Connecticut Attorney General's Office
Press Release
Attorney General Announces CT Campaign Finance Reform Will Continue To Operate Pending Expedited Appeal
August 31, 2009
In a conference with Judge Stefan Underhill, all parties agreed that Connecticut's campaign finance system can continue in operation, pending an expedited appeal, which the state is filing today.
By agreement of all parties, and approved by the judge, a temporary stay will enable them to reach consensus on the details and scheduling of the expedited appeal.
The initial period of the stay will be two weeks, followed by a longer stay to allow an expedited appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
Blumenthal said, "This stay avoids the paralysis, chaos and uncertainty that otherwise might follow the trial court decision striking down our campaign finance reform system -- a decision that should be reversed on appeal. We will ask the court of appeals to hear us as soon as possible, and we are delighted that all parties concur that a swift and early review is necessary.
"In the meantime, campaign finance reform can continue without interruption or disruption. We believe our arguments on appeal will be powerful and persuasive -- invoking U.S. Supreme Court precedent supporting reforms designed to stop campaign corruption and impropriety.
"We will seek a schedule for briefs and argument to enable a court of appeals decision by early next year or sooner. This schedule would permit the system to operate normally as the legislature and governor intended during the 2010 election, assuming that our appeal succeeds."
Jeffrey B. Garfield, Executive Director and General Counsel of the State Elections Enforcement Commission, said, "The Commission is pleased with today's developments which will enable the agency to proceed with its standard operations, and to continue assisting campaigns with compliance advice to prepare for the 2010 elections."
Garfield also stated, "I am encouraged at the immediate response from our Governor and legislative leaders which evinces a continued commitment to campaign finance reform, and to the Citizens' Election Program as a model for the country."