Campaign finance reform

[damonlab]

My idea...

1) Limit contributions to eligible voters (no PAC, corporation, or party contributions).
2) Set a maximum contribution limit that each eligible voter can make. The limit should be low enough that the working class could be able to afford to contribute the maximum (something along the lines of $1,000 for presidential ticket, $500 for Senate or House ticket; States will be free to decide their own limits for governors and mayors and such).
3) Ban politicians from using personal funds to finance their campaigns.

[tke711]

The problem with #1 is that it theoretically give the "rich" more say since they can likely afford to donate. The poor or middle class likely don't have the maximum available to spare.

I'd like to see a fixed amount, given by our government to each eligible candidate, with nothing more being allowed to be spent.

[ravital]

My idea, simplicity itself: No limits whatsoever, compulsory full disclosure, before AND after the election.

Instead of trying to keep "big bad whatever" from contributing whatever they want to candidate x (and "big bad whatever" will always find ways around any law anyway), I'd rather everyone knew before the election which candidates got how much from "big bad whatever" and voted accordingly.

[eakes]

I agree with Rav. Allow contributions by any entity for any amount with a requirement for full disclosure as the contributions are made. The present law should amply demonstrate the folly of trying to limit contributions - in the area of campaign contributions there should be no limit on "free speech".