Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday conditionally vetoed a measure that ended loopholes allowing candidates who don’t hold public office to accept bribes. In the veto, Murphy called for technical changes to include all individuals involved in the transaction.
The legislation was introduced after former Assemblyman Lou Manzo was accused of taking a cash bribe in exchange for political favors during his 2009 Jersey City mayoral campaign. Those charges were dismissed.
In April, an appellate division decided that candidates for office are already covered under New Jersey’s anti-bribery laws. In a statement, a spokesperson for Gov. Murphy told NJ Spotlight News the governor looks forward to signing a version of the bill that incorporates his recommendations into law.
