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"As we are now seeking to close the door on the extensive pay-to-play problem in New Jersey, we need a prosecutor who can focus his energies on that effort," said Pennacchio, R- Morris, Passaic. "The public deserves to have an independent investigator charged solely with ensuring that their taxpayer dollars are not being used to reward campaign contributors."

The bill, A-3076, would establish the office of special prosecutor in the Department of State. The special prosecutor, who would be independent from the supervision of that department, would be charged with investigating and prosecuting crimes involving the award of public contracts to certain business entities.

Pennacchio and Corodemus said that they hope not only to prosecute those who break the law, but to make public officials very reluctant to engage in pay-to-play deals even if such conduct is permitted within the letter of the law.

"The public is justifiably concerned as a result of the recent news coverage about the many indictments and investigations into misconduct by public officials," said Corodemus, R- Monmouth. "This appointment of this prosecutor will not only crack down on those cases where the law is being broken, but hopefully will create a climate where public officials will be wary of engaging in this type of behavior."

The bill allows the Governor to appoint the special prosecutor from a group of three qualified candidates chosen by the State Commission of Investigation (SCI). The prosecutor would then serve a five-year term.