Sports businessman and friend of Robert Kraft, Michael Rubin, donates $1 million to super PAC backing Josh Kraft
Rubin, who lives in Conshohocken, Penn., has close ties with Kraft's father Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of the New England Patriots, according to media reports and posts on Rubin's social media profiles. In photos shared on his public Instagram account in recent years, Rubin
Rubin is also the co-chair and co-founder of the criminal justice advocacy group
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Rubin's donation is not the first time Robert Kraft's associates have supported his son's political ambitions. The chairman and several top attorneys of the
Josh Kraft was largely expected to receive support from a broad network of wealthy donors in his bid to challenge Wu, given the nonprofit leader's own relationships and his father's connections.
Individuals can only donate up to $1,000 to a political candidate in a calendar year, according to state law. But those restrictions do not apply to super PACs, which can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money, but are prohibited from coordinating with a campaign.
A spokesperson for the 'Your City, Your Future' super PAC emphasized that its contributions and spending are publicly available on its state campaign finance page.
'Your City, Your Future is proud to support Josh Kraft and his vision for an affordable, livable, and safe Boston for all,' a spokesperson for the super PAC said
in a statement. 'That is why people across Boston, Massachusetts, and even the country are supporting Your City, Your Future's efforts.'
A spokesperson for Kraft's campaign declined to comment on Rubin's donation, but criticized Wu's leadership of the city.
'Josh is 100 percent focused on his campaign and holding Mayor Wu accountable for her mismanagement of city government and failed policies that are driving up the cost of housing among other things,' said Kraft campaign spokesperson Eileen O'Connor in a statement.
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Wu's team opted to take aim at Kraft's privileged background, a dig Wu has frequently reiterated in recent weeks.
'Not surprised that Robert Kraft is working his billionaire friends to buy his son a job, but Boston is not for sale,' said Wu campaign spokesperson Julia Leja in a statement.
Fanatics did not immediately return a request for comment.
Kraft has raised nearly $880,000 since launching his campaign in February, and had just over $150,000 in cash on hand at the end of April, according to his latest campaign finance report. Wu ended the same period with about $2.2 million in cash on hand.
Niki Griswold can be reached at
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