Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Jr.

ROBERTS URGES ELEC TO ALLOW CLEAN CANDIDATES TO ACCEPT LOWER SPENDING THRESHOLDS

Speaker Says Program Should Protect Public Against Potential 'Sticker Shock'

(TRENTON) - Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts Jr. today said the state Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) should allow candidates participating in the state's Clean Elections pilot program to voluntarily accept lesser amounts of public financing than were approved by the commission this morning.

The new Clean Elections law requires one of the state's five so-called "split" districts - a legislative district with mixed party representation - to be selected to participate in the pilot program this year. Under guidelines ELEC approved earlier today, clean candidates in these competitive districts would be eligible for public campaign financing of roughly three to five times the amount allotted for non-split districts. Roberts said allowing candidates to agree to lower amounts could save taxpayer money while ensuring that candidates are left with enough funds to run credible campaigns.

"The last thing the public needs is to experience Clean Elections sticker shock," said Roberts (D-Camden). "I am happy ELEC today expressed willingness to allow clean candidates to voluntarily agree to lower spending thresholds. The point of Clean Elections is to wean candidates off big money and allow them to run real grassroots races. Candidates should not be forced to wage high-priced campaigns with public money simply because funds are available."

Roberts said he expects ELEC officials to be supportive of his request at their next meeting.

Governor Corzine signed the Clean Elections bill into law Wednesday. ELEC met this morning to begin finalizing the rules candidates will follow and to establish a Web site for prospective candidates.

"ELEC showed this morning that it is committed to making Clean Elections work," said Roberts. "Now that the law has been reauthorized, we have an obligation to work to make this year's program a successful model for our state's future and the future of public financing nationally."

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