It’s easy to muster contempt for Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. Politics in America is rife with corruption, but rarely is corruption as brazen and unrepentant as what we’ve been treated to recently by Illinois’ soon-to-be former CEO. To learn that someone apparently would openly try to sell a U.S. Senate seat shocks and disgusts us.
Blagojevich is a menace and needs to go to the gated community where several other Illinois governors before him have gone. But America’s campaign finance system is a far greater menace to democracy. If we can muster shock and disgust for Blagojevich, we should be utterly appalled at the pervasive role of money in politics.
Face it. What we call “elections” have become auctions. The auctioning of U.S. Senate seats occurs every six years – every two years for Congressional and state legislative seats. Big donors, corporations and special interests “bid” on the candidate of their choice. In close races, the smart money bids on both candidates, and the one backed by the highest bidders usually wins.
We don’t want to believe our elected officials can be bought. But as one who served for 14 years in the Iowa House, I say with confidence that what big money wants, big money usually gets. Rank-and-file lawmakers may be well-intentioned but often are strong-armed by legislative leaders beholden to corporate donors and special interests. As a result, the most pressing challenges of our time – climate change, budgetary reform, health care, farm policy, to name a few – see practically no progress year after year.
So, while I hope the good people of Illinois fire Blagojevich and fire him soon, I have a more pressing hope t hat Americans across the country get fired-up for campaign finance reform. In Iowa, Senator-elect Pam Jochum is leading the charge on VOICE (Voter-Owned Iowa Clean Elections). This bill would make it easier for rank-and-file lawmakers to stand up to party leaders, allow more citizens to run for office and give the public far greater access to the halls of power.
The federal equivalent of Pam’s bill is sponsored by Senators Durbin (D-Illinois) and Specter (R-Pennsylvania). Both would establish greater fairness, openness and accountability in the financing of elections. Both deserve our strong backing.
When lawmakers consider whether to support campaign finance reform, perhaps the question they should ask is this: What would Blagojevich do? Well, beyond the Illinois Governor’s attempt to sell a U.S. Senate seat, his veto in 2007 of a bill to prohibit contributions from donors with state contracts of more than $50,000 ma kes it clear he’s no friend of reform.
And I can’t think of a stronger endorsement than that for reducing the role of money in politics.
Showing posts with label VOICE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label VOICE. Show all posts
Friday, December 19
Fallon Right on the Money
Ed Fallon wrote this fine opinion piece that appeared in The Des Moines Register today in relatively similar form, entitled “Illinois seat not only thing that’s for sale.” This is why we continue to need VOICE to be brought forward for passage.
Thursday, July 24
VOICE in the Wilderness
What will it take for Iowa to enact legislation that will lessen the power of the pocketbook of wealthy lobbying interests on the laws that affect the rest of us? VOICE (Voter-Owned Iowa Clean Elections) is an effort to do just that.
Why do we need VOICE? Common Cause says this about clean election law benefits:
• Makes candidates and elected officials accountable only to the public interest, rather than powerful special interests
• Saves taxpayer dollars by reducing inappropriate giveaways to campaign contributors
• Makes elections fair by leveling the playing field for candidates
• Allows politicians to spend less time fundraising, so they can spend more time addressing national priorities
• Gives all citizens, regardless of wealth, a fair shot to be heard and participate in every step of the democratic process
• Reinvigorates our democracy by helping to reengage voters and increasing voter turnout
However, for legislators that control what makes it to the legislative "funnel" (what bills are moved toward the governor's signature), such as Mike Gronstal, the prospect of VOICE legislation frightens them.
Why?
Well, it is about winning elections--and who has the competitive edge. Voter-Owned Elections is a voluntary system for state elections where candidates can choose to run using public funding instead of constantly fundraising and accepting monies from power groups hoping to wield their influence. It provides qualifying candidates - those who collect a set amount of signatures and $5 donations from within their district - with a set amount of money from a public source if they promise to refuse money from all other sources. I stress, it is voluntary.
For a wanna-be representative running for the Iowa House, that limit would be $15,000 of public money for a primary and $30,000 for the general election (unless they are running unopposed). For a job that pays $25,000 a year, it seems reasonable. However, the concern is that if one candidate opts in and their opponents don't, this could leave them in a huge cash disadvantage, even though the system allows the VOICE candidate to receive up matching money up to $60,000. But, if your opponent is spending $250,000 (which has happened in some high profile races in Iowa), $60,000 can seem paltry.
What is the unspoken threat of VOICE is that people do not take into account is that it allows for more than two kinds of candidates to run for office. VOICE actually creates an opportunity for a diversity of candidates to run for office and, perhaps, break the hold that a two-party system currently has--not to mention, making it harder for power brokers to buy party-line votes for their issues.
So, how does VOICE stand a chance to win approval, given it apparently bites the hands that would feed it?
Speaking just for me:
1) Voters should demand it by supporting candidates that sign a pledge to support and are willing to lead on VOICE legislation.
2) An organized effort to lobby sitting legislators needs to occur with the mantra: support VOICE or else.
3) If all else fails, push it to state referendum and/or change the Iowa Constitution.
Why do we need VOICE? Common Cause says this about clean election law benefits:
• Makes candidates and elected officials accountable only to the public interest, rather than powerful special interests
• Saves taxpayer dollars by reducing inappropriate giveaways to campaign contributors
• Makes elections fair by leveling the playing field for candidates
• Allows politicians to spend less time fundraising, so they can spend more time addressing national priorities
• Gives all citizens, regardless of wealth, a fair shot to be heard and participate in every step of the democratic process
• Reinvigorates our democracy by helping to reengage voters and increasing voter turnout
However, for legislators that control what makes it to the legislative "funnel" (what bills are moved toward the governor's signature), such as Mike Gronstal, the prospect of VOICE legislation frightens them.
