Senator Judith G. Freedman (R-26) joined her Senate Republican colleagues in voting for a campaign reform measure designed to restore the public's trust in state government.

Senator Freedman, Senate Ranking Member of the General Assembly's Government Administration & Elections Committee, voted for a Republican initiative that would have allowed for public campaign finance in return for immediately banning any special interest contributions to political candidates; starting with the 2006 election cycle, ad books would be prohibited, each legislative caucus would have been allowed only one political action committee (PAC), and all other PACS would be banned. However, the Democrat controlled Senate rejected the Republican measure.

"As we presented the Senate Democrats with a proposal that would have instituted real campaign finance reform right away, it is a shame that the majority party decided to instead push through a measure that looks good but really gives the public nothing more than the promise of reform at some future, much later, date. I think people are smarter than the Democrats realize. No one is going to be fooled," said Senator Freedman.

Senator Freedman voted against the Senate Democrat bill, saying that it offers the public little more than a promise to reform the campaign system at a future, much later, date. The Republican initiative called for immediate reform

"Personally, I do not like the idea of asking the taxpayers to foot the bill for my, or anyone else's, election campaigns. At the same time, the public wants meaningful reform in the way we run elections. If real reform - as opposed to just the appearance of reform - means accepting public campaign finance, then we Republicans are willing to step up to the plate," said Senator Freedman.

The Senate bill is pending further action in the House of Representatives. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives passed a competing measure that is subject to action by the Senate.

"With the legislative session ending at midnight, the clock is ticking and, in the aftermath of the Governor Rowland scandal, people are watching closely to see what we do. To them, this must all seem like business as usual. I share their disappointment," said Senator Freedman.