We’ve had some interesting campaign reform discussions as of late here at A.D. A lot of people have some interesting thoughts on IRV, and I loved one site in particular that used the muppets to demonstrate how it all works. Yet another prospect of reform, is the public financing of campaigns. A few states are currently trying this out. You can check out Clean Money-Clean Election or CMCE voting reform at this
website Here’s how it works
Candidate Mega-Bucks, the CEO of Mega-Bucks Company, files for office. He doesn’t accept CMCE money since he has millions of dollars from his puppet-masters..er…uh….special interest donated money.
Candidate Smith, a retired social worker, files for office. He doesn’t have millions of dollars, but garners a set amount of small donations, meets ballot status criteria in his given state-and he earns public financing dollars for his primary election. He becomes his party’s nominee for the general election and receives a stipend for that election. In taking the public funds, he agrees to abide by rules such as not taking any subsequent money for his campaign.
Advantages
-It creates a somewhat level playing field for those who run against Mr. Mega-Bucks
-If publicly financed candidates win, they aren’t beholden to any special interests
-Participation in the public finance campaign program is completely voluntary. Any candidate can refuse to take part in the system.
-With minor fundraising standard requirements, not every crack-pot who files for office will receive public election funds
-If Mega-bucks got hit on the head and accepted CMCE funds for some strange reason, he would have to give up any other funds for his campaign.
Disadvantages
-Public funds have to be procured somehow(do it through gambling, people won’t care as much in my opinion)
Questions for debate:1.)In light of the above information, are you sold on the idea of CMCE for your state?2.)Do you buy the CMCE argument that publicly funded candidates are not beholden to corrupt influences? Please explain your answer……
3.)If CMCE were implemented in your state, how should the funds be raised? How would it be fair to those on a fixed, limited income like the elderly?4.)Would you accept CMCE funds against a well-financed opponent?