Why?
Well, it is about winning elections--and who has the competitive edge. Voter-Owned Elections is a voluntary system for state elections where candidates can choose to run using public funding instead of constantly fundraising and accepting monies from power groups hoping to wield their influence. It provides qualifying candidates - those who collect a set amount of signatures and $5 donations from within their district - with a set amount of money from a public source if they promise to refuse money from all other sources. I stress, it is voluntary.
For a wanna-be representative running for the Iowa House, that limit would be $15,000 of public money for a primary and $30,000 for the general election (unless they are running unopposed). For a job that pays $25,000 a year, it seems reasonable. However, the concern is that if one candidate opts in and their opponents don't, this could leave them in a huge cash disadvantage, even though the system allows the VOICE candidate to receive up matching money up to $60,000. But, if your opponent is spending $250,000 (which has happened in some high profile races in Iowa), $60,000 can seem paltry.
What is the unspoken threat of VOICE is that people do not take into account is that it allows for more than two kinds of candidates to run for office. VOICE actually creates an opportunity for a diversity of candidates to run for office and, perhaps, break the hold that a two-party system currently has--not to mention, making it harder for power brokers to buy party-line votes for their issues.
So, how does VOICE stand a chance to win approval, given it apparently bites the hands that would feed it?
Speaking just for me:
1) Voters should demand it by supporting candidates that sign a pledge to support and are willing to lead on VOICE legislation.
2) An organized effort to lobby sitting legislators needs to occur with the mantra: support VOICE or else.
3) If all else fails, push it to state referendum and/or change the Iowa Constitution.
Monday, July 21
Listen to This VOICE--Hint, It's Not in Your Head
Voter Owned Iowa Clean Elections (VOICE) meeting this Wednesday in Iowa City
People matter more, money matters less!
The VOICE bill has been endorsed by many organizations including: Democracy for America (DFA) , The Sierra Club and I-Renew.
Event Info Host: Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement
Time and Place Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Iowa City Public Library, Meeting Room A
Street: 123 S. Linn
City/Town: Iowa City, IA
Contact Info Phone: 515-282-0484
Email: kate@iowacci.org
People matter more, money matters less!
The VOICE bill has been endorsed by many organizations including: Democracy for America (DFA) , The Sierra Club and I-Renew.
Event Info Host: Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement
Time and Place Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Iowa City Public Library, Meeting Room A
Street: 123 S. Linn
City/Town: Iowa City, IA
Contact Info Phone: 515-282-0484
Email: kate@iowacci.org
Saturday, February 16
Dear Iowa Elected Officials, Could VOICE Be Heard This Year?
Now that the Iowa House and Senate are back in session, do you think that Voter-owned Iowa Clean Elections could happen this year?
Rep. Pam Jochum and Senator Mike Connolly pushed this in 2007 and was shut out by her own party's leadership to get it voted up or down. if ever there was a need to clean up our election process so that good folks could make a legitimate run for public office, maybe we would get more substantive lawmaking done. Unfortunately Jochum's partner in VOICE will be retiring and she will be seeking his seat this summer.
In the meantime, Jochum has forwarded two bills to make elections a little more fairer. The Sioux City Journal reports:
Rep. Pam Jochum and Senator Mike Connolly pushed this in 2007 and was shut out by her own party's leadership to get it voted up or down. if ever there was a need to clean up our election process so that good folks could make a legitimate run for public office, maybe we would get more substantive lawmaking done. Unfortunately Jochum's partner in VOICE will be retiring and she will be seeking his seat this summer.
In the meantime, Jochum has forwarded two bills to make elections a little more fairer. The Sioux City Journal reports:
The first bill would mandate disclosure for organizers or individuals who conduct push polling, otherwise known as persuasion polling.
Push polling attempts to influence respondents' political beliefs by planting a message for or against a candidate under the guise of gathering individuals' answers to questions.
The legislative proposal, which advanced out of a House subcommittee Wednesday, would mandate the organization or individual issuing such a "poll" label the phone call as a paid advertisement. If the call is backed by a particular candidate, that also would need to be disclosed.
Groups and individuals who conduct persuasion polling also would be required to register with the state.
Violators could be charged with a serious misdemeanor.
The second bill, which was approved by the same subcommittee Wednesday, would forbid candidates and political parties from knowingly making false statements or not checking the accuracy of such false statements.
If made law, opponents and political parties would be prohibited from lying about a candidate's voting record, public service history, endorsements and criminal history.
The formal prohibition on lying would only apply to these issues because they can be verified, said Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, D-Ames.
"These are items that are provable," Wessel-Kroeschell said.
Monday, October 1
Lynn Heuss from VOICE
Lynn Heuss and Ed Fallon are advocates for clean election laws (In Iowa, Voter Owned Iowa Clean Elections [VOICE]). Lynn writes:
This week four of us were privileged to have dinner with former Congressman, Dr. Bob Edgar. He was named President and CEO of Common Cause in May 2007. Common Cause is a nonpartisan nonprofit advocacy organization. The group is committed to honest, open and accountable government, as well as encouraging citizen participation in democracy.
Bob was elected to the US House in 1974, the first Democrat in 82 years in his district. He ran unsuccessfully for the US Senate in 1986 against Arlen Specter. That race fueled his frustration with the undue influence of money in politics and he became an active supporter of clean elections and campaign finance reform, issues that have be en Common Cause's hallmark.
Our dinner conversation centered around politics, obviously. Much of the talk was about VOICE (Voter Owned Iowa Clean Elections) legislation, since he was in Des Moines to address that subject and the federal equivalent offered by senators Durbin and Specter.
