Assistant Senate Majority Leader Senator Dick Durbin, D-IL, has introduced the Fair Elections Now Act, S 1285; it is the first time public financing of congressional campaigns has received such high-level support. Rep. John Tierney, D-MA, has introduced similar legislation in the House that will cover House races.
The Fair Elections Now Act will restore public confidence in the election process by allowing qualified candidates to receive campaign funds from the Senate Fair Elections Fund instead of asking for money from private or special interests. In return, participating candidates would voluntarily agree to limit their campaign spending to the amount allocated to them.
This voluntary alternative to privately financed campaigns will free candidates from the all-consuming money chase. Candidates could instead devote their time and energy to talking with their district's constituents about the issues that are important to them.
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