State Rep. candidate Haddad qualifies for 'clean election' funds

Gregory Haddad of Mansfield, a Democrat, is running for State Representative for the 54th District. Courtesy photo

Democratic candidate for State Representative, Gregory Haddad has been approved by the State Elections Enforcement Commission for Connecticut’s Citizen Election Program.

He is the first candidate for the 54th House seat ever to apply for and be accepted into the innovative program.

“I’m honored to have earned the grassroots support of people who live right here in Mansfield and Chaplin. Their help has enabled me to qualify for the clean election program and to run a campaign without special interest funds and monied campaign contributors,” said Haddad.

To qualify for the program, participants must -

• agree to limit their campaign expenditures,

• accept no contributions greater than $100,

• raise $5000 in small dollar amounts

• and receive contributions from at least 150 different contributors who reside in the district.

A candidate running for the State House receives $26,000 in addition to the $5000 he or she raised to qualify.

The State Elections Enforcement Commission approved the grant at its July 14 meeting in Hartford.

“Connecticut’s Citizen Election Program is the best program in the nation for ending corruption and influence in campaigns. It increases voter participation and restores trust in government,” said Haddad.

He added, “I intend to use the resources provided by the system to share my ideas for reviving the economy, creating jobs and ensuring that educational opportunities are accessible to Connecticut students.”

Gregory Haddad is the Democratic candidate for State Representative in the 54th District which includes Mansfield and Chaplin. He has been Mansfield’s Deputy Mayor and a member of the Town Council for 11 years.

Posted July 25, 2010