Rep. Tom Leonard
Gubernatorial candidates without an opponent would be unable to use taxpayer funds in an uncontested primary election under legislation introduced today by state Rep. Tom Leonard.
“Almost 40 years ago, Michigan established a way for gubernatorial candidates to receive taxpayer funding to aid their campaigns in an effort to level the playing field for everyone,” said Leonard, R-DeWitt Township. “However, this law did not take into account gubernatorial candidates receiving taxpayer funds despite not having an opponent. I don’t believe it was ever the intent for taxpayer funds to be used to campaign in a primary election a candidate has effectively already won.”
House Bill 5331 amends current campaign finance laws so that any candidate running for governor who does not face a primary-election opponent would be ineligible to receive taxpayer funding for that primary election. If a gubernatorial candidate receives and spends taxpayer funds for a primary election prior to the filing deadline and does not receive any opposition, any funds spent and unspent will be owed back to the State Campaign Fund.
Under current law, gubernatorial candidates can receive up to $990,000 in taxpayer funds for a primary election.
The measure would take effect on Jan. 1, 2015.