GREENSTEIN: PICK 14th DISTRICT
FOR CLEAN ELECTIONS
Assemblywoman Endorses Selection of Central Jersey District
For 2007 Public Financing Pilot Program

(TRENTON) - Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein has endorsed the decision by the Assembly Speaker and Senate President to designate the 14th Legislative District as the highly competitive "split" district to participate in the state's 2007 Clean Elections pilot program.

In a letter sent last night to Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Jr., Greenstein said the opportunity to participate in the public financing initiative would be "especially exciting."

The Assemblywoman - a staunch supporter of Clean Elections and sponsor of the legislation reauthorizing the program (A-100) - noted that in the past three legislative election cycles, the average per candidate campaign cost in the 14th District has ballooned to $534,366.98.  That figure is nearly $90,000 more than any other district in the state.

"The goal of Clean Elections is to give voters confidence that the money being spent to disseminate a clear message and earn their vote is free of the conflict caused by special interest contributions," wrote Greenstein (D-Middlesex/Mercer).  "I can think of no better place to start than in the district that has absorbed more campaign cash this decade than any other."

Greenstein further noted that the district's political make-up, strong record of voter turnout, and history of representation by both Democrats and Republicans make it "the perfect testing ground" for Clean Elections.

To be deemed "Clean Candidates" and qualify for public campaign financing, legislative candidates will be required to garner of minimum of 400 $10 contributions.  Candidates would qualify for maximum financing once they receive 800 qualifying contributions.

-- A copy of Greenstein's letter to Speaker Roberts is attached. --

April 10, 2007

The Honorable Joseph J. Roberts, Jr.
Speaker of the General Assembly
State House
Trenton, NJ 08625

Dear Mr. Speaker:

It is my understanding that you and Senate President Codey have recommended that the 14th Legislative District be chosen as the "split" district for the 2007 Clean Elections Pilot Program.  On behalf of myself and my legislative running mates - Seema Singh and Wayne DeAngelo - I would like to formally support your decision and urge the ultimate selection of the district.

As you are well aware, I have spent considerable time and effort promoting publicly financed campaigns as a means of removing the power that private contributions hold over candidates.  Since teaming with you in 2004 to sponsor the legislation that created New Jersey's inaugural Clean Elections program, I served as a member of the New Jersey Citizens' Clean Elections Commission and was gratified to be given the opportunity to serve on the bipartisan Assembly Clean Elections Working Group.  As a result, I had the unique ability to play a direct role in crafting recently signed legislation reauthorizing the program for this year and instituting reforms necessary to enhance its chances for success.

Now, the opportunity to participate as a candidate in the Clean Elections program this year is especially exciting.  After having spoken with Ms. Singh and Mr. DeAngelo, I know they share my enthusiasm.

The 14th District is particularly well-suited for the 2007 project.  Over the past three legislative election cycles, the district has had the highest average per candidate cost for campaigns: $534,366.98 - nearly $90,000 more than any other district in the state.  Obviously, this amount is reflective of the fact that so many 14th District races in the past been highly competitive. The goal of Clean Elections is to give voters confidence that the money being spent to disseminate a clear message and earn their vote is free of the conflict caused by special interest contributions. I can think of no better place to start than in the district that has attracted more campaign contributions this decade than any other.

The district also has a long history of mixed-party representation.  Since 2000, the district has been represented simultaneously by both Democratic and Republican members.  Similarly, the district's representation at the federal level is split between Reps. Rush Holt (D) and Chris Smith (R). As such, the district has gained a reputation as one of the most competitive in the state.

The competitiveness in recent elections is spelled out through some of the highest turnout rates.  In the 2001 legislative cycle, the 14th District boasted the seventh-highest turnout percentage (52.4 percent); while that percentage dropped to 43 percent in 2003, that year the district still saw the second-highest turnout in New Jersey.

Finally, the district is among the more ethnically and demographically diverse in the state, highlighted by some of the fastest growing numbers of Asian-Americans and senior citizens.  With an average personal income per taxpayer of $31,815 - the 14th highest among the 40 legislative districts - the many low to moderate income residents within our district would be more likely to contribute to a political candidate and enjoy an equal voice in the electoral process.

Given the 14th Legislative District's diverse make-up, strong record of voter turnout, and history of ultra-expensive campaigns, I believe it is the perfect testing ground for the 2007 Clean Elections program.  I respectfully request that the district be chosen to participate.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. 

Sincerely,

Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein