Mass. Gov.: No Quid Pro Quo In Kraft Donations

GLEN JOHNSON

BOSTON (AP) — The governor of Massachusetts said Friday there is no connection between big donations to him and the Democratic Party from the family that owns the New England Patriots and the state's support for development across the road from Gillette Stadium.

Gov. Deval Patrick said Patriots owner Robert Kraft had asked him about using $9 million in federal stimulus money on a footbridge to an industrial site he owns across Route 1 from the stadium. Patrick said the state supports it because the infrastructure will spur development and job creation.

Patrick says he has not requested a donation in return.

"I have not had to ask him about a campaign contribution because he's been very supportive of us, which has been great," the Democratic governor said.

State records show Kraft and his wife, Myra, each gave the maximum $500 campaign contribution to Patrick and Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray last month. The Krafts each also gave the state Democratic Party the maximum $5,000 donation.

Last year, Robert Kraft gave similar donations to Patrick and the party as the state was designating his property a special growth district. The donations were Kraft's first to the governor and first in four years to the party.