Citizens Clean Elections Commission Bulletin Volume 4, Quarter 3 July 2007 Message from the Chair Summer is finally upon us. Soaring temperatures, family vacations and little thought of the 2008 election. But for some the summer is just the beginning of their campaign. Starting August 1st candidates for the Corporation Commission may begin collecting their $5 qualifying contributions. The $5 qualifying contributions are what allows candidates to receive the funding for their campaigns from the Citizens Clean Elections Commission. In 2008 people running for the Corporation Commission must collect a minimum of 1,650 $5 qualifying contributions. The contributions may come from anyone that is registered to vote in Arizona and they do not have to be of the same party as the candidate. Inside the Bulletin News and Notes - 2 Information - 3 So as you enjoy the summer keep in mind that starting in August there will be candidates braving the heat looking for your support. I urge you to talk to the candidates to find out more about them. Listen to them and make sure they listen to you. This is your state, get involved in the political process and let your voice be heard. Sincerely, Gary Scaramazzo Chairman Citizens Clean Elections Commission This Bulletin is intended to be an informational tool used to update parties regarding the Commission’s projects and developments. Citizens Clean Elections Commission 1616 W. Adams, Suite 110 Phoenix, AZ Phone: 602-364-3477 Fax: 602-364-3487 Toll Free: 1-877-631-8891 www.azcleanelections.gov ccec@azcleanelections.gov Page 2 The Citizens Clean Elections Commission Bulletin July 2007 News and Notes Governor Signs H.B. 2690 Governor Janet Napolitano signed H.B. 2690 into law marking the first changes of any kind to the Citizens Clean Elections Act since its creation. Past attempts have failed to garner the necessary three-fourths vote needed in both the House and Senate to amend a Prop 105 protected law. H.B 2690, among other things, increases the funding for candidates using the Clean Elections system by 30% for the Governor’s race and 60% for all other statewide races. In addition, it relieves traditional candidates from having to file “trigger” reports when they do not have a participating candidate as an opponent. “This is a great accomplishment for everyone involved” said Todd Lang, Executive Director for the Citizens Clean Elections Commission. “We believe that this will help all candidates that decide to run for public office and we appreciate all the hard work that Representative Reagan put into this bill.” With the Governor’s signature, the bill will become law in September. Statewide Candidates Prepare for Qualifying Period August 1st marks the beginning of the election season for candidates for the Corporation Commission as they may begin collecting their $5 qualifying contributions. For the 2008 election cycle candidates for the Corporation Commission must collect a minimum of 1,650 $5 qualifying contributions. The contributions may come from anyone registered to vote in Arizona regardless of their party affiliation. In addition to the qualifying contributions, candidates may also collect a minimum number of early contributions. These contributions may come from any US citizen regardless of where they live. The maximum amount of early contributions that may be accepted is $12,920 and they must be in donations of no more than $130 per person. A candidate may also contribute up to $1,230 of his or her own personal money. The qualifying period for legislative candidates will begin January 1, 2008. New Rules for the 2008 Election Cycle The Citizens Clean Elections Commission has developed and passed new rules that will affect candidates in 2008. The changes include, among other items, the removal of the need for a travel log for participating candidates and an increase in the number of $5 qualifying contributions. For a complete list of all the rules, including the newest changes, please visit the Commission’s website, www.azcleanelections.gov. Questions or comments may be emailed directly to the Commission at ccec@azcleanelections.gov or call the staff at 602-364-3477 or toll free 1-877-631-8891. Citizens Clean Elections Commission Bulletin Volume 4, Quarter 3 July 2007 Thank you for taking the time to read our third quarter Bulletin. The Bulletin is published once a quarter and is posted on the Commission’s website. 2007 Third Quarter Commission Meeting Schedule Citizens Clean Elections Commissioners Gary Scaramazzo, Chairman Marcia Busching Carl Kunasek Royann Parker Jeffrey Fairman Commission meetings are held in the Citizens Clean Elections Commission conference room at 1616 W. Adams in Phoenix. Please contact the Commission or check the Commission’s website, www.azcleanelections.gov, to confirm meeting dates and times. The Commission meeting minutes and agendas are available free of charge on the Commission website. Upcoming Meetings July 12 Thursday, 1pm August 23 Thursday, 9:30am September 13 Thursday, 9:30am October 25 Thursday, 9:30am November 15 Thursday, 9:30am December 13 Thursday, 9:30am Please refer to the website, www.azcleanelections.gov, or call the Commission directly for agendas and additional documents.