ELECTION SPENDING REFORM

By Doug Quelland

Today's elections are not necessarily based on the best candidate but rather who spends the most money. Doug believes this needs to be reformed to eliminate the current situation of having career politicians being a majority of our elected representatives.

We have in this country a government that only money can buy. Notice I did not say the best government money can buy. I believe that if we all stopped for a minute and thought about it, we not only would agree, but also would see the need to take the impact of money out of our system of government.

The Supreme Court has ruled that campaign spending is a form of free speech. We can debate that all we want but I would rather look the Supreme Court squarely in the eye and tell them that they do not rule but rather interpret.

There is a trick trivia question that I have often asked classes that I teach. What is the only law the U.S Supreme Court cannot rule unconstitutional? Take a few minutes and when you have thought enough, the answer is THE CONSTITUTION. The only way to keep big money from buying elections is to pass a Constitutional Amendment. Only clear thinking liberals, conservatives, Republicans, Democrats, and Independents need consider writing this amendment. The Parties themselves have hidden agendas that would only get in the way of a necessary amendment.

We must take special interest groups out of the process, Political Action Committees (PAC) out of the process, Unions out of the process, wealthy individuals out of the process and all parties that would wish to unduly influence the outcome of free and democratic elections.

One of my opponents spent $590,000 to gain election in 1994 and spent $512,000 to gain election in 1996. All that money for a yearly paycheck of ¼ that amount.

I will spend less than $5,000 on this campaign and will get my message across. Everyone that votes on November 3rd will have heard of my positions and will be able to vote Independent in the 4th Congressional District Let's not kid ourselves, I can run an effective campaign on $5,000 or less. Compared to $500,000 it just does not add up. The two major parties have found that issues may win elections but money buys elections. The more money they spend seems to increase their chances to win. I believe this is why they spend so little time debating the issues.

I plan on winning this election but I won't buy it. If your vote is up for sale, I'm not buying. If your vote is for independence from the influence of money in all campaigns than I am the Reason to Vote Again.

Against All Odds, I will be your next U.S. Congressman in the 4th District."