What I Believe

By Paul Nave

"The drive and determination I used to win a world title is the same drive and determination I will use to represent this state".

The political system is partly to blame for the budget deficit. Money is everything in politics and without money you don't win. The media follows the money, with money you become a player in the media's eyes.

The unspoken word in politics is the legalized fixing by special interest groups. They don't give politicians money for nothing. In regard to legislative candidates, prior to giving any money, many special interest groups consult with you first through lengthy questionnaires, that by answering, result in what your stance is on questions that pander to their agenda. And then and only then, if you have answered all the questions to their satisfaction you may have the opportunity to receive their money. Many groups will then want to talk to you personally to make sure you are completely supportive of their agenda, and that you will do everything in your power, to pass any and all legislation that will benefit their group. Upon affirming your support for the particular group, substantial campaign contributions are then normally realized. As a candidate, if you receive special interest group money, especially from a deep pocket group, you must know that once you're in office if you don't do everything in your power to pass or block legislation that favors the special interest group, they will use all their power and resources to get you out of office when you come up for re-election.

State politicians become reliant on continued campaign contributions from special interest groups, thus they continue to try to satisfy and push the agenda of these groups, by way of legislation, often costing the state millions of dollars.

Furthermore, the state assembly seats are only a two year term, and many freshman assembly members are pre-occupied with raising campaign money as soon as they get to office.

Due to the stranglehold that special interest groups have on politicians, the two year term limit in the assembly and many other issues makes political reform in the state of California a necessity.