As an alternative to raising large
sums of campaign cash to
fund increasingly expensive campaigns, states can create a
publicly-funded
clean elections system for candidates who choose to forgo private
donations.
Strong arguments are available to progressives pursuing this
reform.
Publicly-funded elections free elected officials from the
constant need
to fundraise, and allow them to focus on public service, while
reducing the ability of private donors to buy influence with
officeholders. Public financing also encourages new people
without
independent wealth to pursue elected office, increases competition by
reducing
the disparity in spending between candidates, and reduces the cost of
campaigns
as candidates accept voluntary spending limits.