At one point the conversation moved to presidential politics and how many candidates are framing their message around “Change” and “Hope.” Bob admitted that it’s a positive way to frame a message, but he also pointed out the need to address the culture of fear that has grown more prevalent in recent years. “What if,” he said, “one of the presidential candidates said, ‘I’m not afraid of terrorists. I’m not afraid of our healthcare crisis. I’m not afraid of the global warming crisis.’?”
Clearly, Bob did not mean statements like these should be made out of hubris, or pretension, or especially to give a false sense of security. His point was that we don’t need to be afraid, and it’s time for our leaders to say it out loud! Too many times fear is used by politicians to either paralyze us into inaction or to convince us of the need for violent action. What it should do is mobilize us into positive action for the common good.
Yes, there are very serious issues that need to be confronted: our broken relationships with leaders of many nations, the Iraq War, the healthcare crisis, global warming, the growing gap between America’s rich and poor, a shrinking middle class, ending racism, fighting discrimination. Yes, these issues will require thoughtful solutions. But we’ve been mired in the slough of despair and fear for years, and we need to remember and re-learn how to think and act with hope and optimism.
There is every reason to have hope and to live without fear! It’s one of the reasons Ed and I support John Edwards. I know you hear this a lot through our updates, but we believe in him and what he can accomplish as President. John Edwards has spent his life and career fighting on behalf of people who have no voice, and that’s exactly what he’ll do as President.
In Iowa, we’ve got legislation pending by that very name, VOICE (Voter Owned Iowa Clean Elections).Ed and I were very excited this week to learn about Senator Edwa rd’s decision to accept public financing for his campaign. He’s never taken money from PACs or Washington lobbyists and the public financing decision underscores this longstanding commitment to getting big money out of politics.
In our September 4th update, Ed wrote to encourage people to consider running for office and several of you are! We’ll be joining two who took the plunge, Molly Cantrell-Kraig of Muscatine, and Conner Anderson of Clinton, at fundraisers this weekend (see our website for details: www.imforiowa.org). We are excited that they, and others, are pursuing this avenue of service. We need leaders who have the strength of character to fight for the people, who can stand up to corporate interests.
But we know not everyone has the time, or inclination, to be an elected official. Fortunately, there is something for everyone to do and we’ll continue to share information about our growing network of grassroots efforts across the state. For now, here are a few:
• If you’re interested in campaign finance reform at the state level (VOICE) you can contact Adam Mason (CCI) at adam@iowacci.org.
• If you want to work for the federal clean elections bill (Durbin-Specter) you can contact Kyle Lobner (Common Cause) at KLobner@commoncause.org.
• Are CAFOs (Confined Animal Feeding Operations) the issue that’s most important to you? Please conta ct me at imforiowa@gmail.com.
• What about the abuse of eminent domain? There’s a new coalition formed and you can contact them at info@IowansForPropertyRights.com .
• If urban sprawl and the paving over of Iowa farmland are your concern, please contact Stephanie Weisenbach of 1000 Friends of Iowa at programs@1000friendsofiowa.org.
• Several groups we’re affiliated with work for an end to the Iraq War, so let us know if you’re interested in this issue and we’ll send you information on local contacts.
• Is an end to poverty the issue you’re passionate about? Along with John and Elizabeth Edwards’ OneCorps America (http://blog.johnedwards.com/onecorps), we know several additional groups throughout the state and we can try to put you in touch with local activists.
Thanks for reading and please write to ask for additional resources if there's another issue you're interested in, or to share information about other activists and/or groups in your area fighting for the common good.Don’t be afraid of those who pander fear and please, take action to prove it!
Lynn Heuss
This week four of us were privileged to have dinner with former Congressman, Dr. Bob Edgar. He was named President and CEO of Common Cause in May 2007. Common Cause is a nonpartisan nonprofit advocacy organization. The group is committed to honest, open and accountable government, as well as encouraging citizen participation in democracy.
Bob was elected to the US House in 1974, the first Democrat in 82 years in his district. He ran unsuccessfully for the US Senate in 1986 against Arlen Specter. That race fueled his frustration with the undue influence of money in politics and he became an active supporter of clean elections and campaign finance reform, issues that have be en Common Cause's hallmark.
Our dinner conversation centered around politics, obviously. Much of the talk was about VOICE (Voter Owned Iowa Clean Elections) legislation, since he was in Des Moines to address that subject and the federal equivalent offered by senators Durbin and Specter.
At one point the conversation moved to presidential politics and how many candidates are framing their message around “Change” and “Hope.” Bob admitted that it’s a positive way to frame a message, but he also pointed out the need to address the culture of fear that has grown more prevalent in recent years. “What if,” he said, “one of the presidential candidates said, ‘I’m not afraid of terrorists. I’m not afraid of our healthcare crisis. I’m not afraid of the global warming crisis.’?”
Clearly, Bob did not mean statements like these should be made out of hubris, or pretension, or especially to give a false sense of security. His point was that we don’t need to be afraid, and it’s time for our leaders to say it out loud! Too many times fear is used by politicians to either paralyze us into inaction or to convince us of the need for violent action. What it should do is mobilize us into positive action for the common good.
Yes, there are very serious issues that need to be confronted: our broken relationships with leaders of many nations, the Iraq War, the healthcare crisis, global warming, the growing gap between America’s rich and poor, a shrinking middle class, ending racism, fighting discrimination. Yes, these issues will require thoughtful solutions. But we’ve been mired in the slough of despair and fear for years, and we need to remember and re-learn how to think and act with hope and optimism.
There is every reason to have hope and to live without fear! It’s one of the reasons Ed and I support John Edwards. I know you hear this a lot through our updates, but we believe in him and what he can accomplish as President. John Edwards has spent his life and career fighting on behalf of people who have no voice, and that’s exactly what he’ll do as President.
