Michael Blake Sues for Debate Inclusion
Michael Blake, a longshot candidate for mayor, is taking legal action against the city’s campaign finance agency as he makes a final effort to qualify for a Democratic debate scheduled for later this week.
Blake, who many believe had a strong performance in last week’s initial debate, alleges that the Campaign Finance Committee improperly rejected numerous valid donations needed to secure a spot in the upcoming Spectrum-sponsored forum.
According to Blake’s lawsuit filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, the CFB acted “arbitrarily” and “illegally” in their decision-making process.
Blake contends that nearly 200 contributions to his campaign were incorrectly disqualified, including significant donations from public advocate Jumaane Williams. These funds were crucial for him to access the city’s 8-1 public matching fund program.
Reflecting on his political aspirations, Blake mentioned his exclusion from the debate when asked about regrets during a recent NBC 4 New York Politico event.
He noted, “The Campaign Finance Committee didn’t want to meet us, they said they went to court, that’s what we’re doing,” and expressed his hope for justice in the matter. “All we want is to deserve to be on stage on Thursday night.”
The lawsuit claims that contributions from donors like Williams were “arbitrarily” disqualified due to validation issues. Blake stressed that Williams is a currently participating candidate in the matching funds program, and his $250 donation was rejected simply because of an audit oversight.
“The audit has deliberately disqualified numerous contributions,” the lawsuit argues, pointing out the issues stem from the CFB’s outdated database which lacks proper flexibility.
Blake’s legal action is pushing for a reconsideration of the disallowed contributions, asserting a misinterpretation of their financial eligibility based on contributions that have already been collected.
Blake currently polls at 1.5% and is urging the court to compel the CFB to recognize his eligibility for the debate. The board oversees discussions for major citywide elections and has considerable discretion regarding who qualifies.
To participate in the upcoming debate, candidates typically must raise or spend about $2.4 million or secure over $250,000 in public matching funds, whereas the threshold for the initial debate was just $200,000.
Blake believes the board appeared ready to provide matching funding following his contributions disclosed on May 19, but later sent an “audit letter” claiming discrepancies in the donations.
The lawsuit states the CFB was arbitrary in their rules and decision-making. “They just make up the rules,” Blake remarked, expressing disbelief at the situation. “It’s surreal. The subtlety of these errors and effects.”
