Health & Fitness
HURLBURT CAMPAIGN PARTICIPATES IN STATE’S CLEAN ELECTION PROGRAM: No special interest donations allowed
State Representative Bryan Hurlburt's 2012 election effort includes participation in the state's Clean Election Program.
State Representative Bryan Hurlburt’s 2012 election effort includes participation in the state’s Clean Election Program which prohibits accepting donations from special interests, political action committees (PACs) and state contractors.
To qualify for the program, Hurlburt’s campaign had to reach a benchmark of local support by securing small donations ($5-100) totaling $5,000 from at least 150 residents in his district. Hurlburt is running for re-election to the state legislature in the 53rd Assembly District which includes the towns of Ashford, Tolland and Willington.
“I have been a long-time proponent of removing special interest money from elections and creating a level playing field for competing candidates,” Hurlburt said. “This program allows issues to drive the tenor of campaigns - not money.”
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Hurlburt’s opponent has also pledged to participate in the Clean Election Program, which upon qualifying provides each side with a $26,850 grant. In turn, candidates agree not to exceed the grant and their local individual donations in campaign spending.
“I couldn’t have qualified without the support of residents of Ashford, Tolland and Willington, and I appreciate the encouragement,” Hurlburt said. “I’m excited about continuing to talk with residents over the coming weeks and listening to people’s concerns and ideas.”
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Hurlburt has been reaching out to residents personally by going door-to-door, as well as sending issue mailings and making phone calls.
The Citizens' Election Program is a voluntary program which provides full public financing to qualified candidates for statewide offices and the General Assembly. To participate, candidates must agree to abide by certain guidelines, including contribution and expenditure limits and disclosure requirements. This was designed to encourage more citizen participation and reduce special interest money in Connecticut's political process.
Hurlburt is a lifelong Tolland resident, and a graduate of Tolland High School and the University of Connecticut. Before his election to the legislature in 2006, he served on the Tolland Town Council.
