Cowell wants to join campaign finance pilot

State Treasurer Janet Cowell wants to participate in publicly financed campaigns.

The Raleigh Democrat is backing a bill that would add the state treasurer to three statewide offices — auditor, schools superintendent and insurance commissioner — funded under a pilot program created in 2007.

Rep. Dan Blue, a Raleigh Democrat, and Sen. Doug Berger, a Franklin County Democrat, plan to introduce companion bills that would make the change.

A separate bill from Rep. Rick Glazier, a Fayetteville Democrat, would expand the campaign finance program to eight of the 10 Council of State positions.

Schools Superintendent June Atkinson and Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin were elected under the program last year. Auditor Beth Wood failed to raise enough qualifying donations.

Six other primary candidates also participated.

Update: "Public financing is a proven reform that gives voters more control over government, makes public officials more accountable to constituents and levels the playing field," Cowell said in a statement. "It also allows for greater transparency and avoids the appearance of conflicts of interest."