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New Jersey's State of Contributions
Just came across this little item in the New Jersey Governor's race.
It's complicated, but the short version is that if you give someone a no-bid contract for work and then you run for a federal office, you can't take campaign contributions from them. The same is true for state office.
But there's no law that says you can't take a STATE contribution from someone you gave a FEDERAL no bid contract to. And that's exactly what Chris Christie, the GOP favorite to get the nod to take on Jon Corzine in the Fall has done. As U.S. Attorney, Christie gave the firm of Stern and Kilcullen a 7 million dollar no-bid contract. Now that Christie's running for Governor, the partners and their wives contributed $23,800 to Christie's campaign. Since New Jersey has 2-1 matching funds, it's more like they gave him over $70,000.
While this is not illegal, it sure looks terrible, especially when you consider that Christie has based his entire campaign on ethics and cleaning up New Jersey. If Steve Lonegan is smart, he'll take this story and try to turn Christie's strength on ethics into a weakness. If that happens, Lonegan might just be able to change this GOP Primary from a coronation into a fist fight.
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Pingback| 3.27.09 @ 11:20AM
New Jersey’s State of Contributions — But As For Me links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Tim Williams| 3.27.09 @ 12:21PM
I read the original story. Where does it say if you give someone a federal no-bid contract you can't accept a federal contribution?
ethiopian| 3.31.09 @ 9:06PM
While Christie's actions were not illegal, they certainly were unethical and are just another illustration of how the intent of the law can be circumvented to line one's pockets, or in this case Christie's war chest. The Republican voters of New Jersey must ask themselves if Christie's character is the character of a man they want for their next governor. At the same time, they should ask themselves if they can think of any similar character flows of Steve Lonegan. Let that answer be your guide as for whom to vote in June's Republican primary.
Bob| 3.31.09 @ 10:11PM
Tim, Who care about the story?Chiststie did a lot more for this state as the (fed) ag then our own(why don't we have one?)(sorry Anne)but Chris sounds like more of the same,this state needs change! and as far as i can see Lonagan is the only chance to put someone in office tha is not the status quo
surefire| 4.1.09 @ 6:52AM
Christie is all about being "legal." Legal is the minimum requirement, you know how lawyers are. Christie is the epitome of what a "Soprano" politician looks like. Come on, New Jersey voters, there is a better candidate than this party hack!
surefire| 4.1.09 @ 6:52AM
Christie is all about being "legal." Legal is the minimum requirement, you know how lawyers are. Christie is the epitome of what a "Soprano" politician looks like. Come on, New Jersey voters, there is a better candidate than this party hack!
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