House Democrats Roll Out Reform Package

By Adam Gorlick

Associated Press

HARTFORD – House Democrats are proposing a publicly funded campaign finance system that would create a “citizens election fund” filled with volunteer donations made through a check-off on the state income tax return.

The House majority leaders also made their pitch Monday for scrapping the sheriffs system and retooling the state treasurer’s office.

Under the campaign reform plan, single filers would be able to earmark $5 in tax money for the fund, and joint filers could contribute $10.

Campaign money would also come from limited fund raising, corporate check-offs and state and town political committees.

Under the House Democrats’ plan, candidates for governor could spend up to $3.95 million for an election, and people running for constitutional offices such as attorney general or treasurer could spend as much as $523,000. Legislative races would not be publicly financed.

Rep. Alex Knopp, D-Norwalk, said that breaks down to about $1.75 from every voter.

“For $1.75 per voter, we would be able to elect a governor in the state without a single dollar of PAC money, without a single dollar of lobbyist money ... and without a single dollar of any other kind of special interest funds,” Knopp said. “We think the public will agree that the small sum of $1.75 per voter is a worthy price.”

Senate Democrats are also calling for publicly financed campaigns.

But House Republican leader Robert Ward, R-Northfield, said publicly funded campaigns are not a good idea.

“They’re making an assumption that that everyone will check off,” he said. “I’m not planning to, so their numbers are already off. I’m not giving everyone money so they can campaign. I’ll give money to candidates I believe in.”

Gov. John G. Rowland has not taken a position on the issue.

“He thinks everything should be on the table and open for discussion,” Rowland spokesman Dean Pagani said.

Democratic and Republican lawmakers also disagree on how to reform the state treasurer’s office in the wake of the Paul Silvester scandal.

The former treasurer pleaded guilty to money laundering and embezzlement charges. Among other things, he admitted taking kickbacks from “finder’s fees” paid by corporations to individuals who helped set up investment deals with the state.

Both sides of the aisle want to do away with the informal fees and close loopholes that may allow treasurers to benefit from pension investments.

Republicans want an oversight board to control pension investments. But Democrats and current Treasurer Denise Nappier oppose that.

Legislative leaders are close to agreeing how to scrap the sheriffs system. Both Democrats and Republicans want a constitutional amendment abolishing the office of high sheriff. They also agree that the state’s Judicial Branch should oversee the work done by the special deputies who guard courthouses.

Democrats say the special deputies who transport prisoners should also be under the purview of the Judicial Branch, while Republicans want that job controlled by the Department of Correction.

“Everyone agrees something needs to be done soon,” said Rep. Michael Lawlor, D-East Haven.