Special Interest Money out of Washington

By Jeffrey L. Rainforth

Corporate and special interest money in the form of campaign contributions negatively impacts the way our legislators write bills which become law. Special interests expect something in return for their money, and they are getting it. I will push for Publicly Financed Elections. I will not take special interest money in return for favoritism on the part those same interests.

In 1956, 27-28 percent of the federal budget was collected from corporations in the form of taxes. In that same period, individuals contributed 56-57 percent of the total federal budget through income and payroll taxes. Today, taxes on corporations account for only 10 percent of the budget. Individuals have taken up the difference, and their taxes now fund 80 percent of the federal budget. Why has this happened? Because billion dollar corporations pay for our representatives election campaigns. In return, lobbyists are allowed to sit in, write tax laws, include exemptions, tax breaks, and loopholes for those who employ them. Today, some corporations do not even pay taxes, but receive tax rebates from our government. Supposedly, tax rebates are meant to create jobs for American workers, but in reality, many corporations have taken this money, and shipped their factories overseas, and laid off hundreds of thousands of employees. Furthermore, many businesses have tax havens in the Bahamas and elsewhere where they are exempt from federal tax laws. If the people have to pay their fair share of taxes, shouldn't American corporations? I say yes.

To end this unequal taxation, and the compromising on issues that results from special interests pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into our representatives election campaigns, I believe we must move towards publicly funded federal elections. I will work vociferously towards this end if I am elected. If I am elected, I will not allow special interest money to sway my vote. I do not need their money. I do not want their money. If I am elected, I will fight to uphold the Constitution of the United States as it was intended to be upheld, for the people.

Special interest money changes the outcome of bills intended to safeguard our water, food, and air. Special interest money influences bills on air travel safety, work place safety, tobacco regulation, multi-national trade agreements which export American jobs, and just about any issue where profit is involved. Take special interest money out of politics, and our legislators will be able to work side by side for the good of all Americans, and not just those with millions to burn to get their way. Vote Rainforth for U.S. Congress on Nov. 5th, and you will be represented in Washington. I will not take special interest money in return for voting the way the interests want me too. I will research the issues from all sides, and vote for what is best for Marin, and Sonoma counties, and for the people of the United States.