Nearly every year, the New York State Assembly has generated some form of campaign finance reform, only to have it shot down in the State Senate. This year, with the persistent efforts of good government groups across the state the bill looked a little stronger than before. For this reason, the emblematic party of the uprising, the WFP, is supporting one of symbols of the Establishment, Sheldon Silver.
From The Daily Politics:
The Campaign Finance Reform Act passed the Democrat-dominated Assembly, but not the GOP-controlled Senate. The WFP is trying to drum up support with an on-line petition, noting that if the Senate Democrats take control this fall, the bill "has a good chance of being passed in both houses."
The e-mail, signed by WFP Co-Chairs Bertha Lewis, Sam Williams and Dan Master, as well as Executive Director Dan Cantor, explains how it works:
"The PFE bill passed by the Assembly does two things. It lowers how much a wealthy individual can give (from $3,800 to $2,000). Equally important, it makes low-dollar contributions (the kind powering Barack Obama's campaign) more valuable by matching up to $250 at a rate of $4 for every $1 raised - if a candidate can demonstrate geniune support in their community. Write a $30 check, the candidate gets an additional $120. It means that you don't need a rolodex full of wealthy contacts to serve in public office.""It would make sure the real power behind political campaigns in New York is the grassroots power of ordinary people, not big corporations or the real estate industry."
"It would mean politicians would be able to spend their time legislating instead of fundraising."
Um, yeah, sure it would. Don't get me wrong, the bill is a step in the right direction, but anything Shelly does will not loosen the grip on how he controls the Assembly. I just finished the chapter in David Sirota's latest book concerning the WFP and I am all for getting the ends accomplished even if that makes the means a little uncomfortable. So perhaps that is why they are supporting this stalwart of change.
Still, the statement about politicians being able to legislate instead of fund-raising is a hard one to swallow. If we had a true clean elections bill and enact a system comparable to Maine and Arizona that would be another thing, but as for NY circa 2008, I'd pick Newell or Henry over Shelly if I lived in the district. I'll certainly be doing my part to help them regardless.
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