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Money in Politics?
Linked to groups: Montgomery County Progressive Alliance
I think most of us agree that we need public financing of campaigns to get the influence of money out of politics. But one thing we can't seem to get our head around is the problem of wealthy candidates, who may be progressive on many issues, essentially buying campaign victories by putting thousands of dollars into their own campaign. It's totally legal, and we can't outlaw it, but do people agree that we need to strongly discourage people from supporting candidates that are buying their seats?Here's one example I know of. A guy is running for Delegate in Montgomery County and is reportedly spending $60,000 of his own money to win the race. It's his right to do that, but it seems extremely excessive and not something that we should support.
Spending vs. fundraising
You're probably referring to spending money in a primary race. In my district, where Republican registration outnumbers Democratic by almost 2 to 1, if you're not prepared to spend your own money in a general election, there is essentially no chance of winning. Fundraising won't support the six figure number that even the Dem caucus says would be needed.
You're probably referring to spending money in a primary race. In my district, where Republican registration outnumbers Democratic by almost 2 to 1, if you're not prepared to spend your own money in a general election, there is essentially no chance of winning. Fundraising won't support the six figure number that even the Dem caucus says would be needed.
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By Bill Jacobs on Jun 8, 2006 4:37 PM EDTThe Kennedys are millionaires.
Would we begrudge them their offices if they spent their own money rather than raising it from others?
My resentment is reserved for candidates who seek to enrich their contributors at the public's expense, regardless of whether those contributors are corporate officers or the candidates themselves.
Alas, many candidates listed on DFA link are NOT progressives and proof of their stripes should be obtained by voters before supporting them.