Tuesday, December 23, 2003
Evidence that Reform is Working in Arizona
The Arizona Capital Times is reporting that a campaign finance system put in place in 1998 has resulted in a dramatic increase in very small contributions from citizens who live outside of the major urban area in the state.
The number of small contributions to candidates for governor that came from outside Maricopa county more than tripled. This will mean political influence will be more equitably distributed across the state of Arizona as opposed to being concentrated in Paradise Valley, the state's wealthiest zip code.
Seems like a system that other states should look into. More details are available here from the Arizona Clean Elections Institute.
The Arizona Capital Times is reporting that a campaign finance system put in place in 1998 has resulted in a dramatic increase in very small contributions from citizens who live outside of the major urban area in the state.
The number of small contributions to candidates for governor that came from outside Maricopa county more than tripled. This will mean political influence will be more equitably distributed across the state of Arizona as opposed to being concentrated in Paradise Valley, the state's wealthiest zip code.
Seems like a system that other states should look into. More details are available here from the Arizona Clean Elections Institute.
Monday, December 22, 2003
Minnesotans Work For Initiative and Referendum Rights
A coalition called Let Minnesotans vote is working to support a bill that would create a statewide initiative and referendum process in Minnesota. Minnesota already has I&R at the local level, but voters do not have the ability to enact law themselves on a statewide basis. Details can be found here in the Pioneer Press.
Particularly when it comes to issues such as campaign finance reform, the ballot initiative process is an important tool. Incumbents often have an interest in sustaining whatever campaign finance system got them into office in the first place. So, it is critical that citizens can take matters into their own hands and pass reforms directly themselves.
A coalition called Let Minnesotans vote is working to support a bill that would create a statewide initiative and referendum process in Minnesota. Minnesota already has I&R at the local level, but voters do not have the ability to enact law themselves on a statewide basis. Details can be found here in the Pioneer Press.
Particularly when it comes to issues such as campaign finance reform, the ballot initiative process is an important tool. Incumbents often have an interest in sustaining whatever campaign finance system got them into office in the first place. So, it is critical that citizens can take matters into their own hands and pass reforms directly themselves.
