Conn. candidates line up for public financing

Unopposed candidates can be eligible for 30 percent of the grants. Minor party and petitioning candidates face tougher thresholds before they can receive cash.

About $10 million is expected to be spent on this year's race. The grants are primarily funded by unclaimed property, such as old bank accounts and life insurance policies, that have accumulated over the years. Donations are also accepted.

"It is public money, but the fact that no tax revenue was increased has been very helpful to tell people," said Beth Rottman, director of Connecticut's public financing program.

The Citizens Election Program will include candidates for the state's constitutional offices, such as governor, in the 2010 election. A participating major party candidate for governor will be able to receive $3 million for the general election.

Rottman, who previously worked with New York City's public financing program, said legislative candidates are signing up in droves because they saw firsthand how the system worked in several recent special elections held to fill vacant seats.

"There was such fear in the beginning of the unknown and the loss of control," she said, acknowledging she received a chilly reception from some candidates. But after the special elections, Rottman said there was a "sea change."

"They saw that it wasn't that bad," said Rottman. "Those special elections were really key in showing people that this could be done."

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