The Role of Money in Politics

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The Role of Money in Politics

• By Democracy Matters at Oklahoma State University

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HOW DO PRIVATELY FUNDED ELECTIONS WORK?
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IS THERE ANY WAY WE CAN MAKE CONGRESS
ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PEOPLE AGAIN?YES, AND THIS
PLAN EVEN HAS BIPARTISAN SUPPORT FROM CONGRESS
AND VOTERS
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WHO IS FIGHTING FOR CLEAN AND FAIR ELECTIONS
EVERYDAY?WE ARE.
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Publicly Financed Campaigns to Strengthen
American Democracy with the Fair Elections Now
Act, special interest lobbyists will hold no more
influence over clean candidates than do average
American citizens. Legislation written and passed
by clean candidates will be representative of the
needs of their constituents and community. Clean
candidates do not have to worry about fundraising
and can focus their time in office on
representing voters instead of donors. Once
elected, clean candidates will represent the
interests of voters instead of big donors and
special interest lobbyists. Released from having
to cater to big donors, clean candidates are able
to do the grassroots mobilization and voter
outreach that puts them in direct contact with
voters. Maine, Arizona, Vermont, Connecticut, New
Mexico, North Carolina, and Oregon all have
successful forms of a fair election system. 84
of the Maine legislature are clean candidates.
When a candidate receives public funding, they
are considered a clean candidate and are no
longer allowed to raise or spend any private
money. To demonstrate broad public support, a
candidate must gather signatures supporting their
candidacy and small donations that go to fund the
fair elections system. Those who demonstrate
leadership and have good ideas for their
community are given the opportunity to run a
competitive campaign, regardless of their own
wealth or access to other peoples wealth. It is
a voluntary system that protects free speech
other candidates can still choose to raise and
spend private money. To qualify for public
financing, candidates must demonstrate that they
have significant public support from their
constituency. To gain favor with big donors,
politicians write and pass legislation that
favors them at the expense of the public good.
Conflicts of interest arise when politicians take
money from the same industries for which they
must write laws. Instead of focusing on the needs
of the people, politicians spend 1/3 of their
time in office raising money for their next
campaign. To get wealthy special interest money,
politicians need to appeal to their needs and
interests. Only 0.25 of the population in
America donates 200 or more to a political
campaign. The majority of campaign funding comes
from corporations, banks, billionaires, wealthy
special interests. Donating more money to
campaigns gains greater influence over
politicians who are in office. To raise money for
their campaign, politicians solicit donations
from wealthy people and groups. Candidates have
to raise and use private funds to finance their
campaigns. Campaign staff, office space,
advertisements, travel, etc., cost lots of money.
In over 90 of congressional races, the candidate
who raises the most money wins. To get elected,
candidates are forced to run competitive and
costly campaigns.