Suozzi Proposes Sweeping Campaign Finance Reform
Suozzi Proposes Sweeping Campaign Finance Reform
While Spitzer again lacks specifics, Suozzi introduces a real plan.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Suozzi today announced his plan to replace New York State's campaign finance system, which the Brennan Center has deemed "a farce," with America's cleanest and most rigorous system.
"Most New Yorkers do not have a voice in Albany," Suozzi said. "The only way to make sure that the real issues our people struggle with are resolved is to limit the influence of the special interests that have created the most dysfunctional legislature in America. If we are to cut spending, lower taxes, fix our schools and improve our economy, we must first restore transparency and accountability in our government."
"The current system favors candidates with private fortunes or those who take special interest contributions. My reforms will restore power to the people, and integrity to Albany," said Suozzi.
While Eliot Spitzer has endorsed a voluntary campaign finance proposal, he has offered no real agenda for comprehensive campaign finance reform, and has accepted millions of dollars in campaign contributions from lobbyists, trial lawyers and the various special interests that have given New Yorkers the highest local taxes in America.
"Stricter contribution limits are only part of the solution," Suozzi continued. "We also need greater disclosure from candidates and their contributors, more effective enforcement and oversight from government and greater accountability and limits on what campaign dollars are spent for."
"Our lax and loophole-ridden campaign finance system is a major reason why Albany is the most dysfunctional, broken and special-interest-laden government in the nation," said Suozzi. "My plan will change this failed system by taking power away from the lobbyists, insiders and back-room dealers and returning it to the people."
Click Here to view Tom's latest mailing on reform!
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The Suozzi Plan for Campaign Finance Reform
Suozzi's system, modeled in part on the New York City and federal systems, and on policies proposed by the Brennan Center, NYPIRG, Common Cause and other reform groups, would:
Establish New (Lower) Campaign Finance Limits
* Limit contributions to $2,100 for candidates in primaries or general elections for all offices
# Provide 4:1 matching funds for the first $250 of in-state contributions for candidates who agree to spending limits ($15 million for Governor, $5 million for any other statewide race, $275,000 for the State Senate and $150,000 for the State Assembly)
# Limit contributions to non-candidate committees and political parties to $5000 for individuals and ban corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and unions from all such donations
# Ban all contributions from corporations, partnerships, LLCs and unions to candidates, political parties, and PACs
# Ban all gifts from registered lobbyists, including money "bundled" from other parties
# Limit contributions to $500 from lobbyists and anyone with a 5% or higher ownership stake in any entity with a contract or bidding pending with the state or a public authority
Encourage Greater Public Integrity
* Ban all fundraising for all candidates for all races during the legislative session
# Prohibit "rolling over" funds from previous election cycles. Residual campaign funds would be returned to donors pro rata, donated to charity or revert to the general fund
# Limit candidates to only one active political committee at a time
# Ban public officials or candidates from accepting honoraria
Strengthen Disclosure and Enforcement Regimes
* Overhaul and depoliticize the board of elections and create an internal campaign finance unit with the resources and authority necessary for rigorous enforcement of the new campaign finance reforms
# Require easily accessible and searchable disclosures of all contributions, and require contributors to disclose the names of their employers and any intermediaries
# Impose stiff new penalties and stricter standards for fundraising violations
# Augment the "knowing" and "willful" requirements for prosecution under state election law to include "negligent"
# Enforce disclosure requirements for PACs
I can do it, because I've done it
http://tomsuozzi.com/announcements/pr-061506/