While discussing the topic of term limits with some colleagues, I discovered that much of the support for term limits arises from issues which could be addressed by campaign finance reform. It got me thinking about campaign finance reform, especially at the local and state level. For example:
-Can individual states regulate campaign financing on the national level? More specifically, could campaigns for Congress be regulated at the state level?
-There isn't an incentive for campaign finance reform by current politicians, so meaningful reform would most likely come from citizen ballot initiatives. What would it take to make this happen?
-Can we end self-funded campaigns? How?
-What kind of changes does there need to be?
-What role should individuals, political parties, PACs, companies, organizations, etc. play in the funding of campaigns?
-And so on...
Naturally, I began some research into the topic. I need to do some more, but I'm starting to believe that campaign finance reform could be achieved through a citizen initiative.
Do you know more information that you would like to share about this?
Do you want to join me in my research?
Email me or post a comment.
12.23.2009
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Janelle, consider what the nature of Campaign limits are. Essentially limits on freedom of expression or political speech.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I would love to limit a destructive senator like Carl Levin to spending $100 on his re election bid, to do so fairly, I would have to limit his opponent. How might a "challenger" ever be given the same recognition as an incumbent?
Just food for thought.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, is this J. Gillman Sr. or Jr.?
Second, I would like to point out that this is a way to even the playing field between challengers and incumbents.
Campaign finance reform would even the playing field between citizens and special interest groups.
My idea is meant to be built upon. Not to be an "end all be all."
What are your ideas?
I just caught this post.
ReplyDeleteThis is my specialty area, and in fact my business is about compliance in these areas.
What I support is full disclosure, no limits, and full transparency. The only way the "special interests" are limited is if most voters actually understand the process and know about the candidates and who supports them.
Self Funders historically haven't done well. DeVos didn't win. Jon Corzine lost. Jon Stryker never ran for office. Rick Snyder is polling at about 2% People don't like self funders.
"""Can individual states regulate campaign financing on the national level? More specifically, could campaigns for Congress be regulated at the state level?"""
No. all congressional regulations are through the FEC.
""-There isn't an incentive for campaign finance reform by current politicians, so meaningful reform would most likely come from citizen ballot initiatives. What would it take to make this happen?"""
What kind of campaign finance reform are you looking for?
"""-What kind of changes does there need to be?"""
Informed citizens.
"-What role should individuals, political parties, PACs, companies, organizations, etc. play in the funding of campaigns?""
What is a PAC or special interest? It is a group of concerned citizens who support an issue coming together to support candidates on that issue. I'm on a PAC board. We don't have a lot of money, but we make endorsements and advertise them. People that follow our issue want to know who we endorsed and how we rated candidates. I think that's a good thing, instead of leaving it in the hand of newspapers.