City of New York v. New York City Campaign Board
Campaign Finance Reform
In February 2001, the Center intervened in a lawsuit brought by New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani against the New York City Campaign Finance Board. The Mayor challenged the legality of the City’s 4-to-1 match of public financing from city residents for contributions of $250 or less. Mayor Giuliani’s claims were largely based on certain technicalities. The Center defended the city’s campaign finance system on behalf of three dozen candidates, including mayoral candidates Herman Badillo, Fernando Ferrer, Mark Green, and Alan Hevesi, and candidates for Public Advocate, Borough President, and City Council. After the Center’s vigorous effort to publicize the dispute, the City Council passed legislation reaffirming the 4-to-1 matching program and mooting Mayor Giuliani’s lawsuit.
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