Yesterday was the final day of the sixth reporting period for the 2009 citywide elections. Candidates will file required disclosure statements of their campaigns’ financial activity from July 12, 2008 through January 11, 2009 on Thursday, January 15. Please see below for details about when new information will be made available during the day of the filing deadline.
With nine months before the 2009 primary elections, there are 209 candidates registered with the Campaign Finance Board – an unprecedented number for this point in the election cycle.
The extension of term limits in October 2008 from two to three terms created some uncertainty for candidates preparing to enter the election year. Some unresolved questions may be addressed by the filing deadline, however.
While record numbers of candidates have started campaigns for the 2009 elections, already 16 candidates have terminated campaign activity. Some first-time candidates may yet choose not to challenge an incumbent. On the other side of the coin, there are 22 incumbent members of Council, and two incumbent borough presidents, who have not yet registered campaign committees with the CFB.
A complete list of 2009 candidates is available here. This list reflects the number of candidates registered with the CFB as of today. Candidates can file their initial registration along with their disclosure; hence, the total number of candidates who file disclosures on January 15 may be slightly higher.
There are also several candidates who planned to run for higher office, but may opt to run for re-election to their current office instead. A recent advisory opinion encourages those candidates to set aside the war chest they’ve raised for the higher office, enter the Campaign Finance Program, and voluntarily limit their spending for their re-election campaign. Candidates choosing to take advantage of the options outlined in the advisory opinion must file their intent to do so by the same deadline, January 15.
A list of candidates who have opted to “freeze” their 2009 campaign committees and start new ones can be found here.
FILING DAY DETAILS
All potential candidates in the 2009 elections—including those who do not plan to participate in the Campaign Finance Program—are required to disclose all financial activity between July 12, 2008 and January 11, 2009 with the CFB by Thursday, January 15. Candidates may deliver statements to the CFB by hand, submit their filings electronically, or send the materials by mail (as long as mailed submissions are postmarked by January 15).
In addition, candidates in the February 24, 2009 special elections in Council districts 21, 32, and 49 will file their first disclosure statement, while candidates in the June 3, 2008 and Fall 2008 elections in Council district #30 will file their last disclosure statement.
As disclosures are filed on January 15, the CFB will update its website with the latest financial information frequently during the day. A press advisory will be issued to alert interested parties each time new information is posted to the website.
Financial information for campaign filers on may be found in two places:
- The CFB’s campaign finance summary page contains summary financial information for all candidates who file with the CFB.
- Detailed information about individual transactions can be found in the CFB’s searchable online database.
Information on the contribution and spending limits in effect for the 2009 election can be found here.
For any further questions, please contact the CFB’s Press Unit at (212)306-7100.