Campaign Finance Reform

We have received some questions regarding our ideas for campaign finance reform. Since we have not yet posted our beliefs on the subject (wow, there actually is a subject we haven’t commented on) we have decided to explain our position here.

The Texian Party Campaign Finance reform plan has four parts.

First, we would eliminate all limitations on political contributions. We believe the government has no right to limit contributions. Such limitations fly in the face of American freedoms. The government has no right to limit how much money a free citizen can spend on a legal activity.

Second, we believe that the limitations in place now encourage under-the-table, shady dealings. Therefore, we would require candidates to disclose who is contributing to their campaign and how much money each donor gave. We want everything out in the open and let democracy decide.

Third, we would eliminate public financing of campaigns. Article I, section 8 of the Constitution is very specific regarding the powers of congress. Funding campaigns is not listed as one of congress’ powers. Public financing is also unfair to minor parties since the lion’s share of tax dollars goes to major party candidates.

Fourth, we believe that the government should not require that television and radio stations offer free airtime to candidates. TV and radio stations are private businesses and should not be forced to make contributions to political candidates. It is true that they rely on public airwaves to conduct business, but every other business in America relies on some form of public infrastructure. Why must these particular businesses be singled out? Why not force Dominoes to make free pizza deliveries to a candidate’s campaign headquarters?

We, as a free people, decide how to run our government through the election process. Any attempt at campaign finance reform through limitations on contributions, public financing, or burdens placed on private businesses gives government far too much power over the election process. Meaning the government now controls the method we use to control the government. This is very dangerous.

–J.E. Heath per-fidem.org

Texian Weblog © Copyright 2006, Jason E. Heath