The AP reports that Connecticut candidates are lining up for public funds.

About 70 percent of the Nutmeg State’s candidates for General Assembly this year are expected to sign on to a new public financing election program. Not only does it provide hefty grants, it offers extra money to combat opponents who don’t participate and a promise of more cash to counter negative ads from third parties.

“Some objected to it originally, but they’re happy with it now,” said state Rep. Al Adinolfi, a Republican from Cheshire. “It gives them more time to get involved with the issues, it keeps everybody on a clean playing field.”