ELEC reports 25% drop in fundraising, 32% drop in spending by Assembly candidates

by: Jason Springer

Thu Oct 29, 2009 at 10:15:00 AM EDT

ELEC reports today that even less money is being raised and spent on Assembly races this cycle than they anticipated:

Candidates for the General Assembly have raised $14.6 million and spent $10.2 million, according to 11-day pre-election reports filed with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission for the 2009 General Election.
"These figures represent an even more dramatic decrease in financial activity from four years ago than was reported at the 29-day reporting period," said Jeff Brindle, Executive Director of the Commission.
In 2005, the last time there were contests for Governor and Assembly, Assembly candidates had raised $19.4 million and spent $14.9 million by this time.

While they say that the Governor's race and tough economy have helped contribute to the 25% drop in fundraising and 32% drop in spending, they credit pay to play laws as an additional factor:

"What we have witnessed since Pay-to-Play laws were enacted and executive orders issued is a slowdown in campaign financial activity, culminating in the dramatic decrease at all levels this year," said Brindle.
"Potential donors are hesitant to give, fearing being in violation of the law, forfeiting a public contract, or being prohibited from negotiating and bidding on a contract."
"It is safe to say that Pay-to-Play laws are working with regard to reducing the amount in contributions going directly to candidates," he said.

Overall, the Assembly Democrats have more than their opponents:

Democratic candidates raised $10 million, spent $7.2 million and have $2.8 million cashon-hand. Republican candidates have raised $4.5 million, spent $2.9 million and have cash-onhand totaling $1.5 million. Independents have reported $118,081 raised and $60,971 in expenditures. Cash-on-hand for Independents amounts to $56,929.

They said that even in prior tough economic times, campaign spending would still increase and sometimes significantly, seeming to discount the economy's influence. Do you agree with their assessment? What do you think has caused the drop in fundraising and spending?

Jason Springer :: ELEC reports 25% drop in fundraising, 32% drop in spending by Assembly candidates

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ELEC reports 25% drop in fundraising, 32% drop in spending by Assembly candidates | 2 comments

Economy a big factor (4.00 / 1)

Rarely in previous recessions have the value of investments dropped so much. I think the indivuduals who habitually give relatvely large amounts are feeling poor (though they're still a lot richer than me). Pay to play legislation is probably a factor too, just not the only one.

by: Dvd Avins @ Thu Oct 29, 2009 at 14:34:29 PM UTC

Lack of Competition Drives Spending (4.00 / 1)

I think another factor that is often missed is that this may be one of the first times in a while that all incumbents win their re-election regardless of party. This lack of competition artificially reduces campaign spending. District 14 is not competitive as in years past. Other districts are not competitive either this year.

by: Time2Lead @ Thu Oct 29, 2009 at 17:30:43 PM UTC