Democrats back out of a loophole for donors

Democrats back out of a loophole for donors
Wednesday, March 30, 2005

Democrats sounded a full retreat yesterday, saying the party would not accept big donations from state contractors after all.

This was a big deal for them. Because the Democratic Party in New Jersey is a loose alliance of rival warlords, united only by a resolve to protect their huge financial advantage over the hapless Republicans.


But with Sen. Jon Corzine on deck, they can afford a little ethics right now. So they loosened their grip just a bit.

"I don't want this to be an issue -- that's the bottom line," said Corzine.

A few days ago, both Corzine and acting Gov. Richard Codey were defending these donations, both citing the legal principles at work. So it was a surprise when Codey called to say both men had seen the light.

It didn't sound much like a matter of principle or conviction. More like they were embarrassed into it.

More: http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-9/1112164585230450.xml