Clean Money, Clean Elections Act

A bill whose time is way overdue is the Clean Money, Clean Elections Act (HR 3099) introduced in Congress last year by Rep. John Tierney (D-MA) with 40 co-sponsors (39 Democrats and one Independent).

This bill seeks to set up a voluntary system offering candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives the option of public campaign financing and lowered rates on television and radio ads. The candidates who participate agree to limit their campaign financing and spending.

If a candidate has an opponent who does not participate in the voluntary limits and spends more than the basic public-financing grant, participating candidates will receive a dollar-for-dollar match, up to a specific limit.

Proponents of the measure say it will lift the burden of continuous fundraising, allow candidates to run regardless of economic status or access to big money contributors, and level the playing field with special interest groups.

The bill was originally introduced in 2005 but died in the Republican-controlled house.