Clean Elections is a work in progress
December 6, 2004
Regarding "Reforming a reform" (Editorial, Thursday):
At the same time, The Republic reads too much and too little into the Clean Elections Act and the intention of the drafters.
There is no expectation by supporters that enforcers will dam up every avenue of special-interest money. The Clean Elections Act acknowledges that there will be independent expenditures and special-interest contributions to traditionally funded candidates with its provision of limited matching funds.
It is true that the intent of the Clean Elections system of campaign funding is to increase the number of candidates running for office. This is not its primary mission, though, as The Republic suggests. Its primary mission is broader: to increase citizen participation in government. More candidates, more citizens involved in campaigns, and more discussion of public policy issues.
Supporters of Clean Elections, like the League of Women Voters of Arizona, understand the act is a work in progress. We don't blindly defend the act but work to make adjustments that will better serve Clean Elections and traditionally funded candidates alike.
Gutting the act and removing the matching-funds provision solves nothing and does nothing to further the purpose of the act.
Gini McGirr, Tucson
The writer is president of the League of Women Voters of Arizona