Clean Elections Ensure That Elections Are About Voters

By Nick Nyhart, Letter to the Editor

The editorial misses the point of "clean" or publicly financed elections, which allow candidates to run for office without being beholden to lobbyists and wealthy campaign donors. This is a practical, proven reform that levels the playing field so that qualified people, many of whom otherwise would not have run, can launch a competitive campaign.

Statutes can provide for extra funding, up to a limit, when independent expenditures are made, ensuring that publicly financed candidates will not be grossly outspent.

Clean elections ensure that elections are about voters, not big campaign donors. The cost of these programs is minimal, and the potential cost saving is great. When lawmakers are freed from the money chase, they can debate legislation on the merits rather than worrying about giving out policy favors for donors.

NICK NYHART

Executive Director
Public Campaign
Washington

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