| Clean Money Campaign Reform, aimed at cutting the direct
connection between candidates and special interest contributors (both PACs
and individuals), has now been adopted in six states and two cities while
30 other states are working toward similar reform.
Connecticut voters last year
approved Clean Money for all statewide elections.
Unsurprisingly, nearly 80% of Americans believe that elected officials
are more accountable to those who give money to their campaigns than to
ordinary people. The current campaign finance system, which almost invariably
provides contributors some sort of quid pro quo in the form of tax breaks,
relaxed regulation, or other special treatment, has alienated the public
and helped reduce participation in what should be the world's most vibrant
democracy.
As long as private money finances campaigns, private (special) interests
will continue to exercise undue influence on the legislative process.
The solution? Clean Money Campaign Reform, aimed at cutting the direct
connection between candidates and special interest contributors (both PACs
and individuals), has now been adopted in 4 states and 33 other states
are working toward similar reform.
Clean Money Campaign Reform proposals provide candidates a set amount
of public financing for their election campaigns if the candidates voluntarily:
-
agree to spending limits and
-
forego private money.
Participating candidates qualify by demonstrating broad public support,
not by raising money (as in the presidential campaigns, which are partially
publicly funded).
As campaign reform measures meet gridlock in the national Capitol Washington,
D.C., states throughout the country have taken the lead by advancing Clean
Money Campaign Reform proposals to cut special interest influence over
campaigns for election and our political system.
In 1996, Maine voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot initiative establishing
a Clean Money finance system for their governor's race and state legislative
races. In 1997, Vermont Legislature passed Clean Money Campaign Reform.
In 1998, citizens in Arizona resoundingly adopted comprehensive campaign
finance reform initiatives.
To learn more about how campaigns are financed in Wyoming or about Clean
Money Campaign Reform, please explore the following websites:
ESPC's Wyoming LAP* Book (*Legislative
Acountability Project)
National Institute on Money
in State Politics
Public Campaign
(Clean Money Campaign Reform information)
http://www.publicampaign.org
Center for Responsive Politics
Project Vote Smart
(Wyoming information)
http://www.vote-smart.org/ce/states/WY/ |
