Indy spending on N.J. political races is up by $7 million

Spending by independent groups on next month’s election in New Jersey is setting new records.

 

 

The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission says independent spending on the gubernatorial and legislative races has already reached $21 million, exceeding the $14 million spent on the same race four years ago.

Executive director Jeff Brindle says while it was anticipated that independent groups would spend big on the campaign for governor, a lot of the money is going to districts where legislative races are considered to be competitive.

“The bulk of independent spending with regard to the legislative campaign will go into the targeted districts both in terms of wresting control by the Republicans and in terms of holding onto control by the Democrats,” he said.

Brindle is urging the legislature to enact a law that would require the independent groups to disclose their contributions and who is giving them the money, so the public knows who is behind those groups.