Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti, who reportedly has been considering a run for Governor in Connecticut has now come out in support of CEP. “People have been complaining about the CEP, claiming that it limits amounts that people contribute, has complicated filing requirements and prohibits state contractors from contributing,” Lauretti has reportedly said. “However, with a Contractor’s Election Program, there is no limit to what people can contribute. There are no filing requirements; in fact any public acknowledgement of receiving funds from contractors is strongly discouraged, and state contractors are encouraged to participate.”

When asked if he thought participating in the Contractor’s Election Program instead of the Citizen’s Election Program might land him in hot water, Lauretti reportedly said, “As long as I can turn up the jets, and sit back and relax and enjoy a good cigar, I wouldn’t mind being in hot water.” Shelton developer James Botti supported the Lauretti’s plans, but former Governor John Rowland was not available for comments on whether or not he would be advising the Lauretti campaign.

NOTE: The preceding fictionalized statements are intended as political satire to illustrate points about the need for clean elections in Connecticut.