In Iowa, we’ve got legislation pending by that very name, VOICE (Voter Owned Iowa Clean Elections).Ed and I were very excited this week to learn about Senator Edwa rd’s decision to accept public financing for his campaign. He’s never taken money from PACs or Washington lobbyists and the public financing decision underscores this longstanding commitment to getting big money out of politics.
In our September 4th update, Ed wrote to encourage people to consider running for office and several of you are! We’ll be joining two who took the plunge, Molly Cantrell-Kraig of Muscatine, and Conner Anderson of Clinton, at fundraisers this weekend (see our website for details: www.imforiowa.org). We are excited that they, and others, are pursuing this avenue of service. We need leaders who have the strength of character to fight for the people, who can stand up to corporate interests.
But we know not everyone has the time, or inclination, to be an elected official. Fortunately, there is something for everyone to do and we’ll continue to share information about our growing network of grassroots efforts across the state. For now, here are a few:
• If you’re interested in campaign finance reform at the state level (VOICE) you can contact Adam Mason (CCI) at adam@iowacci.org.
• If you want to work for the federal clean elections bill (Durbin-Specter) you can contact Kyle Lobner (Common Cause) at KLobner@commoncause.org.
• Are CAFOs (Confined Animal Feeding Operations) the issue that’s most important to you? Please conta ct me at imforiowa@gmail.com.
• What about the abuse of eminent domain? There’s a new coalition formed and you can contact them at info@IowansForPropertyRights.com .
• If urban sprawl and the paving over of Iowa farmland are your concern, please contact Stephanie Weisenbach of 1000 Friends of Iowa at programs@1000friendsofiowa.org.
• Several groups we’re affiliated with work for an end to the Iraq War, so let us know if you’re interested in this issue and we’ll send you information on local contacts.
• Is an end to poverty the issue you’re passionate about? Along with John and Elizabeth Edwards’ OneCorps America (http://blog.johnedwards.com/onecorps), we know several additional groups throughout the state and we can try to put you in touch with local activists.
Thanks for reading and please write to ask for additional resources if there's another issue you're interested in, or to share information about other activists and/or groups in your area fighting for the common good.Don’t be afraid of those who pander fear and please, take action to prove it!
Lynn Heuss
Sunday, May 13
VOICE From Marshalltown
From Patrick Stansberry over at the Century of the Common Iowan
Sen. Mike Gronstal and Rep. Kevin McCarthy were in Marshalltown this afternoon to speak about legislative accomplishments. I went wanting to hear their opinions on the VOICE legislation that would have brought clean elections to Iowa. Someone else asked about VOICE before I could get a chance to.
Gronstal responded by saying that he is a fan of getting the influence of money out of politics, but the VOICE legislation had somethings in it that weren't the best. Gronstal talked about the study group created to look into the issue of clean elections. He then said that he will work with groups that are friendly, a clear shot at the incident at the State House with clean elections supporters.
McCarthy then discussed the issue. McCarthy said that people need to remember that we are on the same team with the goal of campaign finance reform. He then discussed two issues that he had wtih the VOICE legislation. First, the bill includes primaries. McCarthy said that if someone in his district is upset with one of his votes all they would have to do is get 100 people to donate $5 each and they would be eligible for tax payer money to run. Second, McCarthy said the VOICE legislation would make it illegal for House leaders to funnel money to other races. Right now the House leaders are able to raise unlimited amounts of money and then can dish that money out to candidates in targeted races.
I have to disagree with both of McCarthy's reason for not wanting VOICE. In fact, I think they are exactly the reasons we need clean elections. Right now the need for money to run limits the number of people who can run for office. In Marshall Co. in 2004 there was a tight race for State Senate. The Democratic challenger raised nearly $300,000 and lost. That same seat is up in 2008. When people consider running for that race, they know they will have to raise $300,000 to $400,000 dollars to even have a chance. The key to a strong democracy is the fact that any can run and win if their ideas are appealing to the voters. As a House leader, it is no wonder that McCarthy likes the idea of being able to dish out the money. However, House leaders should not be dishing out money to other House members. At the DFA training in March, Tom Vilsack had this to say...
He says that the House members have a limited number of dollars that they can raise within their own district. The Speaker gets all of this money funneled through them where they then give to House members and then makes sure the House member remembers where they got the money from. The VOICE legislation would take this out of our political system.People agree that money has too much influence in our political system and it turns people off from participating in our Democracy. We can pay lipservice to the issue or we can stand on principle and fix a system that is broken.
Friday, May 4
VOICE News
From Public Campaign Action Fund
You Win Some... You Win Some Later
Activists and key legislators in Iowa burst on the scene this year with an energetic and passionate campaign to win Clean Elections for statewide and legislative races. The Voter Owned Iowa Clean Elections (VOICE) Act, introduced in both the House and Senate made it close to a vote on the floor of the House, but due to pressure from Senate and House leadership, the legislative session ended before it could go all the way. While we worked hard to win Iowa this year, we are in a strong position to mount a campaign next year with seasoned leaders on the ground in Iowa and a growing number of allies in the Iowa legislature ready to put their weight behind VOICE the next time around. Stay tuned!
Winning a vital reform like Clean Elections won’t happen overnight, it takes dedication and perseverance and the victories we’ve had from Maine in 1996, to Connecticut in 2005 show that in the end good public financing programs in the states and at the federal level are the way to go. Let’s keep up the fight!
