NY Democrats block Republican Bruce Blakeman from millions in campaign matching funds
Gothamist • • nation
Key Points:
- Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman was denied access to up to $7 million in public campaign funds after the state Public Campaign Finance Board ruled he failed to file required paperwork listing his running mate.
- The decision, made along party lines by the Democrat-controlled board, also affected five minor-party candidates and sparked accusations of political bias from Blakeman’s campaign and GOP members.
- Blakeman’s campaign is exploring legal options, arguing the new requirement to list a running mate was not properly communicated, while Democrats maintain rules must be followed to protect the integrity of the public financing program.
- The public financing program aims to support challengers and reduce incumbent advantages; Gov. Kathy Hochul, who declined to participate, has a substantial campaign war chest compared to Blakeman’s reported funds.
- A recent Siena University poll shows Blakeman narrowing Hochul’s lead, intensifying scrutiny of the campaign finance board’s ruling amid a tightening gubernatorial race.
