I am going to propose the simplest, most easily enforced way to reform campaign financing while rescinding the McCain-Feingold Act (Bi-Partisan Campaign Finance Reform Act).
Only individual American citizens, may donate to any political campaign.
You will never see a politician propose such a bill for consideration. Politicians live by group donations. They thrive on corporate donations. Groups provide an easy way for politicians to speak in front of an audience.
Of course, not only will you never see such a bill proposed, nothing like this would never pass. Every interest group in the country would apply pressure in an example of teamwork not seen since the 1980 Winter Olympics. Without the influence groups bring to bear in elections, those very groups might simply wither and die. Those heading the groups would lose that gravy train. And so would the politicians.
Freedom of speech? The First Amendment was written to guarantee that right for individuals. Groups have no such right.
As the furor of last week has died down, I think it is time to revive it and push all our “representatives” to support it. Need an author for the proper wording? I think not. My second paragraph is all the law needs to say.
I agree.
Comment by David Boxenhorn — March 7, 2005 @ 2:48 pm
OMG~! Mike, using your method, the Washington DC inner beltway would die on the vine. 99.9% of the political graft that drives either party and slops at the public trough, is fueled by special interest money raised by some group wishing to restrict somebody else’s rights. Either property owners, gun owners, or free speech, these seem to be the popular targets these days.
Comment by John — March 7, 2005 @ 3:48 pm
You might want to check out Canadas’ Finance reform for Federal Elections.
Bill C-24:
http://www.parl.gc.ca/common/bills_ls.asp?Parl=37&Ses=2&ls=c24#EPublic
Parties get $1.75 per vote in the last general election.
“Groups” aren’t banned.. but are limited to only $1000 per group. The whole process is overseen by the Elector General.
“Concerns have also been expressed that corporations and unions may try to find ways around the prohibition on donations. There is anecdotal evidence regarding companies asking employees to make political donations, and then reimbursing them under the table. While Bill C-24 contains provisions to combat such behaviour, there are likely to be difficulties in proving such activities. Whether these anti-avoidance provisions will be sufficient will become clear only over time.”
Anyway, just thought I’d point it out as a recent example of campaign finance reform.
Comment by Chris — March 7, 2005 @ 4:13 pm
I like the $1.75 per vote method!
Of course, many big money people (on both sides) do the same with having their employees donate. I think the only way to really rein this all in is something similar to what I’ve proposed, or something along the lines of what Canada did.
Most of those who would be out of work are people with much money in their bank accounts already, and interns.
Comment by Bunker — March 7, 2005 @ 4:23 pm
You have my concurrence. I wrote my Senators and Congressman, and will probably never hear back from them. But I’ll continue to remind them of the Constitution they swore to defend.
Comment by Marvin — March 7, 2005 @ 8:42 pm
Ya I really liked the $1.75 per vote thing as well… strikes me as one of those “simple” solutions that are far too UNcommon in politics.
Not every party automatically gets the buck seventy five though… a party has to get at least 2% of the popular vote in order to qualify. They actually mention in the discussion of the bill i linked to that this was in a way a form of proportional representation. Which is very nice to see.
So, even though the Green Party has never occupied a seat in the House they got 3% of the vote.. so they get more money than they have ever had before for their next campaign.
Cool stuff.
Chris
Comment by Chris Alemany — March 7, 2005 @ 9:27 pm
And a good NAFTA import from Canada if we could make it happen!
Comment by Bunker — March 8, 2005 @ 5:39 am
Bunker’s CFR Proposal
Bunker Mulligan From Bunker: “I am going to propose the simplest, most easily enforced way to reform campaign financing while rescinding the McCain-Feingold Act (Bi-Partisan Campaign Finance Reform Act). Only individual American citizens, may donate t…
Trackback by The Commons at Paulie World — March 8, 2005 @ 10:30 am
Hmm – That would nullify the PAC that I belong to at my company, but it is a true reform. I would have to think a bit about the net result…
Comment by Barb — March 8, 2005 @ 10:39 am