Sign the Petition for the next session
You Win Some... You Win Some Later
Activists and key legislators in Iowa burst on the scene this year with an energetic and passionate campaign to win Clean Elections for statewide and legislative races. The Voter Owned Iowa Clean Elections (VOICE) Act, introduced in both the House and Senate made it close to a vote on the floor of the House, but due to pressure from Senate and House leadership, the legislative session ended before it could go all the way. While we worked hard to win Iowa this year, we are in a strong position to mount a campaign next year with seasoned leaders on the ground in Iowa and a growing number of allies in the Iowa legislature ready to put their weight behind VOICE the next time around. Stay tuned!
Winning a vital reform like Clean Elections won’t happen overnight, it takes dedication and perseverance and the victories we’ve had from Maine in 1996, to Connecticut in 2005 show that in the end good public financing programs in the states and at the federal level are the way to go. Let’s keep up the fight!
Sign the Petition for the next session
Monday, April 30
Rod Sullivan's Take on the Legislative Session
From progressive Johnson County Supervisor Rod Sullivan who wrote in "Sullivan Salvos"--which are his views and do not represent the JC BOS:"The Legislative session has come to an end. One can argue that it wasthe best session of my lifetime! Of course, this is the first time in my lifetime the Democratic Party has controlled all three branches of State government. The list of accomplishments from 2007 is really tremendous!
1. Passing Civil Rights protections for gays and lesbians.
2. Reforming election laws to allow Election Day Registration.
3. Raising the state's minimum wage.
4. Lifting restrictions on stem-cell research.
5. Expanding access to affordable health care for all Iowans.
6. Increasing teacher pay to at least 25th in the nation.
7. Boosting basic school funding, expanding the early childhood efforts, and making higher education more affordable.
8. Passing the Safe Schools initiative.
9. Cracking down on car-title loans and other predatory lenders.
10. Raising the tobacco tax and discouraging smoking.
These are great accomplishments, and Democrats deserve praise for this outstanding work! Democrats finally set the agenda, and get full credit forthe list above.
Yes, there are a few black eyes, and they are significant: the flag desecration legislation is an embarrassment, and labor issues were a major disappointment. I had hoped that the ill-conceived 2000-foot rule would be repealed. Mental Health parity is still very limited. Failing to takeCongrats and thanks to Johnson County House members Mary Mascher, Vicki Lensing, Dave Jacoby, and up Voter Owned Iowa Clean Elections (VOICE) was a missed opportunity. More should have been done on the environment. The session was very good, but it SHOULD be very good. We (the voters) gave the Legislature the makeup they wanted and needed. Luckily, we got several major issues out of the way in 2007. Hopefully we can make progress on the things left undone in 2008. It is very doubtful, though we are now in an election year. And little happens in election years. Still, we had the best session Iowa has seen since 1965. The session will have long lasting positive effects. Ever since I first got involved in politics, people have spoken of Harold Hughes and 1965. I think 2007 may endup being viewed in the same light. So 2007 is historic! Ro Foege, and Senators Bob Dvorsky, Joe Bolkcom, and Becky Schmitz!"
Thanks Rod--and thank you for helping to get a county human rights ordinance passed under your watch!
Thursday, April 19
Gronstal Uses His VOICE --To Flip Out
As reported on Blog for Iowa and Tom over at Political Fallout, Senator Mike Gronstal flipped out during an informal meeting with supporters of VOICE (See video story). Clearly aggravated by these activists, Gronstal launched obscenities at the group. One wonders why?
Could it be that his his new position with the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee is making him a less than fair arbitrator. This being the group that recruits legislative candidates to run for Congress. Gronstal was previously the DLCC Finance Chair.
"With Senator Fitz-Gerald as Chair and Senator Gronstal as Finance Chair, the DLCC also grew to over a ten million dollar committee this cycle, over a 50% increase from the 2004 cycle."
Could it be on the state level Gronstal has raised over $500,000 for his own committee?
"More than 75 percent of the money raised for his committee during that period, $426,250, was contributed to the Iowa Democratic Party."
Could it be that Gronstal is starting a 527 to avoid those FEC regs?
"Now Gronstal and his colleagues are going to create a 527 committee, named for its designation in the IRS tax code. A 527 is created primarily to influence elections through the use of "issue advocacy" ads that avoid regulation by the Federal Election Commission. These groups raise practically unlimited amounts of money from individuals and corporations. Since a 527 is not required to report its source of funds to the FEC, the industries and interests giving money to these groups are seldom disclosed."
Could it be he has not studied states or cities that have clean election laws?
"Under a Clean Elections system, candidates hoping to receive public financing must collect a certain number of small "qualifying contributions" (often as little as $5) from registered voters. In return, they are paid a flat sum by the government to run their campaign, and agree not to raise money from private sources. Clean Elections candidates who are outspent by privately-funded opponents may receive additional public matching funds."
In any case, the closing down of this legislation is a power play by a powerful politician. Do Iowans owe Mike Gronstal an apology for holding his feet to the fire-- NO!--We are simply living up to the state motto--"Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain." VOICE Activists--High Five.
Could it be that his his new position with the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee is making him a less than fair arbitrator. This being the group that recruits legislative candidates to run for Congress. Gronstal was previously the DLCC Finance Chair.
"With Senator Fitz-Gerald as Chair and Senator Gronstal as Finance Chair, the DLCC also grew to over a ten million dollar committee this cycle, over a 50% increase from the 2004 cycle."
Could it be on the state level Gronstal has raised over $500,000 for his own committee?
"More than 75 percent of the money raised for his committee during that period, $426,250, was contributed to the Iowa Democratic Party."
Could it be that Gronstal is starting a 527 to avoid those FEC regs?
"Now Gronstal and his colleagues are going to create a 527 committee, named for its designation in the IRS tax code. A 527 is created primarily to influence elections through the use of "issue advocacy" ads that avoid regulation by the Federal Election Commission. These groups raise practically unlimited amounts of money from individuals and corporations. Since a 527 is not required to report its source of funds to the FEC, the industries and interests giving money to these groups are seldom disclosed."
