Post-election, support deepens for NJ Clean Elections
By Josh Zaharoff
Posted on Thu Dec 06, 2007 at 09:29:12 AM EST
Another New Jersey paper editorializes in favor of expanding the "Clean Elections" public financing system statewide:
If lawmakers need proof that clean elections should be held in every district, they ought to consider the numbers from the Nov. 6 elections.
Statewide turnout was a dismal 32 percent. But Democratic and Republican candidates broke state fundraising records, pulling in $82.45 million for the general election and the primary. They spent $68.8 million of that money.
...
Most of those record sums came from the same special-interest groups that continue to help decide, with their money, who will speak for New Jerseyans and for them.
The editorial goes into more depth on the need for clean elections, which I'll post below the fold.
As discussed earlier, recent polling highlighted the improved experience for voters in Clean Elections districts versus those in private financing districts. All signs from inside and outside the New Jersey legislature point to expanding the program, which seems increasingly like a no-brainer.
Here's more from the Courier Post:
If asked, most legislators insist they are not influenced by big-money contributors. Yet, big money often decides if they can even run for office.
New Jersey's campaign rules allow county political parties and legislative leaders to accept money from big donors, including those who benefit from government business. These county bosses and legislative leaders can also funnel money around the state to help or hurt candidates. It is nearly impossible for an independent candidate without major-party backing to win election. Clearly, donors put their money behind candidates who can do the most to promote or protect their interests.
This party-controlled system is eroding participatory democracy in New Jersey. Lawmakers have made half-hearted reforms that conveniently leave huge loopholes to continue business as usual. But voters shouldn't throw up their hands and sit out the elections. Rather, they should protest the lack of meaningful reforms and demand that clean election programs be launched in every district. The program should also be changed to allow more money to go to independent candidates.
Clean elections require candidates to raise money in small denominations from hundreds of people. Big donors have less clout in such elections. If done right, clean elections could eventually give average voters a reason to go to the polls because they will be more involved in picking their representatives. That's how it should be.
Tags: new jersey, clean elections, public financing, money in politics (all tags)
You are not logged in.
In order to post a comment, you must be logged in. If you have a member account, please log in to comment.
If not, you can make an account just by filling out the form below. It's quick and free.
