New York legislative candidates looking for some extra cash for this year's campaign can apply to Responsible New York 2008.

The "application form" doesn't seek a lot of personal details about political qualifications, background or experience. No, the political action committee — or rather its founder and sole benefactor, Thomas B. Golisano — wants to know what the candidates think about a number of issues confronting New York.

The billionaire and former gubernatorial candidate is putting $5 million of his money into the committee to finance state Assembly and Senate candidates committed to his version of reform. Among his objectives are responsible state budgeting, property tax reform, government transparency and an end to unfunded state mandates and back-door borrowing.

To determine if candidates qualify for a share of the $5 million, Mr. Golisano is asking them to fill out a rather simple, 35-question survey. Most can be answered with a yes, no or unsure.

For example, do you feel our government has been responsible in their fiduciary position to the taxpayers of New York? Should the state adopt "zero-based budgeting?

A two-part question addresses the way Albany functions: "Do you believe our legislators have direct input in the state budget process? If no, is it truly a 'three-men in a room scenario?'"

Some questions beg a "right" answer. Addressing another common complaint of good-government groups, Mr. Golisano's survey asks if the Assembly speaker, majority leader and governor "should control close to a billion dollar 'slush fund' for pork barrel spending?" Who would say yes to a slush fund?

There are no multiple choice or true/false questions, but applicants and politicians who aren't prone to simple yes or no answers will have the chance to express themselves more freely in personal essays in answers to three questions.

The survey will not be the sole basis for deciding who will receive Responsible New York's funding. The decision will also consider a candidate's background, character and viability of their race. Incumbents beware. Voting records will also be considered.

Three questions relate to improving government transparency, and one essay question asks what would be the "most effective way" to keep elected officials accountable.

Maybe, in keeping with theme of transparency, Mr. Golisano will also share with the rest of us the candidates' responses so we all know what they think. And that might also help keep elected lawmakers accountable.