Yes on Proposition 89: Spending cap would legitimize elections
By Daily Bruin Staff
Nov. 5, 2006 9:00 p.m.
In an attempt to even the playing field in the election process,
Proposition 89 will help fund the political campaigns of candidates
who do not have the same finances as wealthy candidates with clear
monetary advantages.
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Proposition 89 would mandate a spending cap for all candidates
which would create a very necessary limit placed on the control
that special interest groups have over candidates.
Given the large number of resources a candidate can gain by
accepting donations from big corporations such as tobacco and oil
companies, candidates often become the puppets of special interest
groups.
As a consequence, candidates’ original platforms are
compromised to reflect the desires of large corporations.
Currently, there is a formulaic election process: A candidate is
motivated by novel ways to change policies once elected, but, with
every dollar donated from large lobbying groups, their initiatives
are diluted.
With this faulty process, it is no surprise that strong leaders
are hard to find in our present government.
Opponents of the proposition argue that it would inhibit smaller
businesses from supporting candidates. But just how significant
would their monetary contributions be when compared with those of
large corporations?
Not surprisingly, opponents of the proposition include Democrats
and Republicans among large corporations.
Here is a ballot initiative that can potentially legitimize the
election process and bring dignity to political campaigns.
Apathy or opposition to this proposition will continue to feed
the current elitist procedure, which closes its doors to many
highly qualified candidates.
Candidates’ visibility and popularity should be based on
their platforms, ideas and initiatives, not on the influence of
special interest groups and big money corporations.
Politicians should be elected because they have the best ideas,
not because they have the most money.
