CPA Leaders  i n  a c t i o n

Representative Builds Coalitions for Campaign Finance Reform in Connecticut

In the 2000 session, the Connecticut General Assembly passed a comprehensive public campaign financing program for statewide constitutional offices and a limited public financing program for General Assembly races. However, this legislation (HB 5102) was subsequently vetoed by Governor John Rowland. Representative Andrew Fleischmann (Flemming Fellow 2000) was an initial drafter of the bill and a key leader in pursuing public financing for Connecticut. Fleischmann worked with the Democracy 2000 Campaign to galvanize abroad-based coalition of more than 50 organizations to gain passage of the bill through the General Assembly. The landmark legislation would have cut the skyrocketing cost of campaigns and leveled the playing field for political challengers by setting up a Citizens’ Election Fund for statewide candidates who agree to cease private fundraising and abide by voluntary spending limits. Although the bill was vetoed, the coalition is continuing to build support for future legislation. Fleischmann declared that HB 5102 was, "the most significant campaign-finance legislation passed this decade" in Connecticut, adding, "We will absolutely continue to fight for campaign finance reform by continuing to broaden our coalition to include more business leaders and Republicans. Despite the setback, all the members of the coalition are rightfully proud of how far we have taken this issue. We will continue our commitment to fair elections in Connecticut."