Campaign finance: At the start of the year, the State Elections Enforcement Commission identified small but critical changes that needed to be made for the proper implementation of the Citizens' Election Program, including an adjustment to the grant application process. There was a strong possibility that candidates wishing to participate in the program would have their applications rejected because the way law set the schedule. Connecticut Common Cause and allies supported and lobbied for the legislation, and the bill sailed through both chambers in one day and was soon thereafter signed into law on April 7 by Gov. M. Jodi Rell.

Ethics: A start of the session, an comprehensive state and municipal ethics proposal seemed to be a sure thing. While prospects seemed promising, there were a couple of areas that concerned Connecticut Common Cause. First, the idea of a legislative committee on ethics was one that we opposed. As every state in the nation is moving towards an independent ethics office, Connecticut was trying to move away. Fortunately, this idea was jetisoned early in the process. Second, pension revocation. The House and Senate split over the issue of pension revocation and how to apply it, and no resolution has been reached. It's unfortunate, because in the broad scheme of things, the two chambers are not that far apart. This is an issue that will not go away. Expect to see it next session or maybe even a special session. 

Election Day Registration: Connecticut Common Cause made a big push for Election Day Registration at the start of the legislative session, but committee leaders felt that not enough ready support necessary to push it through four committees in a short session existed. And, the day-before registration process for the presidential primaries demonstrated there are serious weaknesses with the state's centralized voter database that could hurt EDR's chances in 2008. Bottomline: Committee leaders are still strong EDR proponents, but felt this wasn't going to be the year. We'll be back.  

National Popular Vote: This one's a heart-breaker. The bill, which had broad bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, didn't sit right with the Speaker of the House James Amann. Since he controls the agenda, it was essentially killed on the Calendar. Connecticut is going to have a new Speaker next year. NPV will fare much better in 2009.

Voter Photo ID: The best fight to win is one where you never have to throw a punch. After declining to call a amendment on the primary voting for 17 year olds resolution, which Common Cause supported, proponents never got another chance. No doubt, this is an issue that is sure to rear its ugly head next year. We'll be ready.

Staff attorneys for ethics complaints: As the session wore on and coverage of the issue continued, nobody wanted to touch this. Ethics in general makes lawmakers and state officials nervous. Nobody wants to be "unethical," but at the same time they don't want to leave themselves vulnerable. There is a way both concerns can satisfied, but not with that bill and not at the last minute. Common Cause will work with GAE leaders and the Office of State Ethics to ensure the right language is drafted.

Lawn signs for Citizens' Election candidates: In the end, I think the House had enough of this debate the week before session ended. This year will be the first year of a whole new way of running for office. Reusing lawn signs is just one small part of an evolving process. Before candidates become overly concerned about whether they can or can't use old lawn signs, lets make sure the program works well and meets its stated objectives. 

Optical Scan Voting Machines audit procedures: Though it had a minor $250,000 fiscal note, its price tag was deemed too high when Gov. Rell made it clear that no bill with a fiscal impact on her should wind up on her desk. There many concerns about optical scan voting machines, their vulnerabilities and audit procedures. We need to remain vigilant for any problems this Election Day.