“Today, big money interests decide who can run for office and what issues they can raise. Only full public financing can change that.” - Dolores Huerta, Co-Founder United Farm Workers, AFL-CIO
The Clean Money system of full public funding of election campaigns is a practical model which will break the stranglehold that Big Business has on elections and public policy. It is based on the very successful full public financing programs working today in Arizona and Maine, adjusted for California's unique electoral challenges.
In an arms race for campaign dollars – Labor loses
In 2004, Business outspent Labor by approximately 3 to 1 in contributions to California candidates.
Clean Money public funding of election campaigns frees up union dollars for organizing and other union activities
In Arizona, union money that formerly went to direct candidate contributions is now being spent on organizing efforts, GOTV, and other activities that directly benefit the union and its rank and file.
Under a Clean Money system, unions have more money for initiative campaigns.
Under Clean Money, the most valuable election currency is people, not cash
In 1998, the better-funded candidates won 79% of the Arizona elections. By 2002, with Clean Money in place, funding disparities were a factor in only 2% of races.
Candidates spend their time talking to voters, not dialing for dollars or selling tickets to $1,000 fund-raisers.
Union locals provide an attractive forum for Clean candidates because they can reach larger number of voters.
The connection between Cleanly-elected officials and their union supporters under Clean Money is stronger than under the current system
Clean money provides an incentive for more candidates to reach out to unions, learn about and respond to labor concerns.
No special interests come into play because a labor PAC check is interchangeable with a check from a Chamber of Commerce PAC or an industry contributor.
Helping candidates collect a significant portion of the $5 qualifying contributions from voters in the candidate’s district creates a strong, personal bond between the candidate and the union members.