Could it be he has not studied states or cities that have clean election laws?
"Under a Clean Elections system, candidates hoping to receive public financing must collect a certain number of small "qualifying contributions" (often as little as $5) from registered voters. In return, they are paid a flat sum by the government to run their campaign, and agree not to raise money from private sources. Clean Elections candidates who are outspent by privately-funded opponents may receive additional public matching funds."
In any case, the closing down of this legislation is a power play by a powerful politician. Do Iowans owe Mike Gronstal an apology for holding his feet to the fire-- NO!--We are simply living up to the state motto--"Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain." VOICE Activists--High Five.
Tuesday, April 17
VOICE of Reason
Yes, this is about clean, publicly funded elections. So what you say?--If you are a college student who has watched your tuitions go up year after year, thank a lobbyist for the student loan providers. If you are struggling to pay for medicine, thank a lobbyist for the pharmaceutical industry. If you are outraged at how someone can so easily get a gun and go on a killing spree, thank a gun industry lobbyist. Chances are your representative has been thanked by a lobbying group with a contribution to their campaign war chest. Does this mean your representative is in the pocket of these groups? I'm not the one who can answer that for you. Ask your representatives.
Clean election legislation does two very important things: 1) It takes influence away from the few and puts it back where it belongs, with "we, the people". 2) It encourages good people with good ideas to step into the political ring--money is the single largest obstacle for most people to enter politics.
From the folks at the Public Campaign Action:
Voter Owned Iowa is holding a rally tomorrow, Wednesday, at 12 p.m. at the Capitol in support of the Voter Owned Iowa Clean Elections (VOICE) Act that would bring full public financing to Iowa's legislative races. After the rally, we'll be lobbying individual members of the General Assembly on the VOICE Act.
The VOICE Act (introduced in both legislative chambers as House File 805 and Senate File 553) would allow candidates in Iowa to seek office without having to appeal to wealthy special interests for campaign contributions. Once elected, the legislators who ran using the VOICE system would be accountable only to the voters who elected them, not well-heeled contributors who would have otherwise funded their campaigns.
Wednesday, April 11
VOICE Your Concerns About Clean Elections and CAFOs
From once and, I hope, future gubernatorial candidate Ed Fallon
Dear Friends,
Lynn and I have spoken and written about VOICE (campaign finance reform) and CAFO (confined animal feeding operation) legislation extensively over the past three months. The response from you and many other concerned Iowans has been tremendous, and both HF 805 (VOICE) and HF 873 (CAFO restrictions) remain live rounds.But a few powerful leaders in the House and Senate continue to resist the will of the majority. We need, once again, to let all state representatives know how important it is to pass these bills. It’s not enough for lawmakers to say they will vote “yes” if the bills come up for debate. We need each and every representative who believes in these reforms to actively work for their passage, both in committee and on the floor.
With the legislative session in its last month, action is needed. Call, e-mail, write or visit with your state representative after the Easter break. Ask them to do everything in their power to assure that these two bills become law. Your response to our previous requests has helped ignite a grassroots lobbying effort that has continued to move these bills forward. It’s time for the final push, and I know we can count on you to be part of it.
Visit http://www.legis.state.ia.us/aspx/Legislators/LegislatorInfo.aspx for information on how to contact your state representative.If you have specific questions on either bill, please call or write us at either (515) 201-9405 or http://commcenter.mchsi.com/wmc/v/wm/461D0FFF000E036D00005A42219792474103010CD2079C080C03BF0E9901070B9DCC0A089B?cmd=ComposeTo&adr=imforiowa%40gmail%2Ecom&sid=c0. Thank you, and let’s work for victory this month on reforms that are long overdue.
Ed Fallon
Dear Friends,
Lynn and I have spoken and written about VOICE (campaign finance reform) and CAFO (confined animal feeding operation) legislation extensively over the past three months. The response from you and many other concerned Iowans has been tremendous, and both HF 805 (VOICE) and HF 873 (CAFO restrictions) remain live rounds.But a few powerful leaders in the House and Senate continue to resist the will of the majority. We need, once again, to let all state representatives know how important it is to pass these bills. It’s not enough for lawmakers to say they will vote “yes” if the bills come up for debate. We need each and every representative who believes in these reforms to actively work for their passage, both in committee and on the floor.
With the legislative session in its last month, action is needed. Call, e-mail, write or visit with your state representative after the Easter break. Ask them to do everything in their power to assure that these two bills become law. Your response to our previous requests has helped ignite a grassroots lobbying effort that has continued to move these bills forward. It’s time for the final push, and I know we can count on you to be part of it.
Visit http://www.legis.state.ia.us/aspx/Legislators/LegislatorInfo.aspx for information on how to contact your state representative.If you have specific questions on either bill, please call or write us at either (515) 201-9405 or http://commcenter.mchsi.com/wmc/v/wm/461D0FFF000E036D00005A42219792474103010CD2079C080C03BF0E9901070B9DCC0A089B?cmd=ComposeTo&adr=imforiowa%40gmail%2Ecom&sid=c0. Thank you, and let’s work for victory this month on reforms that are long overdue.
Ed Fallon
Friday, March 30
VOICE Your Opinion
From Johnson County Democracy For AmericaJedi writes:
HF 805 may not see a positive vote due to the cost associated with the bill. Discussion with couple legislators suggests that the price tag for the billis over double the original bill requirement at from10 million to $25 million.
