Could we have clean elections for Congress?

In our opinion, one of the Massachusetts legislature’s more disgraceful acts in the last 50 years was the repeal (in 2003) of the public financing of elections law created by vote of the people after an initiative petition.

Sitting legislators feel threatened by public financing. The thought that some unknown person with little money-raising ability could run against them using state money to level the playing field sends chills up their spines.

But the idea of public financing of campaigns makes so much sense that some states (like Maine) have successfully enacted so-called “Clean Elections” laws. Now we all have the chance to push for such an act for federal elections to Congress.

Senate Majority Leader Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) have introduced the “Fair Elections Now Act” to bring Clean Elections to the U.S. Senate. The fact that the majority leader has pledged to lead this fight in the Senate with the support of a leading minority Senator represents a significant milestone in the history of Clean Elections. Meanwhile, Massachusetts’ own Representative, John Tierney, will introduce similar legislation in the house with the help of Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), and Todd Platts (R-PA).

Common Cause has put the full weight of its organization behind these efforts, and if you would like to communicate your support of Fair Elections Now, they will hand-deliver your message. Just go to http://www.StopTheMoneyChase.org/Petition

The final bill has not yet been written but it should include the following elements:

o To qualify for public financing, candidates must agree to forego private contributions and raise a set number of $5 qualifying contributions. The number of contributions required is dependent on the population and number of congressional districts in each state.
o The amount of funding candidates would receive is also dependent on the state population and number of congressional districts. Also included in the funding formula is a possible adjustment for media markets.
o Candidates would receive broadcast vouchers discounting the cost of ads run near the end of primary and general election campaigns.
o Fair Elections participants that face privately financed opponents are eligible to receive “fair fight funds” to keep the race on a level playing field.

Even the most sincere and honest Congressman or woman cannot avoid being influenced by the need to raise huge amounts of money to run for office (and 2008 promises to be a record- breaking year for campaign fund raising). It’s time to take the fat cats out of the equation and make our $5 donations the key!

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