Those behind this measure contend that the public no longer believed In public financing, clang that It was merely wasting tax monies. Since the sass’s federal Income tax forms allowed fellers to donate to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund. But, that program has never really been successful in raising campaign funds. In 2012, about 95% of the taxpayers did not donate the $3 to the fund. Donations to political parties and candidates is the other major funding source and has always been a “hot button” issue. Both the public and the candidates believe there must be a change In the funding and that Is nothing new.
But, exactly owe to do it is the continuing debate. The most recent federal legislation, the McCain-Offending Act of 2002, limited donations by individuals to only $1 ,OHO and Political Action Committees were limited to $5,000. These particular donations are known as “hard money” donations. Money which is donated by organizations but not targeting a specific candidate or campaign is sometimes termed “soft money. ” This money can be used for a political party on organizations, recruiting, or such things, without specifically naming a candidate.
This Is unregulated because It does not go too particular candidate, although some say that is the actual result. In other words, grass-roots organizing and state level or local level political matters eventual translate to the endorsement of higher level candidates, such as the presidency. So, in reality, these unregulated donations help to elect federal candidates. Obviously, the more money a candidate has, the more advantageous because of advertising and the huge expenses of travel and other costs of campaigning.
If certain industries, such as possible defense contractors, can donate huge amounts of money, the probability then exists as to whether that will sway the candidate when elected. The same holds true for the support of labor unions. When a labor organization backs a candidate with money, it is often assumed that the candidate will somehow be obligated to vote on the side of labor rather than management when elected. Democrats have historically been backed by labor unions while Republicans garner the donations of “big business. The continuing question then is how to, or whether to continue to try to regulate money donated that helps candidates. The money to run for office has to come from some source. If the taxpayers do not support the political candidates and parties, along with the election process, then the funding must come from private sources. The only other alternative Is candidates that are able, through their own assets, to candidates would have a chance at running a campaign at all but the most local levels.
Reform of the financing of political parties and candidates is not only possible, but can be very simple. If all restrictions were lifted, the candidates could receive money from corporations, individuals, labor unions and whatever sources they choose to accept. This would all be public knowledge and the individual voters would have access to this information. Candidates would be held accountable for their own enhancing and if accepting monies that were inappropriate, the candidate would be answerable not only for the money received, but the subsequent voting.
Public financing as in the “check off’ on tax returns should continue. Whether only a small percentage of people choose this option, it should still be possible. If the debate over financing is because of possibly affecting the way a candidate will perform when elected, financing is only one factor. Various situations have always affected the way an elected official votes such as their own political leanings, their constituents’ interests, and other things. Too much time and effort is spent instantly debating and changing financing laws.
Money eventually gets to the candidates and they successfully run their campaigns. It is time to Just let the voters look at the financing and the voting records or the candidates themselves and abandon the futile attempts at restricting the money going to politics.