If you want clean elections and VOICE to pass, you must tell the appropriations subcommittee to pass thebill Jo Oldson (D- 61- Des Moines)Jo.Oldson@legis.state.ia.us
Dave Jacoby (D- 30- Coralville) David.Jacoby@legis.state.ia.us
Rod Roberts (R- 51-Carroll) Rod.Roberts@legis.state.ia.us
If you want clean elections and VOICE to pass, you must tell the appropriations subcommittee to pass thebill Jo Oldson (D- 61- Des Moines)Jo.Oldson@legis.state.ia.us
Dave Jacoby (D- 30- Coralville) David.Jacoby@legis.state.ia.us
Rod Roberts (R- 51-Carroll) Rod.Roberts@legis.state.ia.us
Gark note: you might also copy
Speaker of the House Rep. Pat Murphy (D) House District 28 – Dubuque County
Home Telephone: (563) 582-5922
House Telephone: (515) 281-5566
House Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (D) House District 67 – Polk County Kevin.McCarthy@legis.state.ia.us
Home Telephone: (515) 953-5221
House Telephone: (515) 281-7497
Senate Majority LeaderSenator Mike Gronstal (D) Senate District 50 -- Pottawattamie michael.gronstal@legis.state.ia.us
Home Telephone: (712) 328-2808
Business Telephone: (515) 281-3901
Do We Have a VOICE Left?
Earlier this week, I called on Representative David Jacoby to let him know about my interest in Voter-Owned Iowa Clean Elections being funded and voted on. As has been widely reported, the hang up is attributed to the $10 million to fund the program. It has been very quiet since then.
Read what Chris Woods over at Political Forecast has this to say about the financing.
Read what Chris Woods over at Political Forecast has this to say about the financing.
Monday, March 26
Iowa Politicians--Don't take our VOICE
Voter Owned Clean Elections Act. This is essential to pave the way for publically funded elections, so that new voices have a fighting chance in politics.
A subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee is trying to kill a bill that would publically fund elections. Call Dave Jacoby and tell him you support HSB 105 as a means to allow more qualified people to run for public office--do it today!
Please call and urge Dave to support the VOICE bill
Rep. Dave Jacoby (D) House District 30 -- Johnson CountyDavid.Jacoby@legis.state.ia.us Home Telephone: 319-358-8538 House Switchboard: (515) 281-3221
Ask him. why are newspapers, broadcasters, and advertisers against it?
A subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee is trying to kill a bill that would publically fund elections. Call Dave Jacoby and tell him you support HSB 105 as a means to allow more qualified people to run for public office--do it today!
Please call and urge Dave to support the VOICE bill
Rep. Dave Jacoby (D) House District 30 -- Johnson CountyDavid.Jacoby@legis.state.ia.us Home Telephone: 319-358-8538 House Switchboard: (515) 281-3221
Ask him. why are newspapers, broadcasters, and advertisers against it?
Friday, February 23
Help Iowans Get a VOICE
From former Iowa Representative/Gubernatorial candidate and current John Edward supporter/consultant Ed Fallon's I'm for Iowa to subscribe, go here
VOTER-OWNED IOWA CLEAN ELECTIONS (VOICE)
It's exciting to see legislation making its way through the Iowa House. But lawmakers need to hear from us. I put together this Q & A piece that might prove helpful.
Q: What is VOICE, and how does it work?
A: VOICE is a campaign finance system that lets candidates run for office without relying on special-interest money. VOICE is voluntary, and it gives candidates a choice on how to finance their campaigns. If a candidate wants to run a conventional campaign, (s)he can still raise money from PACs, lobbyists and big donors. But in states like Maine and Arizona, more people are choosing to run using the clean elections system, and a majority of them are winning.Under the proposed Iowa law, participating candidates limit their fundraising to $5 donations from residents of their districts. If they're a House candidate, they need to raise 100 $5 donations. For Senate candidates, the requirement is 200 $5 donations. A candidate for governor must raise 2,500 $5 donations, with 20% coming from each congressional district. The bill applies to all statewide and legislative offices.When the candidate raises the required number of $5 donations, the money is deposited in the state's clean elections fund. The candidate then receives from that fund:
-- for a House candidate, $15,000 for the primary and $30,000 for the general;
-- for a Senate candidate, $22,000 for the primary and $40,000 for the general; and
-- for candidates for governor, $750,000 for the primary, $3 million for the general.
If a VOICE candidate has an opponent who raises money from conventional sources and who exceeds the initial amount of money allotted to the VOICE candidate, the VOICE candidate receives an additional dollar for dollar match. This allows the VOICE candidate to remain competitive. And because VOICE candidates no longer incur fundraising expenses, the money they receive from the clean elections fund tends to go a lot further.
Q: Is there a VOICE bill before the Iowa Legislature?
A: Yes. It's called HSB 105. The bill is in the House State Government Committee, and there is a companion bill in the Senate. To read the bill, visit http://www.legis.state.ia.us/ and type "HSB 105" in the upper right hand corner in the box marked "Quick Find: Bills and Iowa Code." This web page also allows you to find committee members and to obtain contact information for any representative or senator.
Q: How much will VOICE cost?
A: It depends on what elections the bill covers. If VOICE is available to just legislative candidates, the price tag will be around $3 million per election cycle. If it also covers all statewide elections, as in Arizona, it will cost around $10 million per election cycle.
Q: How will VOICE be financed?
A: This type of legislation is often referred to as "public financing," and to some people that implies raising taxes on the average person to pay for political campaigns. Under HSB 105, that's not the case. Most of the money would come from a sales tax on advertising – so corporations and others (like politicians!) who spend a lot on advertising would foot the bill. Additional revenue for the fund would come from the $5 qualifying contributions, an income tax check-off and other voluntary donations.
Q: How will VOICE improve the political process?
