Twelve Ways to Democratize the U.S. Political System: First

1. Demand full public funding of political campaigns at federal, state, and local levels.

In 1998, winning candidates in the Senate spent nearly twice as much as their competition, and in House races three times as much. In 1996, 92% of House races and 88% of Senate races were won by the candidate who spent the most on the election. We need to rein in political contributions--especially unregulated soft money donations to parties. In 1996, the Democratic and Republican parties raised 0 million in soft money contributions. That number is expected to triple for the 2000 presidential election. Find out who has contributed to your elected official and how that money has influenced their votes. We need a political system where candidates who agree to forego private contributions and accept spending limits receive full public funds to run for office. Support a comprehensive campaign finance system that eliminates the need for fundraising, provides a financially-level playing field for candidates, and closes loopholes. Call for a constitutional amendment acknowledging that money is not speech.