The city of New Haven’s public financing system has netted Mayor John DeStefano $27,000 or so in public funds, according to the New Haven Independent. New Haven’s system is seen as a trial run for next year’s statewide public financing of campaigns. Here’s how it works:
To qualify for public funds, a candidate needs contributions of at least $25 from 200 supporters, who must be New Haven voters, not out-of-town lobbyists. Reaching that benchmark grants the campaign a $15,000 lump sum. In addition, the first $25 of each qualifying contribution gets matched by $50. The campaign can accept money from non-New Haveners, but it won’t qualify for matching funds.DeStefano was due to receive a check of $26,850 Friday– that’s the $15,000 grant plus $11,850 in public matching funds, which represents $50 for each New Haven registered voter contributing $25 or more to the DeStefano campaign, according to Robert Wechsler, administrator of the Democracy Fund. (Bailey)
So far, none of DeStefano’s bumbling rivals have managed to qualify for public money. But I have to wonder–what would the effect of such a system be in places where the mayor’s seat is actually contested, like Bridgeport, Waterbury and possibly even Hartford?
What I like best about this system is that there is no mention of party. The rules are the same for everyone–even Green Party candidate Ralph Ferrucci–although it appears that candidates who are in a primary will get to double-dip, so to speak. I also like the fact that money from outside New Haven wouldn’t qualify for matching funds. That makes me think of all the money Eddie Perez is raising from non-Hartford (and even non-Connecticut) sources.
It’s a fascinating exercise in democracy, and I hope it’s a success. Kudos to John DeStefano for pioneering it in his city.
Source
Bailey, Melissa. “DeStefano Team Gets Public $27K.” New Haven Independent 27 July, 2007.
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The public pays to get the politicians their jobs and it pays to feed them and educate them too
So far, 68 legislators and staff members have signed up for the National Conference of State Legislatures’ annual meeting, which starts August 5 in Boston. In addition, 41 legislators and staff will attend the Council of State Governments’ eastern regional conference August 12 to 15 at the Hilton Hotel in Quebec City, Canada.
The Quebec event kicks off with a St. Lawrence River cruise aboard the massive Louis Jolliet ship, which can carry 1,000 passengers and offers spectacular views of Quebec City and full bar service. The Boston conference begins with a reception at Fenway Park and ends with an evening with the Boston Pops.
http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-ctconferences0727.artjul27,0,1824948.story
I am so happy that our Mayor in New Haven is no longer reliant on big money donors! Can’t wait for the public financing of State campaigns to kick in….
I find it amazing that the City of New Haven knows exactly how much it costs to run for mayor!
O/T for want of an open thread:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yYzEbvoL08
I just wanted to share this powerful and moving clip of Mary Tillman’s testimony before Congress. Pat Tillman was a true American hero, and his mother is an incredible woman.
“It may not be pretty, it may not be like out of a John Wayne movie. But that’s not what war is all about. It’s ugly, it’s bloody, it’s painful, and to write these glorious tales is really a disservice to the nation. And the nation needs to realize this is an ugly war, everyone should be part of it, everyone should understand what’s going on. And we shouldn’t be allowed to have smoke-screens thrown in our face.”
[quote comment="16507"]I am so happy that our Mayor in New Haven is no longer reliant on big money donors! Can’t wait for the public financing of State campaigns to kick in….[/quote]
I can’t wait for that, either. I’m hoping for a slew of primaries.
What’s the effect you say?
It’s an Incumbent Protection Scam of course.
I think Public Financing is DIRTY MONEY.
It’s just plain UN-American to take my money out of my paycheck before I ever see it and give it to people I really would hate to see elected or re-elected.
Liberals and RINO Republicans keep finding new and different ways to steal my money and throw it down new rat holes.
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