FREEDOM OF INFORMATION COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT
In the Matter of a Request     for Advisory Opinion	) )
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	)     Advisory Opinion   #11
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Republican Town Committee of the Town of Barkhamsted, Applicant	)     January, 21, 1976
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At its meeting of January 14, 1976, the Commission agreed to furnish an advisory ruling in response to the request of the above‑named applicant.

Writing for the Republican Town Committee of the Town of Barkhamsted, its secretary asked whether or not Public Act 75-342 governs political parties.

This inquiry is answered in the negative for the reason a political party is not a public agency as defined by §1(a) of P.A. 75‑342. It is recognized that in the constitutional system followed by this State a political party fills a role as an adversary participant in the electoral process that is essential to the well‑being of the community's governing institutions. To that extent, it may be recognized as being within the generic description of "public agency."

The jurisdiction of the Freedom of Information Commission is limited, however, to those public agencies that are encompassed by P.A. 75‑342. It must follow that a political party is not an executive, administrative, or legislative office of the State or any political subdivision of the State and is consequently not a public agency.

                                                                                            By Order of the Freedom of
                                                                                            Information Commission

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                                                                                            Herbert Brucker, Chairman of
                                                                                            of the Freedom of Information
                                                                                            Commission

Date ___________________

Ordered_________________

Louis J. Tapogna, Clerk