Christie to Tap Public Funds for Election

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) —

Gov. Chris Christie will accept state public matching funds for his fall re-election bid, making an initial filing Tuesday with more than $4.1 million raised in 75 days.

Campaign Chairman Bill Palatucci said the filing, which was just shy of the $4.22 million maximum that can be matched in a general election, demonstrates strong support for Christie and his first-term record. The 2-for-1 match will give the campaign more than $8 million, a sizeable advantage over Christie’s Democratic opponent, Sen. Barbara Buono.

Buono has made only one public filing since winning her party’s primary with $450,000. The first $120,000 raised is not eligible for the public match. She does not intend to file a submission to meet Tuesday’s deadline. While Buono also accepted public funds for the primary, she did not raise enough money to receive the maximum match. Christie raised $6.7 million for the primary and did not rely on public funds.

Accepting public money frees up candidates from having to fundraise constantly and is the state’s attempt to level the field. Applicants are obligated to participate in two pre-election debates.

Christie, who is seen as a viable contender for the 2016 Republican nomination for president, is far ahead of Buono in public polls, and is leading among nearly every demographic group, including unaffiliated voters and women.

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