Assemblyman Steve Corodemus and Assemblywoman Amy Handlin today announced they will be introducing legislation next Monday that will create a new clean elections program that will address many of the problems identified in last year’s failed program.

            “It is clear that the 2005 clean elections program did not work the way its supporters had intended,” said Corodemus, R-Monmouth. “Amy and I are committed to the concept of clean elections and our bill will revise the program in a way we believe makes it more likely to achieve success.”

            The legislation would make changes to last year’s clean elections program based on the concerns that were raised by candidates who attempted to participate in the program. In Handlin’s legislative district – one of two districts where the program was run on a trial basis – neither the Republican or the Democrat candidates were able to qualify.

            “Many of us were excited about the potential of the clean elections program to get big money out of politics and to return power to the voters,” said Handlin, R-Monmouth and Middlesex. “Unfortunately, the original pilot program collapsed because of a multitude of procedural flaws. The changes we have made to the program will make it easier for candidates to qualify and will ensure a level playing field for those candidates who do participate.”

            Among the key provisions of the Corodemus-Handlin bill would be:

·        Candidates who collect between 210 and 419 contributions of $5 each will qualify for half of the money available to candidates in the Clean Elections program and candidates who collect 420 or more contributions of $5 each will receive the full $100,000 allotment;

·        The $100,000 spending limit will remain in place;

·        Contributions can be made online in the form of e-check, debit cards, or credit card payments;

·        Candidates will have until September 15 to collect contributions;

·        Candidates can receive contributions from any registered voter in the state;

·        Each candidate is allowed to raise up to $6,000 in seed money;

·        Candidates can hold small events (barbecues, house parties) to collect contributions;

·        Candidates who do not qualify can keep the seed money, and all contributions will be returned to the contributor;

·        Any candidate wishing to participate must file a “Code of Fair Campaign Practices” pledge with ELEC;

·        Candidates may announce in the primary that they would like to run as clean elections candidates;

·        Four districts will be selected to participate in the 2007 elections including Senate races;

·        After the conclusion of the program the bill recommends a statewide referendum to allow voters to decide whether the program should be expanded statewide. 

            Corodemus and Handlin said that they will file the bill for introduction Monday and hope to have the support of the Democrat majority in a bipartisan effort to improve the clean elections program.