Statement from New York Republican State Chairman Joseph N. Mondello

ALBANY, NY (06/12/2007)(readMedia)-- The Senate plan to hold public statewide campaign finance reform is an admirable effort to engage experts and the public in an open, thoughtful debate.

Good government groups should, by their very definition, be supporting this call for open, public debate, rather than advocating ramming through the Governor’s proposal at the end of session without public input and debate.

Of equal concern, their partisan silence on the Governor’s ongoing fundraising practices is deafening and seriously erodes their credibility.

These groups say nothing while the Governor’s campaign headlines yet another big money event tonight that solicits nearly one hundred thousand dollar donations-- far in excess of the Governor's self imposed 'limits.'

If these self proclaimed “good government” groups truly want to advocate for genuine changes in campaign finance laws, they should support the Senate’s efforts and join the growing demonstration in New York City tonight outside Team Spitzer’s latest big money fundraiser.

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