Steven Fournier, the Hartford attorney running for state Attorney General on the Green Party slate, has filed a complaint with the Internal Revenue Service challenging the tax-exempt status of the League of Women Voters of Connecticut Education Fund.
Fournier says he was told he cannot participate in any debate the League may sponsor because his candidacy does not meet certain criteria set forth by the League. For instance, he does not have a campaign manager or an official headquarters.
"Campaign manager, headquarters, dedicated telephone--all depend on money. Yard signs and distribution of campaign literature depend on money. Paid staff are acceptable in place of volunteers, and money talks here, too,'' Forunier said in a news release issued Sunday.
"The application of these illogical, unfair and biased criteria means that, unless a candidate is determined to raise and spend what most voters would consider a large amount of money, the candidate will be deemed unsuitable for inclusion. "
Fournier's complaint alleges that his exclusion was not based on "reasonable criteria" but was intended to hurt his candidacy.
On its website, the League states that it is a "nonpartisan organization which does not support or oppose political parties or candidates.''
According to the schedule posted on the website, there are no debates scheduled for the attorney general candidates.
Fournier said whether or not a debate takes place is beside the point.
"The damage is done," he said. "The exclusion is chilling. When the League proclaims me a sure loser, it tells possible volunteers and supporters that their efforts will come to nothing. Nobody wants to fight a losing battle. The League should reconsider its decision. "