The below is what I wrote in August, 2009. Things have changed a lot in Connecticut since then! (The law has been declared unconstitutional twice, for different reasons each time.) The recent "fix" passed by the CT legislature, vetoed by Gov. Rell, then overriden by the legislature, is not a "fix". It does allow Gov. candidate Dannel Malloy to continue to participate in the program as it was originally devised. But it does not fix the Catch-22 in the law that literally makes it impossible for third-party and unaffiliated candidates to participate in the program for statewide offices. We need to pressure the CT legislature to really fix this law! And, we need to work to implement a well written federal version of Campaign Finance Reform.
Written August 19, 2009:
Members of Congress spend way too much time raising money for their campaigns. And under the current system, there is no question that money buys access (see my entry "Corruption in Congress" on this website).
Connecticut has instituted a cutting-edge campaign finance system that removes a great deal of the influence that lobbyists have with state legislators. Take a look:
http://www.brennancenter.org/content/resource/connecticut_legislature_passes_sweeping_campaign_finance_reform_bill/
Congress should adopt the same kind of Campaign Finance Reform. I will fight for it.
We are facing huge long-term problems: a real unemployment rate of 18%, dysfunctional banks that are "too big to fail", a regressive tax structure that's stifling economic growth, prisons that are bursting at the seams, urban schools that are struggling, a health care system that still needs major reform, the lack of a coherent national energy policy that will protect our economy and the environment, and a government that has been encroaching on our civil liberties. For decades we have lived with irresponsible public policies from career politicians in Congress who care more about increasing their party’s power and getting re-elected than they care about solving long-term problems. They haven’t been honest with us, and they have been lousy public servants.
I’m different. I do not want to be a career politician. I am not a Democrat or a Republican. I’m a Problem Solver. I want to force members of Congress to be responsible, and implement sustainable solutions to real problems. Please read the positions I present on this website, and spread the word to friends and family.
Please email me at John@Mertens2010.com, and become a supporter on Twitter at @mertens4senate or Facebook: John's FB