A: VOICE lets candidates focus on meeting voters as opposed to wining and dining lobbyists and big donors. By drastically reducing the role of money in politics, VOICE returns power to the people that government is supposed to represent. In Maine, State Senator Ed Youngblood, a retired bank executive, wanted to spend time with voters instead of raising money. "I wanted to be able to say 'I'm not accountable to anyone but you, the voter.'" He defeated a sixteen-year incumbent.
In fact, 83% of Maine legislators were elected using the clean elections system. In Arizona, nine of eleven statewide office holders were elected using that state's clean elections system, including two-term governor Janet Napolitano. Ultimately, if lawmakers no longer are beholden to big donors and special interests, they are more likely to focus on issues voters want to see addressed. For example, in recent years in both Maine and Arizona, significant health care initiatives were enacted, despite opposition from lobbyists in the medical, insurance and pharmaceutical industries.
Q: What effect would VOICE have on third-party candidates?
A: In Maine and Arizona, the clean elections law has had no noticeable impact on third party participation in elections. There are still some third-party candidates who run and qualify for clean elections funds, but with only a couple exceptions, the candidates who win are either Democrat or Republican.
Many prospective candidates don't run for office because they are intimidated by the huge amount of money they need to raise. Now that candidates in Maine and Arizona have a viable option to big-money campaigns, more people are willing to run, and this is healthy in a democracy. Yet the threshold for viability in a clean elections system (i.e., lots of small donations from residents of the district) is high enough to discourage truly fringe candidates, but not so onerous to discourage legitimate candidates of any political persuasion.
VOTER-OWNED IOWA CLEAN ELECTIONS (VOICE)
It's exciting to see legislation making its way through the Iowa House. But lawmakers need to hear from us. I put together this Q & A piece that might prove helpful.
Q: What is VOICE, and how does it work?
A: VOICE is a campaign finance system that lets candidates run for office without relying on special-interest money. VOICE is voluntary, and it gives candidates a choice on how to finance their campaigns. If a candidate wants to run a conventional campaign, (s)he can still raise money from PACs, lobbyists and big donors. But in states like Maine and Arizona, more people are choosing to run using the clean elections system, and a majority of them are winning.Under the proposed Iowa law, participating candidates limit their fundraising to $5 donations from residents of their districts. If they're a House candidate, they need to raise 100 $5 donations. For Senate candidates, the requirement is 200 $5 donations. A candidate for governor must raise 2,500 $5 donations, with 20% coming from each congressional district. The bill applies to all statewide and legislative offices.When the candidate raises the required number of $5 donations, the money is deposited in the state's clean elections fund. The candidate then receives from that fund:
-- for a House candidate, $15,000 for the primary and $30,000 for the general;
-- for a Senate candidate, $22,000 for the primary and $40,000 for the general; and
-- for candidates for governor, $750,000 for the primary, $3 million for the general.
If a VOICE candidate has an opponent who raises money from conventional sources and who exceeds the initial amount of money allotted to the VOICE candidate, the VOICE candidate receives an additional dollar for dollar match. This allows the VOICE candidate to remain competitive. And because VOICE candidates no longer incur fundraising expenses, the money they receive from the clean elections fund tends to go a lot further.
Q: Is there a VOICE bill before the Iowa Legislature?
A: Yes. It's called HSB 105. The bill is in the House State Government Committee, and there is a companion bill in the Senate. To read the bill, visit http://www.legis.state.ia.us/ and type "HSB 105" in the upper right hand corner in the box marked "Quick Find: Bills and Iowa Code." This web page also allows you to find committee members and to obtain contact information for any representative or senator.
Q: How much will VOICE cost?
A: It depends on what elections the bill covers. If VOICE is available to just legislative candidates, the price tag will be around $3 million per election cycle. If it also covers all statewide elections, as in Arizona, it will cost around $10 million per election cycle.
Q: How will VOICE be financed?
A: This type of legislation is often referred to as "public financing," and to some people that implies raising taxes on the average person to pay for political campaigns. Under HSB 105, that's not the case. Most of the money would come from a sales tax on advertising – so corporations and others (like politicians!) who spend a lot on advertising would foot the bill. Additional revenue for the fund would come from the $5 qualifying contributions, an income tax check-off and other voluntary donations.
Q: How will VOICE improve the political process?
A: VOICE lets candidates focus on meeting voters as opposed to wining and dining lobbyists and big donors. By drastically reducing the role of money in politics, VOICE returns power to the people that government is supposed to represent. In Maine, State Senator Ed Youngblood, a retired bank executive, wanted to spend time with voters instead of raising money. "I wanted to be able to say 'I'm not accountable to anyone but you, the voter.'" He defeated a sixteen-year incumbent.
In fact, 83% of Maine legislators were elected using the clean elections system. In Arizona, nine of eleven statewide office holders were elected using that state's clean elections system, including two-term governor Janet Napolitano. Ultimately, if lawmakers no longer are beholden to big donors and special interests, they are more likely to focus on issues voters want to see addressed. For example, in recent years in both Maine and Arizona, significant health care initiatives were enacted, despite opposition from lobbyists in the medical, insurance and pharmaceutical industries.
Q: What effect would VOICE have on third-party candidates?
A: In Maine and Arizona, the clean elections law has had no noticeable impact on third party participation in elections. There are still some third-party candidates who run and qualify for clean elections funds, but with only a couple exceptions, the candidates who win are either Democrat or Republican.
Many prospective candidates don't run for office because they are intimidated by the huge amount of money they need to raise. Now that candidates in Maine and Arizona have a viable option to big-money campaigns, more people are willing to run, and this is healthy in a democracy. Yet the threshold for viability in a clean elections system (i.e., lots of small donations from residents of the district) is high enough to discourage truly fringe candidates, but not so onerous to discourage legitimate candidates of any political persuasion.
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