A government watchdog group in Connecticut says nearly $17 million was spent by outside groups on the state’s tight gubernatorial race.
Common Cause Connecticut has determined that $16.75 million was spent on the race for governor.
“We don’t have all the details about that yet. But it will be important to look at how it is that they were trying to influence our elections,” said the executive director of the group, Cherie Quickmire. Much of the money came from out-of-state entities, she said.
Connecticut tightened disclosure laws for political contributions following the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizen’s United Decision that allowed unlimited spending by outside groups. That’s according to state Representative Ed Jutila of East Lyme and Salem.
“We did that in 2013," said Jutile, who co-chairs the General Assembly’s Government Administration and Elections committee.
“I’m open to other ideas. But, again, we have to do that within the restraints of the Constitution,” said Jutila, indicating that he’s willing to bring up the issue in the next legislative session that begins in January.
Outside groups who supported Democratic Governor Dannel Malloy included the Democratic Governor’s Association, unions, the Working Families Party and pro-gun control organizations.
Republican challenger Tom Foley had support from the Republican Governor’s Association, the College Republican National Committee, the National Rifle Association and the Shooting Sports Foundation.
Both candidates also accepted public financing for their campaigns.
