More from the article...
... In an interview with the Courant, State Republican Chairman Ben Proto said a number of candidates in his party have yet to receive CEP distributions despite applying for grants weeks ago. Proto also accused SEEC of unduly disqualifying or "kicking back" contributions by challenging the validity of donors, which candidates are required to amass in order to qualify for a CEP grant.
"SEEC is interfering with elections," Proto said. "They're putting their thumb on the scale on elections by withholding (CEP grants) and taking their time and kicking back (contributions)."
SEEC representatives refuted Proto's accusations. ...
Proto said CEP delays affect candidates "on both sides of the aisle." However, Proto added, "I will have people tell you it's done more to Republicans than it is to Democrats."
"I don't have statistical proof of that, but I hear more from Republicans that they haven't gotten their money than I hear from Democrats (who) haven't gotten their money," Proto said. ...
[emphasis mine]
So... CT State Republican Chairman Ben Proto is making accusations that he seems to admit he has no substantiation for.
OK. Let's go with that ...
More from the article ...
... According to an analysis of CEP data by the Courant, there are currently 16 races for House and Senate seats where Republicans and Democrats have completed CEP applications but only one competitor has been approved for a grant.
In 13 of the races, the Democrat is the candidate with an SEEC-approved CEP disbursement. In each case, the Democratic candidate was the first to submit a CEP application and in all but one race SEEC approved the Democratic candidates for a grant before their Republican opponents even completed their application.
In total, SEEC has approved grant disbursements for approximately 92% of Democratic applicants and 88% of Republican applicants.
Among the 14 Democrats and 13 Republicans who are still waiting for SEEC to approve their grants, nine and 10 candidates, respectively, submitted their CEP application on or after the full-grant deadline on Aug. 26.
Of the candidates SEEC has approved for a grant, Democrats waited between five and 99 days for approval after completing their application. Republican candidates waited between 6 and 104 days. On average, the wait time was 25 days for Democrats and 23 days for Republicans.
"The application and approval process does take time," Nancy DiNardo, the chair of the Connecticut Democratic Party, said. "Should it go faster? I don't know. I guess it could, but ... it's not unusual for people to be getting (their CEP grant) once they're into the campaign season."
DiNardo said that if Proto has proof of prejudice "he should present it." ...
So, the reality seems to be that the CT Republican Party submitted their forms late, and now expect to receive special treatment because of their tardiness?
Wow. Way to go CT GOP.
