New Jersey § 19:44a-2

§ 19:44a-2.

The Legislature finds and declares that: a. Accessible public disclosure of money and other things of value given to a candidate

for public office by an individual, another candidate or a political committee has

proven to be the most effective means of fostering public awareness of and reducing

public skepticism about the current system of financing elections for public office; b. However, under the current disclosure system, certain individuals who collect and

spend money while considering whether to become a candidate for public office at a

future election do not have to disclose anything about the money they raise or expend

until they become a candidate; c. The continuation of this practice undermines public confidence in the current system

of financing elections for public office; d. The State has a compelling interest in preventing the actuality or appearance of

corruption and in protecting public confidence in democratic institutions by requiring

an individual who is considering whether to be a candidate for office to comply with

the same laws that apply to any candidate for public office; and e. It is, therefore, reasonable for the State to promote these compelling interests

by requiring an individual who acts like a candidate to comply with the current limitations,

prohibitions and requirements on campaign contributions and the disclosure of the

sources and amounts of contributions and expenditures.