I would say I don't need your checkbook, I need your calendar. I need your time, says Edmonds. But not every candidate took the new public financing. Senator Michael McAlevey raised money through private donations. He says taxpayer money would be better spent elsewhere.
Public reaction is mixed though.
I don't think we should pay for them at all. If they want to be elected they should do it on their own, said one voter. Senator Lynn Bromley says publicly-funded elections changed the tone of political gatherings. Senator Bromley says the law has changed how and when she listens to lobbyists now. And sometimes I stop and say, tell me what you know about this bill.