(UPDATED 10/19/08) Clean Money - it is possible, you know?
October 9, 2008 | 7 Comments
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October 19th: As of today, the following have agreed to co-sponsor the bill: Haley, Hamilton, Wylie, Roland Smith, Huggins, Pitts, Simrill, Murrell Smith, Cobb-Hunter, Harrell, Merrill, Gullick, James Smith, Owens, Philips, Jennings, Garry Smith.
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Having two kids under the age of 4 , I tend to have alot of spilled milk around our house that leads to alot of cleanups. In your house (the State House), we also have alot of cleanups that should be going on as well. And many of us are trying.
Last year, it was Earmark Reform . While we didn’t pass my bill, we did pass a version of the bill (less teeth that I had hoped) as a House Rule.
Last month, we talked about On-The-Record Voting (which I’m pleased to say is gaining momentum all over the state…local civic groups….. newspaper editorials …. elected officials from both parties …..basically, anyone with a brain!)
Now, it’s time to clean up the mother’s-milk of politics: MONEY . Or, specifically, how elected officials and candidates for office disclose their contributions.
It really bothers me that there’s an expression in politics that says: “There are two types of candidates. Those that raise money - and losers.” While this is not always the case (note: several candidates have worked their tail off and been outspent by large amounts and still come out on top), money can be a good indicator of how much support a person has garnered.
As someone who had NO ONE in his corner on Day One (well, actually had 10 folks at my house in December 2003), I really don’t fault anyone for accepting any money, from anywhere, at anytime (as long as it’s legal). Folks, it costs money to run races and (people often forget) to stay in touch with your constituents. Those constituent surveys, constituent-service nights, end-of-year summaries and phone calls aren’t free!
Much has been made in the past few years about “out-of-state money” trying to influence our state government. I’m not sure if I believe the crowd that says it’s all bad. I certainly would also never say that folks are ever “bought and paid for.” Read more