Instead, they want to put a checkoff box on income tax forms so taxpayers can donate money for campaign financing. The Clean Elections law was approved overwhelmingly by voters statewide in 1998. It allows candidates for state office to receive public money for their campaigns if they adhere to spending and fund-raising limits.
Some lawmakers say there are better uses for public money.
My constituents want their neighborhood schools to stay open. They want the Hale Hospital to remain open. Clean Elections proponents say passing a checkoff amendment is tantamount to gutting the bill. It's clear there is an effort under way in the House to prevent the law from working by not funding it. Methuen resident Edmund N. Owen is not happy about that idea.