Connecticut Senate Bill SB00607

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/15
• Refer: 1/23/15

Caption

An Act Prohibiting Certain Joint Campaigning By Candidates For Governor And Lieutenant Governor Under The Citizens' Election Program.

Impact

The enactment of SB00607 would directly affect how gubernatorial candidates in the state can approach their election campaigns. By delineating clear boundaries regarding joint campaigning before primary elections, the bill seeks to create a more level playing field for candidates. This change is expected to lead to a more distinct separation of campaign resources and strategies between candidates for the offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor, thereby promoting individual efforts and potentially reducing the financial advantages that could arise from combined campaigning activities.

Summary

SB00607 aims to amend chapter 157 of the general statutes to prohibit candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor from campaigning jointly prior to any primary elections for the purpose of calculating contribution amounts that qualify them for grants under the Citizens' Election Program. The bill's intent is to enhance the integrity of the election process by ensuring that candidates cannot pool resources or combine efforts in a way that might skew the competitive landscape to their advantage before primaries. This legislative change is proposed as a response to concerns over the fairness of how candidates are funded and the potential influence such unification could have on election outcomes.

Contention

While proponents of SB00607 argue that preventing joint campaigning will uphold the principles of fair competition in elections, opponents may raise concerns about the limitations it places on candidates in their preliminary fundraising efforts. Some may argue that this bill could hinder collaborative efforts that might foster broader political alliances or enhance voter engagement through unified campaign strategies. Therefore, discussions surrounding the bill might center around the balance between maintaining electoral integrity and allowing candidates sufficient flexibility to compete effectively in the election process.