But that's exactly what funding campaigns through taxation would do. It would be more than absurd to compel participation in a political system that is theoretically based on freedom. Richman insists that putting a cap on campaign contributions is also a bad idea.
Limits also help keep incumbents in power.
Presidents and Congressmen have too much tax revenue to hand out, and too much power to wield. They sell to the highest bidders the promise of government grants and concessions. But donors can buy something only if someone else has something to sell. The results of influence can be obvious, such as a cash subsidy for research and development or a law or tax restricting a competitor. The results can also be subtle, such as a seat on the airplane that carries the secretary of commerce to a foreign capital to promote American business.