Clean Elections Texas - Houston October Meetup

Imagine a government in which your opinions counted as much as those of professional lobbyists and the megawealthy. Imagine a judicial system in which candidates for judge didn't have to raise money from the very attorneys and interests who one day will show up in their courtrooms. These aren't just dreams of true democracy; they're reality in a number of states that have passed Clean Elections legislation establishing opt-in public financing of campaigns.

Clean Elections is a practical, proven reform that puts voters in control of elections. Rather than being forced to rely on special interest donors to pay for their campaigns, candidates have the opportunity to qualify for full public funding which ends their reliance on special interest campaign cash. Being freed from the money chase means they have more time to spend with constituents, talking about issues that matter to them. When they enter office, they can consider legislation on the merits, without worrying about whether they are pleasing well heeled donors and lobbyists.

In the U.S. Congress, Sens. Dick Durbin (D_IL) and Arlen Specter have introduced the Fair Elections Now Act which provide full public financing for Senate candidates. A companion bill in the House is also expected soon. Clean Elections is law in seven states and two cities: Arizona; Connecticut; Maine; New Jersey; New Mexico; North Carolina; Vermont; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Portland, Oregon. Activists in 28 states are working to advance full public financing.

Seven states and two cities have Clean Elections, or full public financing, for some political offices. Three states?Arizona, Connecticut, and Maine?provide full public financing for all statewide and legislative races. These laws have been approved through a combination of the ballot process and by legislatures.

Clean Elections/Full Public Financing States

State/Locality
Office Where Public Funding Available
How approved
ear Approved

Arizona
statewide and legislative
initiative
1998

Connecticut
statewide and legislative
legislation
2005

Maine
statewide and legislative
initiative
1996

New Jersey
legislative pilot project
legislation
2004

New Mexico
Public Regulation Commission,judicial elections, legislation
legislation
2003 & 2007

North Carolina
judicial elections & legislative pilot project
legislation
2002

Vermont
governor & lieutenant governor
legislation
1997

Albuquerque, New Mexico
City-wide
initiative
2005

Portland, Oregon
City-wide
legislation
2005

Clean Elections gives candidates the option to qualify for public funding to run their campaigns. While the specifics vary, typically a candidate must collect a set number of small qualifying contributions?usually $5?from people in their district. The number of signatures and contributions required varies according to the office sought.

If a candidate runs under the Clean Elections system and faces an opponent who is running with private contributions and outspends the publicly funded candidate, the law typically provides a matching grant, to a limit, to the publicly funded candidate. Extra funding is also often available if there is independent spending against a candidate by an outside group or individual.

Candidates who choose not to be participate in the Clean Elections system can raise money from private donors, but must follow state campaign finance limits and disclosure laws. Clean Elections laws must be voluntary to comply with the Supreme Court?s 1976 Buckley v. Valeo ruling, which specifically approved of voluntary public financing systems.

At our October Meet Up will be sharing information about how Maine and other states have created and benefited from Clean Elections programs for their elected officials and how we can replicate their success here in Texas.

You and your friends and family are cordially invited to attend!

Sincerely,

Charles Mauch and Kris Graham, your Houston Meetup hosts