Public Campaign Action Fund - Clean Elections

More Miller?

Katie Schlieper — Thu, 15 May 2008 10:50:19 -0500

Well this isn't the best news for the campaign to win Clean Elections in Maryland. Senate President Mike Miller (D), a staunch opponent of Clean Elections who has obstructed passage of the legislation in the last two legislative sessions, is considering running for office again despite having said previously that this term would be his last. Miller has been in the state Senate since 1975. Appropriately enough, Miller may announce his run at a fundraising event.

Fund It

Katie Schlieper — Thu, 15 May 2008 10:35:57 -0500

The Asbury Park Press issues a stern warning to New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine and the state legislature to restore funding for the state's Clean Elections pilot program and expand eligibility to include primary races, where newcomers have the best chance to mount competitive bids.

Drop Something, Gov. Paterson?

Katie Schlieper — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:22:52 -0500

Hey, we know it's hectic when you start a new job but it seems that in all the chaos of assuming office following Eliot Spitzer's rather hasty departure New York Governor David Paterson forgot his reform agenda. The New York Times reminds him what it looked like.

Tipped Hats All Around

Katie Schlieper — Mon, 05 May 2008 16:04:12 -0500

Mary Ann Lindley of the Tallahassee Democract gives a "tip of the hat" to Florida state Sen. Alex Villalobos for declaring his support for public financing of campaigns and I in turn tip my hat to Lindley for a well-written editorial on why it's high time we address how campaigns are financed, and policy written.

Romney on Reform

Katie Schlieper — Mon, 05 May 2008 12:45:57 -0500

We've touched on former presidential candidate and former Gov. Mitt Romney's (R-MA) now he does/now he doesn't support for public financing of elections, principally in the context of his work as Governor to abolish the voter-approved Clean Elections system in Massachusetts. Here, Romney talks to PolitickerME before a speech at Maine Republican Convention, and comes out against public financing of elections, while saying he's not familiar with Maine's Clean Elections program.

Good for Speech

Katie Schlieper — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:28:10 -0500

This letter by Michael Armstrong, reprinted from the Santa Fe New Mexican in Black Enterprise handily takes on many arguments put forth in opposition to full public financing of elections in a brief but effective summary of the many reasons we spend our days working for Clean Elections.

Not Impressed

Katie Schlieper — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:24:24 -0500

Man, disillusionment with Sen. John McCain is running rampant these days. David Sirota, in his most recent column, courtest of the San Francisco Chronicle, writes about his past admiration for the Senator that has suffered in light of McCain's recent compromises on issues like Clean Elections, and combating the influence of money in politics. Don't betray a reformers trust, John.

News You Can Use

Katie Schlieper — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:08:03 -0500

The Calvin College chapter of Democracy Matters makes the news for their efforts to rally support behind the Fair Elections Now Act in the Senate, and public funding of elections as the state and federal level. Great work by the students, and a very positive story!

Faces of Reform

Katie Schlieper — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:34:01 -0500

The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle devotes today's "Friday faceoff" column to opposing views on Clean Elections. The Clean Elections supporter touts the value in cutting the cord between special interest money and legislators, the detractor doesn't like the requirements placed on third party candidates.

Clean Elections Introduced In New York

Katie Schlieper — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:34:20 -0500

Elizabeth Benjamin at the New York Daily News covers New York City Council member Tony Avella's introduction yesterday of Clean Elections legislation to cover city races, an upgrade on New York's existing matching funds program. The article's a bit dismissive of Clean Elections in general but does mention the precedent for pursuing new campaign finance solutions in the city.