Frank Hynes

In Defense of Clean Elections
by Representative Frank Hynes, May 18, 2000

Political apathy is nothing new in the United States, but over the past 50
years the widening yawn with which a majority of Americans greet the
political process has reached dispiriting proportions. Money, and the
access it buys at the top echelons of government, is the principal culprit.
Jaded by the belief that their voices don't matter, many working and middle
class Americans choose not to vote. Sadly, their pessimism is at least
partially justified. Because money can win elections--by paying for
pollsters, political consultants, airtime, etc.--wealthy special interests
have the greatest influence on the political process. Consequently,
campaign finance reform is one of the most critical problems Americans face.
Beyond simply making elections fairer and reducing the influence of the rich
on politics, it is about restoring confidence of the people in the ideal
that each citizen has a role to play in a democratic society.

In the fall of 1998, the voters of Massachusetts took an aggressive and
exciting step toward breaking the stranglehold special interest dollars hold
on the political process with the passage of the Clean Elections Act. This
law, passed by a two-to-one margin, set forth a voluntary system of public
financing of elections. Candidates who agree to spending limits for their
campaigns and who can demonstrate support among their electorate through the
collection of a large number of small contributions will receive public
money to run their campaigns. If a candidate who accepts spending limits
and public money is opposed by a candidate choosing to accept neither, the
candidate accepting the limits is entitled to receive his or her opponent's
share of public funds. This system eliminates the need for politicians to
spend so much of their time massaging big donors, allowing them instead to
focus their efforts on talking with voters and learning about issues
important to all constituencies. It also levels the playing field for
political newcomers seeking to challenge long-time incumbents.

The Massachusetts State Legislature has not, unfortunately, displayed the
same enthusiasm for the Clean Elections Act that the voters did. Some
legislators are philosophically opposed, believing taxpayer dollars should
not be used for political campaigns. Others see it as an obstacle to
continually running unopposed for reelection. Still others raise valid
concerns which require correction before this new campaign finance law takes
effect in 2002.

Those concerns notwithstanding, the basic principle of the law remains
strong and voters have indicated support by a resounding 2-1 margin. We in
the Legislature ought to make this law work! Let the technical problems be
corrected as we move forward! We have a genuine opportunity to reinvigorate
our democracy. Let's get it done!

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