The limits on public financing for gubernatorial candidates in New Jersey are being increased in advance of next year’s elections

The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission has voted to raise the amount donors can give to candidates to $3800. That’s a $400 increase from 2009.

Gubernatorial candidates who qualify for public financing can get up to $3.5 million for the primary and $8.2 million for the general election.

The commission’s executive director Jeff Brindle says the limits are adjusted by a special formula that reflects inflation and the cost of advertising.

 “Advertising costs which is a major part of a campaign have gone up around 12 percent over the last four years which really exceeds the consumer price index on other goods and services.”

Brindle says the public funding program helps qualified candidates run viable campaigns.

 “One of the things I think we’re going to see anyway are a lot more independent expenditures in this gubernatorial election, and if it weren’t for the public financing program I believe that these independent groups would have even more influence over the process and really dominate things.”

Former Governor Jon Corzine did not seek public financing. Brindle says every other person that’s become governor since the program started in 1977 participated in it, and he calls it a model for the nation.