Campaign Finance

Attempts to limit the influence of money on American political campaigns date back to the 1860s. Since the Supreme Court overturned much of the legislation regulating campaign contributions, Super PACS have proliferated, and concern over the influence corporations have on elections is growing.

Furthermore, the ability to influence electoral outcomes with infusions of cash poses a significant challenge to the idea of equality. If the outcome of elections can be determined by the amount of money spent on the political campaign, then special interest donors have greater power to influence elections than the average voter. Such a situation unjustly violates the principle of equality that is fundamental to democratic government.

There absolutely should be reasonable limitations on the size of political contributions, public financing of political campaigns, and restrictions on total campaign spending. To encourage competent new candidates to challenge incumbents, we should pay higher salaries to elected officials and severely restrict incumbents' access to the use of paid staff and free postage for political purposes. These encouragements, when accomplished together, would be a great incentive for bright new citizens entry in the political realm that truly care about the people and not just the next election cycle.