Fair and Clean Elections
by Beth Fraser, Public Policy Organizer, Minnesota Alliance for Progressive Action (MAPA)
Funding for programs that promote children's well-being often gets shortchanged for politically popular tax rebates and increased military spending, among other things. Why are children so low on the political agenda when it comes to funding, when everyone agrees that we have no future without them? Part of the answer may stem from the fact that children and their advocates usually do not have big money to contribute to campaigns.
The year 2001 could bring change. Never before has so much attention been paid to election reform. And the spectacle of record-breaking fundraising during the presidential primary season and the national conventions added to the growing momentum. A national survey reported in the Washington Post shows that the electorate is widely convinced that our political system is broken because big money is corrupting the process and giving unfair advantages to wealthy and well-connected candidates.
The poll also confirms there is a strong and growing citizen's movement calling for the replacement of the current campaign finance system, with what is known as a system of "Fair and Clean Elections." This is happening on a national level as well as in many states. Citizens want a system in which 1) elections are not auctions; 2) candidates raise issues as a priority, not money; and 3) people have access to elected officials because they vote, not because they pay.
The Minnesota Alliance for Progressive Action (MAPA), of which WAMM is a member, wants to see ìFair and Clean Electionsî in Minnesota. We believe this type of reform is comprehensive, fair, and constitutional. At its heart, it provides candidates with the option of full public financing for their campaigns if they agree not to do private fundraising and to abide by spending limits. It also includes caps on soft money contributions and matching money for candidates that are unfairly impacted by political advertising. Fair and Clean Election systems live up to our value of democracy and encourage citizen participation.
Fair and Clean Election systems have been passed in four states, have survived several court challenges, and are being implemented this year in Maine, Vermont, and Arizona. According to the candidates who are using the systems in these states, this reform is already changing the way that politics works.
Arizona State Sen. Mark Spitzer (Republican) ran for a seat on the statewide Corporation Commission. He reports, "I've thoroughly enjoyed campaigning under the new system, which is really old-fashioned grassroots politics. I've heard from volunteers across the state and they are energized by this new system."
Democrat Barbara Lubin, a community and consumer activist, also ran for the Corporation Commission. She says, "[A]sking people from all walks of life for five dollars has been very rewarding for me but also for them. Retired people and people with modest incomes feel that they are a part of the political process that they once felt left out of."
WAMM will be joining forces with numerous other organizations and individuals to push for the adoption of a Fair and Clean Election system in Minnesota this coming legislative session. You can help us in this effort. There are lots of ways to get involved, based on your time, talents and interest. Activities range from writing letters to the editor, to calling elected officials, to hosting an educational workshop or a speaker on Fair and Clean Elections in organizations where you are involved.
To learn more or to get involved in the campaign for Fair and Clean Elections, please call Beth Fraser at 651-641-4050. Working together, we will bring Fair and Clean Elections to Minnesota!
Take Action!
Contact Beth Fraser, public policy organizer, to get involved with MAPA's Fair and Clean Election campaign.
Minnesota Alliance for Progressive Action (MAPA)
1821 University Avenue, Suite #S-307
St. Paul, MN 55104
651-641-4050 (phone)
651-641-4053 (fax)
staff@mapa-mn.org
www.mapa-mn.org