Maurice Hinchey: “to my mind the real strength of this democracy lies in the fact that every citizen, regardless of their circumstances…”

“to my mind the real strength of this democracy lies in the fact that every citizen, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to participate fully in the electoral process, including the opportunity to run for office. And that includes, of course, the Congress of the United States. Unfortunately that principle works more in theory than it does in practice under the present set of circumstances. That is why campaign finance reform is so critically important and that is why this particular approach to reforming the way we finance our campaigns, that which is offered by the gentleman from Massachusetts, is so much to the point. Because it provides that opportunity for every citizen in a real sense. Under the provisions of this legislation, should it become law, people could run for the Congress regardless of how well or poorly connected they might be. Under the provisions of this bill, people do not have to have personal fortunes or be able to raise huge amounts of money in order to finance political campaigns. This legislation provides the financial wherewithal for even those of the most modest means who are capable and interested in participating in the public process to do so and to run for public office and to make a real, substantial contribution. It realizes fully and completely, more so perhaps than at any other time in our history the full potential of the democratic process, by making every citizen eligible.…”