Conn. Lawmakers Pass Campaign Finance Laws

[Judi Lynn]

Conn. Lawmakers Pass Campaign Finance Laws
By SUSAN HAIGH, Associated Press Writer
Last update: December 1, 2005 at 2:11 AM

Water currents study hints at big chill
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut lawmakers approved some of the most sweeping changes in campaign finance laws in the nation Thursday, creating a new publicly funded election system and restrictions on campaign contributions.

Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell has pledged to sign the legislation.

"The bill before us ... does things that no other state in this union has done. It will give us the cleanest, most comprehensive system,'' said Democratic Sen. Donald DeFronzo, co-chairman of the Government Administration and Elections Committee.
(snip)

The bill, which takes effect on Dec. 31, 2006, allots about $17 million each year in public funds for political campaigns. To reduce the influence of special interests, it bans political contributions from lobbyists and state contractors. It would apply to all statewide races, including the Legislature.
(snip/...)

http://www.startribune.com/stories/484/5756915.html
(Faree registration required)

[wasp in a wig]

1. wonderful news

I hope this spreads to the other 49.

[UpInArms]

2. (CT) State votes on (state) election financing (banning lobbyists)

http://www.yaledailynews.com/article.asp?AID=31060

Connecticut took a step towards establishing a system of publicly funded elections Wednesday as the state House and Senate voted on a bill that would outlaw campaign donations from lobbyists and state contractors, replacing that money with grants from the state.

With the bill having passed the Senate, Connecticut will be the first state in the country whose legislature voted to establish a system of publicly funded elections if the House approves the bill.

The bill, which the Yale College Democrats and Students for Clean Elections had lobbied for in Hartford, was approved in the state Senate with a 27-8 vote after an eight-hour debate. The House began debate at 9 p.m., and had not voted on the bill by midnight.

"The bill will be the most significant reform in the entire country," Connecticut Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney, a Democrat, said.

...more...

[Toots]

3. This is wonderful news, remember there is no such thing as a federal elect

All elections are basically local. States elect Senators and Representatives and even Presidents. No Senator from Conn can accept money from anyone other than public funds from their state. Every other state should adopt this same standard....

[ShockediSay]

4. AND WE are the Reform Party

http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-campfin-update-1201,0,6264052.story?coll=hc-big-headlines-breaking

Among the Senate's 24 Democrats, only Joan Hartley of Waterbury voted against the bill. The Democratic majority was joined in passing the bill by four Republicans....

Only four House Republicans voted for the measure, despite Rell's* support
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Rell, formerly the Republican Lt Governor, replaced the now jailed-for-corruption former Republican Governor Rowland. To her credit, Rell pushed hard for this, even (I think) calling the legislature back into special session for this legislation.