Although no system can stop individuals from behaving badly, public financing combined with strong enforcement, disclosure, and reasonable contribution limits can change Albany's "show me the money" culture.
The Brennan Center for Justice submitted a letter to a California Senate Committee defending the constitutionality of the state's DISCLOSE Act and urging support for the legislation.
The Senate’s failure to respond meaningfully to the Newtown massacre was deplorable, but the real tragedy is that it was utterly predictable. In our "show me the money" political system, special interests and their armies of lobbyists call the tunes.
Nobody ever marched for election administration. But millions have marched for democracy. Thanks to the voting wars of 2012, they may be ready to do so again.
For the government to work, we need competence and public trust. Nothing will restore public trust more than campaign finance reform. And a small donor matching system, like New York City's program, is critical.
