Good Government

Tom Foley Seeking Court Injunction To Block Lt. Gov. Mike Fedele From Receiving Over $2 Million In Public Money

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Hartford Courant - July 9, 2010

In a high-stakes, big-money battle, Republican gubernatorial front runner Tom Foley filed court papers Friday to block the payment of more than $2 million in public money to the campaign of Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele and his running mate, Mark Boughton.

A judge did not grant an injunction in the case, and a hearing has been set for 2 p.m. Monday in civil court on Washington Street in Hartford.

The court filing prompted an angry response from the Fedele campaign, saying that Foley was trying to change the subject because he has been in the news lately for two arrests years ago.

"I think Mr. Foley's action today is baseless. It's a political ploy,'' Fedele spokesman Christopher Cooper told Capitol Watch. "He's looking to change the subject. If he can't win by campaigning, he'll try to win by suing. ... It's an instance in which Tom Foley shows he thinks he's above the law. It's nothing more than a delay tactic and a political tactic.''

State To Appeal Campaign Finance Law Ruling

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State To Appeal Campaign Finance Law Ruling

By EDMUND H. MAHONY | The Hartford Courant | 5:22 PM EDT, August 28, 2009

Connecticut elections officials reacted with sharp criticism and promised an all-out legal fight Friday after a federal judge threw out the state's landmark campaign finance law, saying it puts minor-party office seekers at an unconstitutional disadvantage when they challenge traditionally better-financed major-party candidates.

Rell, Blumenthal to appeal Campaign Finance Ruling

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Federal Judge Strikes Down Connecticut Campaign Finance Law

By JOHN CHRISTOFFERSEN
Associated Press Writer

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) _ A federal judge says Connecticut's public campaign finance law, seen by some as a possible national model, is unconstitutional because it discriminates against minor party political candidates.

Judge Stefan Underhill ruled late Thursday that a part of the law that provides a voluntary public financing scheme for candidates for statewide offices and state lawmakers puts an unconstitutional burden on minor party candidates' First Amendment right to political opportunity.

He says the program, known as the Citizens Election Program, enhances major party candidates' strength beyond their past ability to raise contributions.

The Green and Libertarian parties and others sued the state, arguing the law makes it difficult for minor party candidates to meet the criteria for getting public funds for their campaigns.

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said the state will appeal the ruling to the 2nd Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals and will seek a stay of the ruling so that the program can continue operating.

Congressman Larson Introduces Fair Elections Now Act

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The Fair Elections Now Act, introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman John Larson, aims to reform campaign financing for elections at the federal level.

A letter from Congressman Larson and three of his colleagues in the House describes the significance of the bill:

"There is no question that public confidence in Congress is being eroded by the perception that big contributions from Washington insiders have come to dominate our campaigns.

[...]

"...we must look for ways, together, to restore public trust. That is why we have come together in a bi-partisan manner to introduce HR 1826, the Fair Elections Now Act (FENA), to provide voluntary public financing for Congressional campaigns.

[...]

"The Fair Elections model is similar to the system already in place in Connecticut...it is voluntary and is designed to leverage small donor contributions by providing a 4 to 1 federal match of contributions below $100 from residents of a candidates's state.

Connecticut's public financing program -- The Citizens' Election Program -- enables our representatives in state government to spend more time listening to constituents and less time raising money. It also opens the door of possibility for concerned citizens to run for state office if they meet the fundraising threshold.

Public financing of elections is working for state government in Connecticut, and it looks as though Congressman Larson's Fair Elections Now Act could work as well at the federal level.

Click these links to learn more about HR 1826, Fair Elections Now Act (FENA), and about the Citizens' Election Program.

2009 CCAG Legislative Agenda

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The legislative agenda is the master plan for this session’s lobbying, research and issue communications with members focusing on five main areas of public interest.



Jump to:

NextNewDeal.org

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As our finance industry continues its descent and the economic crisis deepens, Americans are feeling the pain. Working families face the loss of jobs, homes, and health care. Students are finding it harder to pay for college and college graduates are struggling to find jobs. Our military is stretched thin and our planet is in peril. But there are no quick fixes to the challenges that confront our country. Tough times call for robust solutions.

They call for a Next New Deal.

USAction/TrueMajority.org have laid out a bold new plan to rebuild our economy. The Next New Deal:

  • Stabilizes our financial institutions
  • Guarantees quality, affordable health care for everyone
  • Grants all children access to high quality education from early childhood through college
  • Develops a clean energy economy and independence from fossil fuels and oil.
  • Strengthens our nation's infrastructure
  • Tackles poverty

    Visit NextNewDeal.org, read the plan or download the entire plan in pdf format.

    • Feedback sought on Conn. campaign finance program

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    Forbes - November 19, 2008

    Karen Houghtaling, a Waterbury waitress and receptionist, fell 74 votes shy this summer of defeating a veteran state representative in the Democratic primary.

    Her supporters said Wednesday the political newcomer wouldn't have been able to wage such a tough fight against Rep. John "Corky" Mazurek if not for Connecticut's new, voluntary public financing system.

    "Here's a person who was interested in running in her democracy. She had the chance to run," said Rep. Christopher Caruso, D-Bridgeport, co-chairman of the legislature's elections committee. "Under the old system of ad books and money from lobbyists and special interests, she wouldn't have had the money to do it."

    The state's Elections Enforcement Commission held the first of two hearings Wednesday to gather comment on the initiative, known as the Citizens Election Program. A second hearing is scheduled for Dec. 5.

    For the most part, both successful and unsuccessful candidates, and their campaign managers, had high praise for the system - considered the most far-reaching state public financing system in the country.

    Cleaning Up Connecticut

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    New York Times Editorial - August 6, 2008

    This election season, Connecticut may finally erase the taint of political corruption it acquired after scandals sent two mayors, a former governor and a state senator to prison. Public disgust led to a law establishing a voluntary public campaign financing system for state officeholders. This is the first full year of the new system, and participation is excellent: only 10 of 225 candidates have indicated that they will not use taxpayer money.

    The rest of the country will be watching to see how well the system works. Though not perfect, it’s a great improvement over the status quo. Public financing has invigorated democracy in New York City and states like Arizona and Maine.

    In Connecticut, candidates must first obtain a minimum number of $5 donations in private money from district voters before qualifying for public money. They must also agree to limit spending, and they may not accept donations from state contractors or lobbyists. To keep the playing field level, larger grants are available to candidates whose opponents refuse public financing.

    2008 Legislative Roundup

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    The 2008 Legislative Session is officially behind us, and so it is time to publish our annual Legislative Roundup. The four page report covers the progress made in the Connecticut General Assembly on legislation related to our key issues of Health Care, Democracy, the Environment, and Economic Justice.

    You can download the full report here (144 kb .pdf), or continue reading for a brief summary of the items.

    Health Care
    A major victory on health care is still forthcoming, but progress was made and groundwork was laid to that end. The Healthcare Partnership Bill (HB 5536), which would have opened up the state employee health insurance pool to municipalities, non-profits, and small businesses passed by significant majorities in both the House and Senate but was vetoed by Governor Rell on advice of insurance industry lobbyists. In other health care news, a "Commission on Health Equity" was established to address racial and ethnic disparities in the health care system.

    Citizens' Election Program Launched

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    Tuesday was the official launch of a system to publicly finance elections in Connecticut called the "Citizens' Election Program" which was passed in 2005 and was first utilized in special elections held last year. Connecticut Citizen Action Group, Common Cause, and the League of Women Voters were among the organizations thanked for their efforts in pushing for this landmark campaign finance reform.

    Click on "Read More" to continue reading this article

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