Lynn N. Rivers: “there is a very interesting debate going on here, because the arguments are being put forward as if there is currently a…”

“there is a very interesting debate going on here, because the arguments are being put forward as if there is currently a provision within the system that allows for an offset of one individual, if a wealthy individual runs against them. The law is very clear right now that if someone chooses to fund their campaign on their own dollars, they are allowed to do that, and a candidate who is running against them can raise money through a variety of ways to do it. They are not limited in how much money they can raise. Nothing in Shays-Meehan limits the ability of people to raise money. So the argument that Shays-Meehan has to be amended to deal with a problem created by that proposal is ludicrous. It leaves the system exactly as it is now. Someone who is using their own money is free to use as much of that wealth as they would like to. Individuals who rely on contributions can raise as much as they wish, but this is not necessary.”