Clean Elections - Yes!
Privately funded (traditional) campaigns are a corrupting force in state and national politics. Some elected officials are able to weather this environment, but for anyone holding office, the constant need to raise money is, at a minimum, a distraction.
While they are the norm, privately funded campaigns are undemocratic simply because large donors have a more influential voice than small donors. Voters know this and have become apathetic and cynical. Every American will be better served when viable political candidates need only have experience, passion, and an effective message in order to win. This is reality in a number of states and cities where lawmakers have taken bold action. Arizona, Maine, and nine other states and cities have passed some form of this democratizing alternative to conventional campaign financing. Once passed in Texas, it will offer a chance for any candidate to run a real grassroots campaign, free from the tyranny of constant fundraising.
Candidates wishing to run Clean are required to solicit a specific number of $5 donations. Once qualified, they are granted an amount of money that has been determined by a specific formula, and may not accept any more contributions. If they’re running against a “dirty” opponent who raises more than the Clean grant, matching funds are provided.
A Clean Elections program in Texas will:
• Increase individual donations to any candidate running Clean.
• Improve civic participation from all demographic groups.
• Generate interest in state politics and public affairs.
• Put Texas in a leadership position as we would be the first large state to adopt this measure.
No state that has implemented a CE system has withdrawn it or even has curtailed its use. Clean Elections has been embraced by the public, the business community, politicians, and the courts. It costs the taxpayers less than $10 per person per election cycle.
The voters in Texas deserve no less that what voters in Arizona, Maine, Connecticut, Vermont, and North Carolina are now beginning to take for granted.
Posted: February 8th, 2007 under Ethics in gov't.
