ELEC's Opinion

"to study the problems with the project"

Funny. The problems were evident two years ago, and played out exactly as predicted:

The bar was set far too high for legitimate candidates to qualify ;

Third party candidates get screwed because even if they do manage to qualify they only get half the money as the Dems and GOP;

Nothing in the bill prevents special interests or well-funded county parties from spending big bucks under the guise of "Get Out The Vote" efforts;

There were no restrictions on county and other government employees from donating, giving incumbents a huge advantage (especially in Camden County where patronage runs rampant and the Palmyra Tapes reveal a pattern of intimidation and revenge);

Here is the funny part: Watch and see which current incumbent calls the program a "success."

"to study the problems with the project." Sounds like more money down the drain to me.

Here's an idea: since the program was sold to the public as being modeled on the system in Maine, how about actually modeling it on the system in Maine, or would that be too honest for New Jersey politicians?

Unfortunately, everyone seems to want to put Bill and I on the defense, even this otherwise innocuous comment on this website. Troubles? What troubles? We have all donor information on the receipts. The use of the word "troubles" seems to indicate that there has been some malfeasance. I can assure you there has been none. In addition, our opinion all along has been that the statute did not require the contributions to be deposited with the state unless the candidate(s) were "certified." That means they achieved the goal and wanted to participate.

With regard to the important issue, everyone knows the program threshold was next to impossible for anyone that had anything else to do but raise these checks. As an aside, I really have to applaud the Dems in the 6th for being successful, I honestly did not think it could be achieved. And, everyone who participated should be commended. We were all pioneers on a wagon with three wheels and no horse.

But rather than continue to be critical, what this website should be reporting is how Bill and I (and our opponents as well) have proposed changes that will not only revise the FACE program so that it establishes realistic goals, but also remains fair, even if each goal is not achieved (i.e.: tiered funding based upon the number of contributions, with a cap).

There are additional problems of course (i.e.: wheeling and third party spending) but the program deserves a fighting chance. That is why Bill and I have pledged to make the program work.