Perspectives of State Legislative Candidates on Connecticut's Implementation of Clean Elections
This analysis examines the perceptions of state legislative candidates running in Connecticut under the newly implemented Clean Elections Program. Through a survey conducted shortly after the 2008 general elections, we asked candidates about several aspects of their campaigns ranging from their decision to run for office to questions about the mechanics of how they built a campaign organization, raised money, and contacted voters. In addition, we asked them how they believe the changes in the campaign finance laws altered their campaigns as well as aspects of the state’s overall political environment. Similar questions asked of candidates two years prior to the law’s implementation make it possible to see how these changes may have altered campaign activities and candidate perceptions. Findings demonstrate that the new law has resulted in more equal levels of funding available to competing candidates. The candidate pool has been diversified in some respects and fundraising practices have been adapted. Some elements of the typical campaign organization have undergone changes and the roles of interest groups and political parties have been altered. Candidates show widespread support for the public financing system and continue to believe the new law will result in greater electoral competition and higher levels of voter confidence