Our democracy is in danger. We must reform the way we finance political campaigns to ensure the most vibrant democracy possible. Are these statements sensationalist? I believe they are not. Is having our candidate pool restricted to the financial elite or politically connected the best path to a vibrant democracy? I believe it is not. Is the solution to this problem one that is elusive and difficult? I believe it is not.
Many citizens are restricted from running for elected office simply due to lack of access to the funds needed to be a viable candidate. This affects all of us, no matter our party affiliation. There is a bi-partisan effort in congress to fix this problem. The Fair Elections Now Act put forth by Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Congressman John Tierney (D-MA) is a step in the right direction; however, there is a critical subtlety that, if addressed, can make this bill the hallmark campaign finance reform bill of the modern political era: The limits on the matching funds the government will provide must be eliminated.
Read how this can be achieved simply and transparently below the jump.
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