Malloy, Lembo, Herbst Among Qualifiers For Public Financing, Boughton Bows Out Of Governor’s Race

On the day Republican Mark Boughton dropped out of the race for governor because he did not have the financial firepower to qualify for public financing, the State Elections Enforcement Commission announced its latest round of public grants under the Citizens Election Program. News release from State Elections Enforcement Commission:

The Commission determined that state representative candidates Sam Belsito (R – 53rd District), Christie Carpino (R – 32nd District), Dan Fox (D – 148th District), Andy Garfunkel (D – 142nd District), Rick Lopes (D – 24th District), and James Maroney (D – 119th District) were eligible to receive Program grants. The Commission also determined that Lieutenant Governor candidate Penny Bacchiochi (R), State Treasurer candidate Timothy Herbst (R), State Comptroller candidate Kevin Lembo (D), Governor and Lieutenant Governor candidates Dannel Malloy (D) and Nancy Wyman (D), and state senate candidate Marilyn Moore (D – 22nd District) were eligible to receive grants.

The Citizens’ Election Program is a voluntary program which allows qualifying candidates for General Assembly and statewide offices to receive full public financing. To qualify for public campaign financing, candidates must demonstrate they have adequate support from the public. Candidates for state representative accomplish this by raising $5,000 from at least 150 individuals residing in municipalities in their district. Candidates for state senate accomplish this by raising $15,000 from at least 300 individuals residing in municipalities in their district. Candidates for Governor accomplish this by raising $250,000 of which $225,000 must be from individuals residing in the state. Candidates for Lieutenant Governor, State Comptroller, and State Treasurer accomplish this by raising $75,000 of which $67,500 must be from individuals residing in the state. Participating candidates may only accept small dollar contributions from certain individuals–the maximum contribution is $100–and no contributions from state contractors or PACs.