As the second week of the government shutdown draws to a close, voices from across the nation have weighed in on possible causes of the seemingly intractable polarization gripping Washington.
When big money holds so much power over Albany, members of the public turn away in disgust, and democracy loses its lifeblood. Only comprehensive campaign finance reform, with public financing at its core, can restore public trust in government.
Wealthy interests have undue influence over Albany's policy choices, eroding public trust in government. Comprehensive campaign finance reform, with a small donor matching system like New York City's at its core, can help restore that trust.
The Senate's "independent" bloc may block the most promising reform of its generation — campaign finance reform with public financing at its core — one its own members have introduced. In effect, they may filibuster themselves.
