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Published on Public Campaign Action Fund (http://www.campaignmoney.org)

The Real Scandal: Our Pay-to-Play Campaign Finance System

By Nancy Watzman
Created Jan 17 2006 - 7:43am

Check out Public Campaign's editorial memorandum [1]on the need for comprehensive campaign finance reform in the wake of the scandals swirling around Reps. Tom DeLay, Bob Ney, Jack Abramoff, etc. and etc. From the memo:
With scandals swirling around disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff and Rep. Tom DeLay (R-TX), likely to spread to dozens of members of Congress and aides, official Washington’s reply is to offer lobbying reform proposals. While lobbying reform is important, these proposals lack the crucial element needed to restore public confidence in our political system: addressing the pay-to-play campaign finance system that puts lobbyists and other special interests ahead of ordinary voters. In contrast, Connecticut, Arizona, Maine, and other states and localities are passing and implementing practical, proven full public financing systems that allow candidates to run for office without being in the pocket of well heeled donors.


Source URL:
http://www.campaignmoney.org//blog/2006/01/17/the-real-scandal-our-pay-to-play-campaign-finance-system