In any campaign, particularly district election campaigns, when there is so much special interest money, it leaves independent candidates with a lesser chance of winning, especially if they have the grassroots support. Of course money plays a big role in this campaign and many of the campaigns I've run in the past, but I'm still very grateful for district elections. I came very close and I didn't spend nearly as much money as last time. There are several issues here. The most important thing is the will and the voice of the voter.
People express themselves in different ways.
Some people do volunteer work for their candidates and some people write a check, because they have money but no time. The issue is not so much about money but about how the candidate garners support. In the November election it showed that in many districts voters saw through the soft money and outside interests that were trying to manipulate the vote. I think they were both inappropriate ways to do planning. A lot of people are mad and they want district elections because they don't feel the Board of Supervisors or City Hall is allowing them any kind of input.