Candidates for public office in New York may have to start disclosing who is paying for anonymous campaign mailers and other messaging, at least if the state Senate follows the Assembly’s lead and the governor signs on.
The Assembly this week passed by a 130-0 vote a measure that would require candidates for public office to disclose who is paying for flyers and posters, Internet ads and other campaign materials. The measure would put New York in line with federal regulations that ban anonymous ads.
“The bill is really about transparency and fairness for the public,” said Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski, the bill’s sponsor. “Certainly candidates can say whatever they want, but they shouldn’t be able to deceive the public. It turns them off to the entire process.”
A companion bill has been introduced by state Sen. Joe Griffo, although it is unclear if it will come up for a vote before the end of session next week. Zebrowski said that Griffo had told him in recent weeks that he is pushing for its passage, but there was no guarantee that it would make it to the floor.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote!
Michael H. Drucker
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