Special Interests/Campaign Finance Reform

By Sandra A. "Sandy" Carey

Special Interest Financing of Political Campaigns is the single most corrupting influence on our Demcracy.

Special interests own the day when it comes to the financing of a political campaign. I believe that this disenfranchises the voters and creates a climate of distrust and an accountability to special interests contributors rather than to the people. This has headed us in a very dangerous direction - in our state and in our country.

I am distressed that the people have lost faith in their government and believe that they do not have a voice. It is desparately significant that typically 40% or less of the eligible population feels compelled to vote. I am convinced that this is largely due to the fact that people believe, and rightly so, that special interests own the elections and that partisan politics, for the sake of "the party" (whatever party), dictate the rules.

How can we change this? Clean Money is a compelling step in the right direction. As your Assemblymember, I will sponsor legislation that will disallow special interest money to be raised or spent in any election, thereby opening up the "free speech" debate once again. We must also close the existing loopholes governing limits on campaign contributions and the number of "campaign accounts" a candidate can have to raise funds for their election. Further, I believe there should be a ceiling on what can be spent in any given campaign, regardless of the personal wealth of the candidate, and that this ceiling should be modest.

This will limit the resources available for "trash and burn" campaign strategies. We need to encourage and to make it possible for moderate candidates from both parties to run - and win - Assembly and Senate seats in our Legislature. What this would mean to you is more impartial representation in your government, helping to ensure that you have an audible voice in Sacramento.