In January a federal court judge threw out Proposition 208's limits on contributions to politicians. Although Proposition 208's contribution limits were destroyed by Proposition 34, we continue to fight for Proposition 208's disclosure provisions in the courts. Fighting in the legislature and at the local level. Public financing the best answer . Common Cause believes that it is time to take the next step in campaign reform by enacting public financing.
Public financing is the best way to reduce the corrupting influence of private money in politics.
Public financing has been a means long accepted by the courts to place limits on contribution amounts and total spending. Public financing can also help reduce the unfair advantage of wealthy candidates by providing qualified candidates, who are not personally wealthy, with the financial resources they need to be competitive candidates. The explosion of independent expenditure ads has greatly reduced accountability in political campaigns. In addition, ballot measure ads often are deliberately designed to confuse voters. Without knowledge of who is paying for these ads, it is difficult for voters to be able to make truly informed decisions.