Reform Jersey Now, run by Christie's top advisers, is openly soliciting donations saying they can avoid N.J. limits, according to fundraising solicitation
Gov. Chris Christie speaks during a town hall meeting in Robbinsville in June. TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie is appearing as the "special guest" at events with big-money political donors that skirt campaign finance limits the governor has advocated, according to a fundraising solicitation obtained by The Star-Ledger.
Reform Jersey Now, a group run by Christie’s top advisers, is soliciting donations that avoid state fundraising limits and is openly telling contributors they can circumvent rules designed to clean up state campaigns.
"Reform Jersey Now contributions are not affected by the pay-to-play statutes … or by applicable executive orders," says the solicitation, which sheds new light on Christie’s involvement with the group. Pay-to-play rules limit the amount of money that can be donated by those who get state contracts.
"Reform Jersey Now may lawfully accept donations from any source — corporate or individual — in unlimited amounts," according to the flier.
The June 30 mailer also boasts that contributions may come from union funds, even though Christie has tried to mandate that state limits apply to them equally.
The new group’s literature advertised two upcoming events with Christie billed as the "special guest." The first program was held last night at the Mercer County home of Republican lobbyist Roger Bodman. The second is set for Bernardsville next week. The invitation says the cost is $25,000 per person.
Outside last night’s event, group spokesman Mike DuHaime said the 15 to 20 people attending paid to get in, but not everyone paid the full $25,000. He declined to elaborate and would not directly address Democrats’ criticism the tactics are hypocritical for Christie.
"We’re playing totally by the rules as they exist, and we will continue to do so," said DuHaime, who was the lead strategist on Christie’s gubernatorial campaign.
DuHaime said Reform Jersey Now would "fully disclose" information on its donors — but not on its expenses — by the end of the year.
As a 501(c)(4) issue-advocacy organization, the group is not required to disclose its donors. It doesn’t have to abide by pay-to-play laws, which ban those with state contracts worth more than $17,500 from donating more than $300 to statewide campaigns.
If the group were a registered New Jersey political action committee, maximum annual donations would total $7,200. An individual could donate up to $25,000 to the Republican or Democratic state parties, but that would be the limit and the donations would be reported publicly every three months. Reform Jersey Now first appeared about a month ago, airing radio ads pushing Christie’s proposal to cap the annual growth of property taxes.
Its website calls it "an independent New Jersey non-profit organization established to promote public policies that create more jobs and economic growth in New Jersey."
The organization’s advisory board includes Christie confidante Bill Palatucci and lists as its treasurer Ron Gravino, who held the same post for Christie’s campaign.
Last night, Christie arrived at Bodman’s house at 6:45 p.m., his two-car motorcade barely slowing to enter.
Democrats say using a third-party group for fundraising and political activities is questionable for a self-styled corruption buster and crusader for ethics in government.
"The problem is the hypocrisy," said Democratic state chairman John Wisniewski. "This organization has all of the same players that the Republican organization has. ... It’s basically operating out of the Republican clubhouse, saying ‘we’re not really Republicans.’ Give me a break."
Staff writer Claire Heininger contributed to this report.