to be aware of having been AG that generally the roles diverge.”
James Tierney, former Maine lawyer common and authorized adviser to attorneys common throughout the nation, stated the workplace is “constitutionally designed to be each a counselor and a restrict on govt energy,” and stated he expects Campbell to rapidly set his personal agenda after searching for “preliminary counseling and steering” from Healey and different former lawyer common.
Tierney pointed to states akin to Florida as a cautionary story, the place he stated Lawyer Basic Ashley Moody has, in his opinion, “mainly folded her tent and does what [Governor Ron] DeSantis needs.”
DeSantis’ latest controversial strikes have included the suspension of a state lawyer due to his stance on transgender and reproductive rights, and the choice — broadly thought of a “political stunt” — to fly a planeload of Venezuelan migrants to Martha’s Winery.
“The friendship can’t go as far as to [outweigh] issues that the lawyer common thinks exceed the governor’s energy,” Tierney added.
Each Campbell and Healey have expressed enthusiasm about working collectively as a part of a historic slate of elected feminine state officers, whereas stressing a dedication to specializing in their distinct roles and obligations.
“I actually look ahead to working with [Campbell] notably round points associated to human rights and civil rights, reproductive justice, to call a number of,” Healey stated in a latest one-on-one interview with the Globe. “I’m certain that occasionally, we could have variations of views and opinions, however that is the suitable and vital functioning of presidency.”
These variations could come up as soon as Healey unveils her coverage agenda in higher element. Campbell has proudly branded himself a progressive, whereas to many political watchers, Healey’s imaginative and prescient seems to be decidedly reasonable. Some are already anticipating a possible conflict between the incoming governor and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, who like Campbell, has boldly embraced progressive beliefs — however Campbell enjoys a much more private relationship with Healey than Wu does, which might open a door to compromise as a substitute of battle.
A Campbell spokesperson stated she was not out there for an interview for this story, however confirmed that the incoming lawyer common is hoping to companion with Healey on creating equal entry to sources together with employment alternatives and public transportation.
”Whereas the governor is pushing for more practical, high-quality, accessible transportation and shutting the transit deserts and actually investing in that infrastructure, the lawyer common could be wanting on the MBTA to see who will get the contracts,” Campbell advised the Globe throughout her marketing campaign. “Are they assembly their variety targets for these development initiatives? Their targets for women- and people-of-color-owned companies?”
However as every girl begins constructing her crew and gearing up for his or her inauguration, specialists say, the times of high-fives and donut runs can have no alternative however to provide technique to the work forward — and the occasional disagreements that accompany it.
“The marketing campaign is over now. . . [so] they will be capable of seek the advice of and chat, however I feel every can be very cognizant of the totally different roles they need to serve,” Coakley stated. “Like good legal professionals, if they will agree and work it out, they are going to. And if not, they will do what their constitutional oaths require them to do.”
Ivy Scott could be reached at [email protected]. Observe her on Twitter @itsivyscott.