TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Ellen Karcher that would regulate campaign contributions made to state committees, political action committees, and state and county political organizations was approved today by the Assembly State Government Committee.
“Establishing a set of guidelines to regulate campaign and political contributions will help to maintain honesty and integrity within the state’s political system,” said Senator Karcher, D-Mercer and Monmouth. “As elected officials, we represent the interests of the citizens in New Jersey, and they should feel confident that we are working to progress measures that represent their needs and interests.”
Senator Karcher’s measure, S-27, which she co-sponsored with Senator and Acting Governor Richard J. Codey, would freeze contribution limits at current levels, and end the automatic four-year adjustments that the Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) is statutorily required to make.
ELEC would be required to report to the legislature every four years on contribution limit recommendations. From the information provided by ELEC, the legislature could then opt to implement their suggestions.
Currently, ELEC is required to automatically adjust the campaign finance contribution limits for candidates running for office by December 1 of the year preceding a gubernatorial election. The adjustments are made using a formula that measures the cost increase of campaigning from year to year.
“The bottom line is, we need to ensure the highest integrity in Trenton and that begins at looking where money is coming from. This bill is a step in the right direction toward upholding ethical standards in New Jersey politics,” said Senator Karcher.
This measure now awaits consideration by the full Assembly.