“Money talks,” as the saying goes, except when the topic is a general election. That’s when money shouts.

Money buys Maine elections. Look no further for proof than Maine Citizens for Clean Elections spring pamphlet, (Vol.7, Issue 1) decrying that the number of so-called “clean candidates” will drop from 348 in 2004 to 228 this year. In other words, less tax money will be used to get Maine politicians elected. The referenced MCCE pamphlet contends that because less tax millions will be used, the Clean Election Act will be “weakened.”

Why is less taxpayer money in political elections a negative? Aren’t Maine citizens stronger financially when government’s hand is out of their pockets?

The handwriting is on Maine’s wall of future statewide elections; more taxpayer money is seemingly needed to make Maine’s Clean Election Act successful against out-of-state money.

As the Clean Elections pamphlet correctly predicts, our “2014 campaign spending could break records.” Twenty-six million dollars! Spending additional Clean Election millions would increase the ante. Clean election supporters claim outside money shouldn’t be allowed to “talk” so much in Maine elections. At the same time, they assert more taxpayers’ money allows “clean candidates” louder voices.

Too many of us are influenced by weekly polls about the money candidates race to raise. Big money buys name recognition. Elections become popularity contests. Issues, what the heck are those?

We put an end to millions spent in campaigns simply by realizing each of us can acquire “inner means of support” as voters. We invest time obtaining political savvy and spend it when voting.

Is your ballot for sale?

John BenoitManchester


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