One of the reasons - the big reason - that the Republicans did so well in this election is because they had gobs and gobs of money.
In fact, given how much money they spent, they should be ashamed of themselves, because they spent a lot of money on races which they lost. Think California, folks - Whitman spent $142 million of her own money in her race for the governorship - and lost.
I also come from a district where Giffords won despite huge signs everywhere for Jesse Kelly. He surely outspent her by a large margin. Heck, there were even ads on dailykos for him (and I clicked on them because I love the idea of Republicans funding dailykos).
I worked to get Giffords re-elected. I sent in money to several requests for national campaigns.
But, you know, I did not like getting half-a-dozen emails a day from the democrats asking for money.
The problem is, as we all know, the Citizens United decision. And Congress failed to even pass a disclosure act with respect to funding. It's really hard for them to do, because it means biting the hands that feed them.
But this might be something which we, the people, could manage.
What if we introduce ballot measures around the country demanding that all campaign ads disclose their donors? If we get this passed in several states - and it would be popular with citizens if not with corporations - then we just might slow down the selling of America.
I am not a lawyer, or a strategist, so I'd appreciate comments from the better informed.