Ciattarelli qualifies for additional matching funds

For the third time in less than two weeks, Republican Jack Ciattarelli is getting a substantial check from the state’s gubernatorial public financing program.

The New jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission today approved an additional $143,293 for Ciattarelli.

That brings Ciattarelli up to $4,542,856 in matching funds so far.  Ciattarelli can still receive up to $57,144 more for his primary campaign if he can raise another $19,048 – and show that he can spend it before the June 8 Republican primary election.

Ciattarelli and Gov. Phil Murphy are the only candidates to qualify for public funds.  Murphy has raised enough to qualify for the full match.

By taking public funds, gubernatorial candidates are capped at spending $7.3 million in the primary.

Phil Rizzo, a Hudson County pastor, appears to have raised enough to qualify, but a state appellate court ruled today that he missed the deadline to file.

Hirsh Singh is self-financing and did not apply for matching funds.