as we head toward the House and Senate conference on campaign finance reform, let us remember it is supposed to be for the American people. The American people do not want more of the same with PAC's, and they certainly do not want taxpayer support of campaigns. What do the American people want? In today's Washington Post, on the Federal Page with the headline, ``Americans Want A Direct Say In Political Decision-Making,'' ``The poll, the latest in a series of surveys done by the Americans Talk Issues Foundation, attempted to fuse campaign-style polling with academic research to draw a deeper portrait of public attitudes about government reform. The intent, the foundation's pollsters say, is to find true consensus on public-policy issues. ```You come of these surveys with a real sense of the wisdom of people,' said Democratic pollster Celinda Lake. For instance, after hearing the pros and cons, 70 percent favor requiring congressional candidates to raise at least half of their campaign funds from individual voters in their district.'' This position was offered by Republicans, but rejected by Democrats, who want no change in PAC's. Mr. Speaker, If you want to limit PAC's, dump Democrats. If you want a majority of the candidate's money to come from people in the district, if you want local control of campaign finance, vote for Republicans.
Editor's note · Context
Discussing campaign finance reform and public opinion on political decision-making.
Share
More from William M. Thomas
The question is: Do you believe that this key element, this non-elected board with vast powers----
I want to particularly complement the Chairman for the inclusion in this bill of three key and much needed reforms of the Federal Election Commission.
I think the usual argument is that, after all, it is a continuation of our current system. I think, as the President said, "That is where most people get their health care now." However, the points the gentlewoman has just made, I think…
this is both a substantive discussion and perhaps an illustrative and graphic one of the process that we are operating under. The substance is there is an exciting new technology by which we will be able to recharge satellites' batteries…





