Monday, March 08, 2004
Millionaires Compete Against Billionaires for IL Senate Seat
I have nothing against rich people and wouldn't mind being rich myself. But, when you HAVE to be rich in order to be a public servant then something is wrong.
There are currently seven millionaires running for US Senate in Illinois. The seat is currently held by Peter Fitzgerald, himself a millionaire who used $13 million to win office six years ago. One of them, Blair Hull, has pledged to spend at least $40 million to win the seat this time around. You can find details here in the New York Times.
Millionaires don't always win. Indeed, in this case it seems that at least six will lose. But, their ability to spend money both promoting themselves and attacking their opponents gives them an unfair leg up and gives money too much influence in determining election outcomes.
I have nothing against rich people and wouldn't mind being rich myself. But, when you HAVE to be rich in order to be a public servant then something is wrong.
There are currently seven millionaires running for US Senate in Illinois. The seat is currently held by Peter Fitzgerald, himself a millionaire who used $13 million to win office six years ago. One of them, Blair Hull, has pledged to spend at least $40 million to win the seat this time around. You can find details here in the New York Times.
Millionaires don't always win. Indeed, in this case it seems that at least six will lose. But, their ability to spend money both promoting themselves and attacking their opponents gives them an unfair leg up and gives money too much influence in determining election outcomes.
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