Fundraising and spending by legislative candidates has declined 8 percent from four years ago, according to an analysis released yesterday by the state Election Law Enforcement Commission
Jeffrey Brindle, executive director of the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission is seen in the background as state comptroller Matthew Boxer speaks.TRENTON — Fundraising and spending by legislative candidates has declined 8 percent from four years ago, according to an analysis released Thursday by the state Election Law Enforcement Commission.
What hasn’t changed, however, is that a large portion of the funds are being raised and spent in just a few legislative districts that could by won by either Democrats or Republicans.
In total, legislative candidates have raised $36.4 million and they have spent $24.8 million.
"Many factors have led to a decline in legislative fundraising in recent years. These include tight restrictions on contributions from state contractors, the recession, an end to the Clean Elections Pilot program funding for legislative races, the exit from the political scene of two wealthy candidates who contributed generously to legislative elections, and the recent growth of independent nonprofit political groups organized under IRS rules,’’ said Election Law Enforcement Commission Executive Director Jeffrey Brindle.
Brindle said that the fact that there are only a few competitive races this year may have contributed to the decline.
Sixty-percent of those funds have been raised in just 10 of the state’s 40 districts. And the state’s two most competitive districts alone account for 20 percent.
Atlantic County’s 2nd Legislative District, where state Sen. Jim Whelan (D-Atlantic) is fighting for re-election against Assemblyman Vince Polistina (R-Atlantic), hosts the costliest race.
Candidates for state Senate and Assembly there have raised $3.8 million and spend $3.2 million. Bergen County-dominated District 38 is a close second, with candidates raising $3.4 million and spending $3 million.