N.C. House approves public financing for insurance commissioner race and others

The North Carolina House narrowly approved the expansion of a voluntary public financing program for three more statewide elected offices, a move meant to reduce the influence of special interest money.

Under the proposal, initially approved 53-52 after House Speaker Joe Hackney broke a tie, candidates for insurance commissioner, state auditor and superintendent of public instruction would be allowed to participate. The program is similar to one already used for Supreme Court and Court of Appeals candidates.

Those candidates who collect small contributions from at least 750 voters statewide before the primary would be eligible for taxpayer money of at least $300,000 for the general elections.

The program could blunt criticism that some Council of State candidates receive campaign dollars from groups that the office holder regulates, supporters said.

The $4.5 million pilot program “will tell us whether public financing does improve confidence in our system and does improve the quality of candidates who are running and the opportunity for candidates who want to run,” said Rep. Rick Glazier, D-Cumberland, one of the bill’s primary sponsors.

Final passage this year is unclear because the bill still must pass the Senate, and lawmakers are close to adjourning.