Campaign Finance Reform and New Jersey's Clean Elections

The McCain-Feingold bill has banned soft money -- unlimited contributions made to a particular political party. But what if we took that one step further and only allowed small chunks of money, mostly from individuals, to be donated to a campaign? Well that's exactly what New Jersey aims to do with their 2007 Fair and Clean Elections Pilot Project.

The Project was approved in 2004 for two New Jersey districts to allow public funding for Assembly candidates who have raised 1,000 $5 contributions and 500 $30 contributions from district voters. With adequate community support, those running for office also qualify for funds from the NJ Election Law Enforcement Commission.

This is a great way to get big money special-interests out of the political process. It allows those seeking office to run without the help of wealthy individuals and corporations. The process also places more importance on volunteers and grassroots politicking.

"This is a public investment in cleaning up the culture of corruption," said New Jersey Assemblyman Bill Baroni (R-Mercer). Bill Baroni is a member of the New Jersey Citizens' Clean Elections Commission and is willing to run under the Clean Election rules in 2007. Baroni believes the program pays for itself by inducting candidates who won’t reimburse their donors with costly public favors.

-Dippold

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