Pipkin is being criticized for participating in the "pay-to-play" system, yet he took part not as a politician receiving a contribution, but as a private campaign donor with a personal agenda. The real issue is not that Pipkin did what he believed necessary to save the Bay from unwanted pollutants, but that he was right when he said his donation was "the most direct way to reach key leaders."

It's odd to see a state Senator taking heat for being on the other side of the campaign money chase, but it's also a great example of a system gone awry. More and more often, fundraising has become the deciding factor in political races. Here's a good contrast: what happens when waste is being dumped in the water near a low-income neighborhood? If the best way to be heard is by making a hefty donation, what happens to the millions who can't afford to pay the "price" to have a voice? Too often, the answer is simple: nothing happens for them.

Pipkin's case highlights why Maryland is in need of campaign finance reform. When politicians no longer have to answer solely to campaign contributors they can focus on listening to every constituent, which can be done through publicly funded elections. Public financing empowers lawmakers to do what is best for the whole, not just the few.

Maryland currently has an optional system of public financing available only for gubernatorial candidates. This bill, passed in 1974, states: "...our system of representative government depends in part on guaranteeing that election campaigns are funded by and for the people and on eliminating the corrupting and undemocratic effects of large private contributions ... an equitable means of public campaign financing is necessary in these times in order for representative democracy to continue to function effectively."

Despite such strong words for public financing, Maryland has still not passed a "Clean Elections" full public financing system for legislative races. We're working to get it passed this session.